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War on the Line
PeterD-2009
Registered Users Posts: 618 Major grins
I visited the Mid Hants Railway on Saturday because the weather forecast was better for that day than the Sunday. The event over the weekend of 11/12 June was to commemorate the struggles during WW2 and life on the Home Front, as life in the UK at that time was called. Different themes were put on at each of the stations on the line and an intensive 3 train service was run.
The Locomotives in action
Southern Railway 850, Lord Nelson. Seen here in the down platform at Ropley, awaiting the road to Alresford.
LMS Black 5 45379. Seen at Ropley awaiting a light engine movement to Alresford to form a train. The crew told me that they were the standby engine but were pressed into service to form an additional train.
Southern Railway U Class 31806. Seen here at Ropley entering the up platform with a train from Alresford. This locomotive was released back into traffic this year, following an overhaul.
Ropley displays
These were based on the themes of bomb disposal, RAF field aircraft plotting, communications and military encampment under canvas.
Following a bombing raid, the WVS (now WVRS) arrived with refreshments to support people affected by the bombing and those searching in and clearing the rubble.
The fire engine here is typical of the type used to fight fires following a raid. The military vehicle in front is an early communications truck.
This was the RAF tracking demonstration with a plotting table and military communications which fed information to the plotters and back to headquarters.
Railways were very important as transport links and the stations had military presence at all times to ensure security.
And finally, a train image at this station.
Fireman preparing the fire for the assault on Medstead Bank. Southern Railway Class U loco.
Medstead an Four Marks Displays
These were based on culture and the Home Guard.
A family demonstrated a typical washday of the period. This display was on the up platform.
With food being in short supply due to the shortage of imported goods, the cry went out to 'Dig for Victory'. People turned large areas of land over to the production of food. This couple travelled from Dorset with all the display items in a camper vehicle to highlight this important wartime campagn.
Bartering for second hand clothes and goods was another common activity in these times of shortage.
Many vehicles were on display in the station car park and these are a sample.
The proud owner had a war-time gramaphone on the bonnet of his car, playing war time music.
The Home Guard units were formed to provide security and defend local areas. This is one of their vehicles.
Note the blackout covers on the headlights and the white painted mudguards on the car. It must have been dreadful to drive at night and difficult for the pedestrians too.
The NAAFI wagon was also in the car park providing welcome refreshments for current and retired Servicemen/women and also for the re-enactors. I enjoyed my first NAAFI tea for many years.
Back to the station.
Home Guard personnel chatting on the down platform.
The train from Alton arrives hauled by the Black 5 whilst the Alton bound service with Lord Nelson at its head waits in the up platform road.
Alton
The theme here was similar to that at Medstead and Four Marks.
A temporary ticket office was set up on the platform and this lady was issueing tickets.
A couple waiting for their train.
Alresford
This station was the base for American units with vehilcles and troops in the car park. I ran out of time so I apologise for not including these in this post.
The station buffet.
The signalbox.
I hope this gives you a flavour of this interesting event. More photos on my website. Thoroughly recommended for a visit next year.
The Locomotives in action
Southern Railway 850, Lord Nelson. Seen here in the down platform at Ropley, awaiting the road to Alresford.
LMS Black 5 45379. Seen at Ropley awaiting a light engine movement to Alresford to form a train. The crew told me that they were the standby engine but were pressed into service to form an additional train.
Southern Railway U Class 31806. Seen here at Ropley entering the up platform with a train from Alresford. This locomotive was released back into traffic this year, following an overhaul.
Ropley displays
These were based on the themes of bomb disposal, RAF field aircraft plotting, communications and military encampment under canvas.
Following a bombing raid, the WVS (now WVRS) arrived with refreshments to support people affected by the bombing and those searching in and clearing the rubble.
The fire engine here is typical of the type used to fight fires following a raid. The military vehicle in front is an early communications truck.
This was the RAF tracking demonstration with a plotting table and military communications which fed information to the plotters and back to headquarters.
Railways were very important as transport links and the stations had military presence at all times to ensure security.
And finally, a train image at this station.
Fireman preparing the fire for the assault on Medstead Bank. Southern Railway Class U loco.
Medstead an Four Marks Displays
These were based on culture and the Home Guard.
A family demonstrated a typical washday of the period. This display was on the up platform.
With food being in short supply due to the shortage of imported goods, the cry went out to 'Dig for Victory'. People turned large areas of land over to the production of food. This couple travelled from Dorset with all the display items in a camper vehicle to highlight this important wartime campagn.
Bartering for second hand clothes and goods was another common activity in these times of shortage.
Many vehicles were on display in the station car park and these are a sample.
The proud owner had a war-time gramaphone on the bonnet of his car, playing war time music.
The Home Guard units were formed to provide security and defend local areas. This is one of their vehicles.
Note the blackout covers on the headlights and the white painted mudguards on the car. It must have been dreadful to drive at night and difficult for the pedestrians too.
The NAAFI wagon was also in the car park providing welcome refreshments for current and retired Servicemen/women and also for the re-enactors. I enjoyed my first NAAFI tea for many years.
Back to the station.
Home Guard personnel chatting on the down platform.
The train from Alton arrives hauled by the Black 5 whilst the Alton bound service with Lord Nelson at its head waits in the up platform road.
Alton
The theme here was similar to that at Medstead and Four Marks.
A temporary ticket office was set up on the platform and this lady was issueing tickets.
A couple waiting for their train.
Alresford
This station was the base for American units with vehilcles and troops in the car park. I ran out of time so I apologise for not including these in this post.
The station buffet.
The signalbox.
I hope this gives you a flavour of this interesting event. More photos on my website. Thoroughly recommended for a visit next year.
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