20 February 2025 The effect of World War 2 on Britain’s Railways

Presenter Richard Marks:

We were treated to an absolutely fascinating talk by Richard Marks on the effect of World War 2 on Britain’s railways. This attracted an audience of 50, the most we have had for several years. As a person with an interest in WW2 as well as railways this was the most interesting talk l have attended on this subject.

Most of us will be familiar with the many photos in railway publications of derailed stock, demolished buildings and torn up track. Richard’s talk concentrated on a different and very interesting approach, explaining how the railways coped with the demands of war and the additional strains placed on them, especially considering that thanks to the depression in the 1920’s &1930’s there had never been enough investment to fully recover from World War 1.

It was explained how there were additional pressures from military traffic,, and general traffic which would normally go by sea, which could no longer do so due to the risk of enemy action on the channel & East coast ports & shipping. Another aspect which is generally overlooked, of which l was largely unaware ,is that due to the piecemeal development of our system it was often possible to reroute trains fairly easily around war damaged sections compared with the apparently more logical continental system.

lt was also explained how important the railway works were to the war effort, due to their ability to make almost anything from raw materials and then transport it to wherever needed. All this with a depleted workforce due to those who had volunteered for the armed forces!

A splendid afternoon.