The Coronation A4s Namings

This forum is for the discussion of the locomotives, motive power, and rolling stock of the LNER and its constituent companies.

Moderators: 52D, Tom F, Rlangham, Atlantic 3279, Blink Bonny, Saint Johnstoun, richard

Post Reply
STAFFORDA4
NBR D34 4-4-0 'Glen'
Posts: 297
Joined: Wed Sep 25, 2013 10:54 am
Location: 5C WCML

The Coronation A4s Namings

Post by STAFFORDA4 »

I’ve recently become interested in the 5 Garter Blue A4s built specifically for the new Coronation service in 1937 no’s. 4488-4492 inclusive.
Do we know if all 5 were named by their respective countries’ High Commissioners on the same single occasion at Kings Cross station in June 1937, or as I’m guessing 3 (4488. 4490. 4492) and then 2 at a different time (4489. 4491)?
Thanks in advance as always for any clues and info
Eric
Darryl Tooley
NBR J36 0-6-0
Posts: 106
Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2013 9:21 pm
Location: Briston, UK

Re: The Coronation A4s Namings

Post by Darryl Tooley »

'The LNER in Focus' by the late John Crawley (W D Wharton, 2001) has a photograph of Nos 4488, 4490 and 4492 at King's Cross on Monday 28 June 1937 awaiting the arrival of of the High Commissioners of their countries (which explains, no doubt, the flags over the nameplates). This, and O S Nock's book on Gresley Pacifics say that 4489 was named at King's Cross by the Canadian High Commissioner on Tuesday 15 June 1937. 4491 - I'm still looking.

D
Seagull
GER D14 4-4-0 'Claud Hamilton'
Posts: 301
Joined: Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:15 pm
Location: Between a cheap railway station and a ploughed field

Re: The Coronation A4s Namings

Post by Seagull »

I have never seen any date for naming 4491.

I have just done a search for who was the Australian High Comissioner at the time - it was Stanley Bruce https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Bruce - no Monty Python jokes please... :D

It would appear that he was heavily involved in the League of Nations at the time so maybe was not available.
That would suggest that perhaps the First Secretary did the naming or more likely the ceremony never happened.

(The First Secretary is the High Comissioners deputy and also the person in charge of business affairs)

Alan
Playing trains, but trying to get serious
User avatar
Kestrel
NER C7 4-4-2
Posts: 890
Joined: Sat Mar 12, 2011 1:13 am

Re: The Coronation A4s Namings

Post by Kestrel »

The naming ceremony was by his wife, Sheila.
Post Reply