14th April 2026 “The Soham Disaster” by Richard Munns
On Tuesday April 14th 2026 we were delighted to welcome March-based historian Richard Munns to the Branch, for his talk on the Soham disaster.
Richard recounted the facts of the event, beginning with the details of the train working (from Immingham Docks to White Colne, carrying a consignment of 250 lb and 500 lb aircraft bombs with their components for the US Air Force) and that the train had been recessed in March Up Yard, as opposed to Whitemoor Yard, due to its hazardous cargo. The train departed March Up Yard at 12.15 am on Friday June 2nd 1944 as the 11.40 pm (Thursday) Whitemoor to Ipswich, hauled by North British-built WD2-8-0 No. 7337 and comprised 51 open wagons plus brake van. Of the 51 wagons, 44 were loaded with 250 lb and 500 lb bombs, 6 were loaded with detonators and one wagon was empty.
On approaching Soham, Driver Ben Gimbert noticed that the first wagon was on fire and drew the train to a halt approximately 90 yards short of the platform ramps. He then instructed his fireman, Jim Nightall, to uncouple the first wagon from the rest of the train so that it could be drawn forward to safety in open country beyond the station. Fireman Nightall did just this and rejoined the locomotive, but unfortunately as the WD and its single wagon passed through Soham station, at approximately 1.43am, the wagon and its contents of 10 tons of high explosives exploded. Fireman Nightall was killed instantly and Soham signalman, Mr Frank Bridges died later in the day. Driver Ben Gimbert was severely injured and the guard, Mr Herbert Clark, and several others, suffered from shock. Considerable damage was done to the station and surrounding property, including a crater approximately 66 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep.
Without any doubt, had the burning wagon not been separated from the rest of the train, the outcome would have been catastrophic for the entire village of Soham and the bravery of Ben Gimbert and Jim Nightall saved many lives. Both were awarded the George Cross for their bravery, with Driver Gimbert receiving his at Buckingham Palace on October 10th 1944 and Frieman Nightall’s being awarded posthumously. Remarkably, only 18 hours after the incident, the line was reopened to traffic. Driver Gimbert returned to work on the railway but was not given main line duties. He saw out the remainer of his railway career on pilot locomotives, hump shunting in Whitemoor Yard.
After recounting the events of the night, Richard described some of the lesser-known details including the establishment of a Tribute and Relief Fund to help railway families and villagers affected by the incident. In all, 67 claimants were helped.
In recognition, 47577 and 47579 were respectively named “Benjamin Gimbert G.C.” and “James Nightall G.C.” in a ceremony at March station on 28th September 1981. In 1998 EWS presented the nameplates of 47577 to March Museum and in 2004, to mark the 60th anniversary, 66077 and 66079 were similarly named. In 2012 the museum received a builder’s plate from 7337 and in 2014 the collection was completed with the acquisition of a nameplate from 47579.
Richard closed his talk by briefly summarising the findings of the official inquiry, which did not identify the cause of the fire.
All present showed their appreciation to Richard for a fascinating, well-researched and well-illustrated presentation of the events at Soham, and the bravery and professionalism of the crew that undoubtedly saved many lives.
Following Richard’s talk, Branch Member Keith Crossley gave a show of photographs taken from some of his travels around the country, including the Scottish Railway Preservation Society at Bo’ness, Barrow Hill, Quainton Road, the Nene Valley and Snibston Colliery & Coalville.