FighterControl

My Grandfather was born in 1895 after after he left school he became a railway engine driver. At some point during the First World War he went across the Channel to drive some of the little trains that supplied munitions etc. to the front. During some of the quiet times he managed to take some pictures of the engines and activities at the camp. I am not sure exactly where he was based but I think it was somewhere in Belgium. If anyone thinks they know where the pictures were taken, then please add to the post. After the war he resumed his career with British Railways up to his retirement around 1960. I have added 2 special letters he received in 1952 which he left me along with his 40 year service gold watch.
I hope these pictures are of some interest.

First World War little engine by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War little engine No.734 by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War supply depot by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War little engine No.2710 by Michael Skinner, on Flickr


First World War supply troops by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War little engine No.1025 by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War leisure boxing time! by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War supply troops and engine by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War little engine taking on water by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War local ladies filling sand bags by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War possibly Belgium by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

First World War possibly Belgium by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

Railway letter August 1952 by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

Railway letter September 1952 by Michael Skinner, on Flickr

Great pictures and history. There is the steam railway in the Somme that still carries tourists, no idea if any way connected, but maybe of some interest.

What a wonderful historic set of images and the 1952 incident too. With the aid of Google Lens, the second from last WW1 photo is Lille Opera or Theatre.

Thanks for sharing these, very interesting to see these. Regarding the loco in Photo No.2, there is something similar based at the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway, I think it's currently operational too. One of my ancestors was involved in the construction of railways in South America in the 1890s and 1900s, at the outbreak of World War One, he joined up and served with the Railway Operating Division overseas, but was killed in action at Salonika.

Amp wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 23, 2025 1:16 pm

Great pictures and history. There is the steam railway in the Somme that still carries tourists, no idea if any way connected, but maybe of some interest.

The P'tit Train de Somme can trace its roots back to WW1.

An excellent post. Thanks for sharing.