“When this happens they have to get out and check to ensure everybody has got on or off the train safely before they can move. This can take a little more time but thankfully for all it doesn’t happen very often.”
My Dad was a guard on the LMS railways back then when they had guards. He had green and red flags, and a kero lantern with green and red filters. It was his job to walk the length of the train checking all the doors were closed properly, and those travelling were inside. He would then wave his flag to let the driver know it was okay to move off.
Dead proud of him was I. Whilst the driver and fireman were responsible for the locomotive at the front, he was responsible for all the people. He also had a little clippy thing to make holes in tickets when he was required to check everyone was travelling in their correct class for the fare paid. When it was busy he would let third class travellers sit on the wooden floor in his guards van. Often they would get splinters up their bums if the train stopped suddenly and they slid across the floor. No elf and sefty then.
Wasn't official but armed forces personnel travelling in uniform and on leave could often travel for free at the back. They would have to show their leave pass to the guard for access to their guards van. I know it was so on LMS and LNER, don't know about the others. As a family we got free tickets so always went on holidays by train. Normally a day at the seaside - Skeggy, Cleethorpes or Mablethorp, and on a few occasions to Blackpool or Belle Vue Zoo in Manchester.
Alison
Rev Mother Bene Gesserit.
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