(photographs - in strips of four)

"We regret to make the following announcements:-

Mr. Robert BRYSON, mason inspector, Shettleston Workshops, died very suddenly at Corby on March 20. The sad news came as a shock to all who knew him. Mr. BRYSON, who was 63 years of age, joined the service in 1901, having been inspector for 15 years.

The death occurred on April 11 of Signalman H. SHAW, of Scopwick. He started in the Engineer's Department, and was later transferred to the Traffic Department as signalman at Stow Park, in 1902, moving to similar appointment at Scopwick in 1905. Aged 63, he had been off duty since October, 1938, owing to ill health.

Mr. A. BEGLEY, Norwich, who died on February 22, aged 72, entered the service in 1884, became a driver in 1906, and retired in 1932. He took a keen interest in welfare matters, and was one of the pioneers of the Thorpe Hamlet Hospital Contributory Scheme, being made hon. Secretary in 1921. He was appointed a life governor of the Norfolk and Norwich and Jenny Lind Hospitals in 1922.

Driver W. JAY, Norwich, who died suddenly on February 24, began as a cleaner in 1897, and was made a driver in 1919. He was a keen social worker.

Traffic Regulator W. GRAHAM, Newcastle, died on February 26. He started on August 12, 1893, as a learner signal lad at Newcastle. He was appointed signalman at Argyle Street on September 17, 1898, and after experience at various signal boxed in the Newcastle District was appointed bridgeman at Newcastle No. 1 on June 19, 1915. He was transferred to the relief staff four years later, and in 1933 he was appointed Traffic Regulator at Newcastle, where he remained until his death. He was well respected by his colleagues.

Mr. J.E. SMITH, late of the Chief Legal Adviser's Department, whose death took place on April 9, at the age of 69 years, entered the Great Central service in 1902, was admitted a solicitor in 1910, and held the position of Assistant Solicitor (Conveyancing) from 1929 to the date of his retirement early in 1935.

Mr. John Charles ALLEN, Chief Inspector, of the Locomotive Running Superintendent's Office, York, died suddenly on March 24, at the age of 60. After 30 years in the footplate grades, he was appointed Locomotive Inspector on January 1, 1924. He was very well known throughout the length and breadth of the L.N.E.R. system, and in the course of his duties travelled over every branch of the North Eastern Area over which passenger trains are run.

Train Ticket Collector J.J. NIXON, of Newcastle, died on February 10. He started on July 14, 1902, as a signal lad at Alnwick, and after experience at Wetheral, Newburn Carlisle, Fencehouses and Gateshead, was appointed goods guard at Percy Main on December 2, 1912. He was promoted to station foreman at Bedlington in December, 1917, and two years later moved to North Shields in a similar capacity. In February, 1935, for health reasons, he had to take a ticket collector's post at Newcastle, where he remained until the date of his death.

Yard Foreman John RICHARDSON, Newark, died on February 24, at the age of 57. He had been in the service 33 years, all of which was spent at Little Bytham and Newark.

Mr. W.R. REEVE died on March 11 as a result of a shunting accident in Angel Road Yard. He entered the service on March 10, 1904, at Angel Road, under his father, who was stationmaster there at the time. After filling clerical positions at Ponders End and Enfield Lock, Mr. REEVE returned to Angel Road Goods 20 years ago. Up to the time of his death Mr. REEVE was a local group secretary for the Hospital Savings Association, and was recently awarded the Association's certificate for 10 years' honorary work. Mr. REEVE's tragic death came as a great shock to his colleagues and friends, by whom he was held in the highest respect. He was 49 years of age.

Mr. W.W. KNIGHT, Controller, Manchester D.S.O., who died on March 22, aged 60, began as a porter at Levenshulme IN 1899, and was subsequently employed at various stations in the Manchester district as shunter, goods guard, foreman shunter and inspector. In 1924 he was promoted to controller. He was well known and widely respected.

Mr. H.H. DYE, tracer, King's Cross Goods, who died on March 22, entered the service in June, 1900, and joined the St. John Ambulance Brigade on March 8, 1904, as a Private of No.13 (King's Cross, G.N.R.) Division, passing through the ranks of Corporal (1907), Sergeant (1913), Staff Sergeant (1921), to Ambulance Officer in 1922. On March 1, 1930, he transferred to No.107 (York Road, L.N.E.R.) Division as Officer-in-Charge, and was promoted to Divisional Superintendent on October 30, 1930. For his services to the St. John Ambulance Association and St. John Ambulance Brigade, Superintendent DYE was admitted as a Serving Brother of the Order of St. John in 1931. He was awarded the Service Medal for 15 years' efficient service in the Brigade in 1919, subsequently receiving three bars for an additional 15 years' efficient service. At the date of his death he had just completed 35 years in the S.J.A.B. Superintendent DYE also held the Gold Medal and four bars for 35 years' ambulance service on the L.N.E.R. Since 1920 he acted as Hon. Class Secretary and Instructor to First-Aid Classes held at Finsbury Park in connection with the L.N.E.R., from which classes many men joined the Brigade, and for several years he trained teams competing at various railway and brigade competitions. From 1914 to 1919, Superintendent DYE served in the R.A.M.C., being discharged at the end of the war with the rank of Warrant Officer.

Signalman F. WOLFE, Horton Junction Box, died on March 9. Mr. WOLFE joined the service of the G.N.R. in May, 1899 as lad porter, and after passing through Retford Rooms, served as signalman at Ilkeston, Barkstone, Gildersome, Ashlockton (sp.Aslockton), Holme, Derby, Newstead, Gedling, Doncaster Yard and Horton Park, to which Box he went in January, 1917.

The deaths of two well-known railwaymen who were employed at the Engineer's workshops at Ladybank occurred recently - Mr. Angus MCLEOD, retired watchman, and Mr. William BELL, of the Bridge Department. Mr. MCLEOD had a varied career, and, before joining the Company's service over 30 years ago, was employed as a coachman on Ramornie Estate, Royal Hotel, Ladybank, and elsewhere. He served in the army during the Great War and was a member of the British Legion. He was a well-known poultry breeder and dog fancier. Mr. BELL, who was the second son of the late Bridge Inspector Graham BELL, was in the Company's service for over 30 years, and gave up work owing to the ill-health two years ago. In his younger days he was a prominent footballer and was an active freemason, having at one time been secretary of the King Robert de Bruce Lodge.

Goods Guard G. THOMPSON, Forth, died on March 17. He started on May 15, 1905, as a passenger porter at South Hetton. On October 1, 1906, he was transferred to Gateshead, and in April, 1918, he was appointed as a goods guard at Newcastle Forth, where he remained until his death. He was well respected by his colleagues.

The death occurred on March 27 of Mr. J.W. HINCH. A note of his retirement from the position of Yard Inspector at Leeds, Wellington Street, on December 27 last, was recorded in our February, 1939, issue.

Mr. G.E. BRUCE, stationmaster, Horsforth and Headingly, died on February 23 after a short illness. Mr. BRUCE entered the service as a learner clerk at Harrogate on May 28, 1901, and later acted as clerk at Headingly, Horsforth, Ripley Valley, Scarborough, Weeton and Harrogate booking offices. He was appointed relief stationmaster in the Darlington district on November 11, 1916, and as stationmaster at Tanfield on February 16, 1921, and later in a similar capacity at Askrigg, Etherby and Wear Valley Junction, moving to Horsforth and Headingly on September 29, 1934.

Goods Guard J. DODD, of Heaton Junction, died on February 14. He started on February 27, 1903, as a porter guard at Pelaw, and after experience at Gateshead and Forth, was appointed goods guard at Heaton Junction on January 10, 1920, where he remained until his death. He was well respected by his colleagues.

The death occurred suddenly on April 5 of Mr. James FORSYTH, foreman wayman, Aberlour, who was visiting friends in Edinburgh at the time. Of a cheery disposition, he was greatly esteemed not only in railway circles but amongst a large number of friends, being in active member of the committee in connection with Aberlour Horticultural Association.

A familiar figure has been lost to Inverurie by the death on March 14 of Mr. James W. SMITH, who was 71 years of age and belonged to the Keith Hall district. He joined the old Great North of Scotland Railway at the Inverurie workshops after having previously been employed as a tailor in Inverurie, and retired 6 years ago, after 30 years' service with the Company.

The death occurred at Peterhead on March 28 of Mr. George SMITH, engine driver, at the age of 48. He had been in the Company's service for over 30 years, having been appointed a driver shortly after the end of the war, and for the past 20 years he had driven trains between Peterhead and Aberdeen. He was a prominent member of the Peterhead Bowling Club.

Mr. William LOCK, of the Locomotive Accountant's Office, Cowlairs, died on February 14, after a short illness. Mr. LOCK joined the staff of the Locomotive Running Superintendent of the old North British Railway in 1894. Following the reorganisation of the Locomotive Department in 1913 he was transferred to the Mileage Department at the Locomotive Accountant's Office and in 1918 was promoted Chief Clerk to the Coal and Fuel Section. Of a quiet and unassuming disposition Mr. LOCK will long be remembered at Cowlairs not only as a colleague but as a friend.

The many friends of Mr. B.H. CARR will learn with regret that he died on February 24, a few days after his 63^rd birthday. Entering the service of the old G.N.R., in April, 1891, Mr. CARR has been identified with the Goods Manager's Office during the whole of his career. For many years past he has held one of the principal positions in the Staff Section at Liverpool Street and was well known and respected by the wide circle with whom his duties brought him in contact.

Mr. Ralph MALCOLM, passed fireman, Thornton Junction, died on January 23 after a long illness, at the early age of 34. He was popular with his workmates by reason of his cheery disposition, and his untimely passing is deeply regretted.

Mr. Henry THOMSON, labourer in the Machine Shop at Inverurie, died on February 16. Mr. THOMSON, who was 61 years of age, joined the railway company's service as a labourer in 1919. Five years later he was promoted to be metal machinist, but owing to declining health had to revert to lighter work in 1938.

Mr. H.W. GRANT, chief booking clerk, Sheffield Victoria, died on March 7 after a brief illness. Prior to coming to Sheffield three years ago, Mr. GRANT saw service at Liverpool Street Booking Office and at other stations in the London Suburban District.

Mr. W.T. THRESH, General Secretary of the U.K. Railways' Temperance Union and Hon. Secretary of the L.N.E.R. Temperance Union, who died at Redcar on February 27, aged 72 years, entered the Great Northern Railway service at Wakefield in 1879, was transferred to King's Cross Goods in 1890, and retired in 1930. His association with the Temperance Union extended to over 50 years, and his intensive labours in the furtherance of the cause earned for him widespread respect among all ranks of the railway industry.

Mr. W. ANDERSON, retired signalman, died recently at Macduff at the age of 74. He had over 45 years' service with the old North British Railway and L.N.E. at Rosehall South, Summerlee East, Langloan Junction, Whifflet North and latterly at Parkhead Junction. For many years he was on the relief staff.

Mr. George KAY, engine driver, Fort William locomotive depot, died with tragic suddenness on January 22, at the age of 54. Driver KAY served the company for 38 years. He was a driver for 28 years, and most of this time was spent on the West Highland line between Fort William and Glasgow. Driver KAY was of a cheery disposition and was held in high respect by his fellow workmen.

Mr. W.H. WOODLAND, goods clerk, Ponders End, who died on February 15, aged 47 years, started at Lower Edmonton in 1906 and later served at West Green and Enfield Town before his transfer to Ponders End in 1919. He possessed many fine qualities.

A well known and respected figure, Mr. John T. BROWSE, who retired from Silvertown Goods on March 31, 1933, after nearly 47 years' railway service, died at Sydenham on February 19, at the age of 68. He started work at the age of 15 at Blackwall as a porter, later being transferred to Silvertown Goods, where he rose to the rank of supervisory foreman. His frequent visits to Silvertown will be missed by his old colleagues.

A well known official in Aberdeen, Mr. George CLARK late stationmaster, Banchory, died on March 11, aged 66. He entered the service of the old Great North of Scotland Railway Company in 1887, and after employment as a clerk at various stations, he was appointed relief stationmaster in 1897 and stationmaster in 1912. He was stationmaster at Banchory in 1931 and 1932.

Mr. G. MILSOM, late colliery agent, Harrogate, died on March 6, at the age of 87. He started his railway career in 1865 at Brough, and was later transferred to Castleford, Normanton, and then to Hull Goods. At 21 he was appointed chief clerk, Scarborough Goods, which position he occupied for 20 years. In 1894 he was promoted to stationmaster, Starbeck, and when a goods station and coal depot was opened at Harrogate, he was placed in charge. He retired from the goods agency in 1912 and carried on as colliery agent until 1919. He resigned after 55 years' service with the Company. He played bowls at the Low Harrogate Bowling Club up to the end of last season. He was a former president and hon. Secretary of that club and a member of the Harrogate Cricket Club and Literary Society.

Mr. John G. CURLE, who retired on September 30, 1933, died recently at the age of 66. Mr. CURLE, at the time of his retirement, was head of the Claims Section in the District Goods and Passenger Manager's Office, Edinburgh, in which office he had served the company for a period of 37 years.

BELL, J.J…………………….Yd. Inspector……….Haverton Hill…………31.1.39

JACKSON, R………………..Driver………………South Blyth…………...7.2.39

ROBINSON, J……………….Driver………………Starbeck…………….22.12.38

VICKERS, H.G………………Lad Porter………….Stockton…………….21.8.38

MASON, R…………………..Repairer……………Shildon……………….4.3.39

BRYAN, W………………….Carpenter…………..York………………..10.2.39

SHEPHERD, W.R……………Labourer…………..York………………….4.3.39

SMITH, W…………………..Timekeeper…………Hartlepool…………...10.3.39

CLARKE, N.P……………….Porter………………Darlington…………….6.3.39

THOMPSON, G……………..Goods Guard……….Newcastle…………..17.3.39

CRANE, J.H…………………Carpenter…………..Hull…………………..9.3.39

ROBERTSON, R.L…………Cab. Maker………..York…………………19.3.39

BAINBRIDGE, A……………Foreman……………Marishes Road………28.1.39

PEGG, F…………………….Ch. Examiner………..Gateshead…………..18.3.39

BRADLEY, A……………….Joiner……………….Gateshead……………8.3.39

BEAUMONT, G.R…………..Loader……………..Darlington……………20.2.39

PAVER, E……………………Fitter……………….Hull…………………27.3.39

HODGSON, W……………..Yard Inspector………Heaton Jct………….25.1.39

FORD, W……………………Driver………………Tweedmouth………..26.3.39

MALLEN, A.R………………Checker…………….Newcastle………….31.3.39

*WHITE, W…………………Underman…………..Otterington…………26.1.39

*EDMONDSON, T…………Inspector……………Sunderland………….23.3.39

*THOMPSON, J……………Warehouseman………Gateshead………….5.3.39

*BRECKON, J.W…………..Loader………………Hull West………….22.3.39

*LARMAN, J………………..Labourer……………Gateshead…………..3.3.39

*HARRIS, J.S……………….Joiner……………….Gateshead………….31.3.39

*CALVERT, G………………Platelayer…………..Harrogate…………..22.3.39

*CLARK, J.F………………..Painter………………Darlington………….26.2.39

*BOSOMWORTH, G.P…….Patternmaker………..Gateshead…………30.1.39

*HUDSON, J……………….Inspector……………York………………1.3.39

*LICKLEY, C.N……………Vanman……………..Sunderland………….6.3.39

*KILLINGBECK, G………..Boilersmith…………..Gateshead…………2.3.39

*BEVERLEY, H.F…………..Plater's Asst…………Gateshead…………18.3.39

*WETHERILL, J…………….Signalman……………Pickering…………..14.2.39

*FOUNTAIN, C.W…………Chargeman………….York………………. 8.3.39

*SELLARS, J………………..Guard……………….Hull………………..18.2.39

*BEE, A……………………..Engineman…………..Darlington…………..21.2.39

*CUTHBERTSON, W………Goods Porter……….York……………….15.3.39

*BELL, E…………………….Holder-up…………..Darlington………….27.2.39

*BARKER, W……………….Porter………………Stokesley…………..26.2.39

*SUMMERS, J………………Fitter……………….Darlington……………8.3.39

*JOHNSON, T……………...Fitter……………….York………………..17.3.39

*POTTER, G.R……………...Porter……………….Driffield……………..7.3.39

*CROSS, H…………………Signalman……………Dairycoates…………6.2.39

*KEATES, S………………..Underman……………Marishes Road……..1.3.39

WAIN, A.E………………….Clerk, Goods……….York……………….19.3.39

THIRKILL, J………………..Clerk, Cashiers………York………………18.3.39

DOUGLAS, J.A…………….Asst. Dist. Engr………Grimsby Dock…….17.3.39

ROBINSON, W.E…………..Foreman, Supt's……..Darlington…………30.3.39

LEE, W……………………..Clerk, Supt's…………Tyne Dock…………2.2.39

TAYLOR, John……………...Late Guard…………..Kirkby Stephen……2.2.39

* Retired

PETRIE, David……………..Townsman, D.G. & P.M.O…Dundee………10.3.39

WILSON, John…………….Outdoor Assistant…………..Stobcross…….10.3.39

WILSON, James…………..Yardmaster………………….Kipps………..11.3.39

CLARK, Jas. M……………Goods Clerk………………..Stobcross……14.3.39

GUTHRIE, Robert H……….Foreman Fitter……………..Cowlairs………21.3.39

COLVILLE, Thos. L……….Clerk, D.G. & P.M.O………Dundee……….22.3.39

LEITCH, Francis……………Stationmaster………………Montrave………7.4.39

PENNAN, Robert…………..Engine Driver………………Carlisle……….11.3.39

STEWART, Robert………….Engine Driver……………...Kipps…………11.3.39

GRAHAM, Henry…………...Signalman…………………Longtown…….14.3.39

MCALPINE, James…………Engine Driver……………...Balloch………..39.3.39 (actual entry!)

MATHEWSON, Alexander…Porter (Grade 2)…………..Springfield…….31.3.39

LUMSDEN, Alexander……..Engine Driver………………Methil………….7.4.39

GRAHAM, Wm……………..Engine Driver……………..Dundee………..12.4.39

CUNNINGHAM, Wm…….Yard Inspector……………..Grahamston……13.4.33 (actual entry!)

Train Line © Andy Kay 1999

Page Design © Sue Kay 1999