The LNER Encyclopedia

The attached photo shows George Percy Barratt (on the left) who was a driver at Alnmouth Shed. It was taken sometime in the early 1940's at Alnwick. I believe that he was injured in an accident whilst turning a loco on the turntable at Alnwick and never fully recovered from his injuries. Can anyone confirm this? Also can anyone identify the other two people in the picture? I think the man on the right may have been called Belisle but cannot be sure.
Any information would be welcome

George Barratt was involved in the famous incident on the Alnwick to Cornhill branch in march 1941, when a northbound troop train was diverted onto the branch following the explosion of a landmine at Belford.
The very heavy train headed by A3 Bayardo and assisted by D20 no 592 stalled on the bank out of Alnwick and had to be rescued by the following parcels train hauled by D20 no 2023 which was driven by Barrett. He coupled onto the rear of the train and pushed it to Whittingham.
It must have been some sight - A3 tender first followed by the D20, then at least 15 and possibly 18 coaches then another D20 with a couple of bogie parcel vans! I wonder what it sounded like going up the 1:50 bank through the deep rock cuttings.

This sounds like it might have been the inspiration for one Awdry's original Railway Stories? Many (most?) of the originals were based on real events.

The one I'm thinking of had a train (express hauled by Gordon, possibly?) stalling on a hill but due to the weather / leaves. Then the next train gave it a push.


Richard

Hello Richard I am a granddaughter of George Percy Barrett, I have seen a photograph on this sight and it said it was taken in the 50's !! But my granddad died on August 32rd 1944. we his grand children would be very grateful if this misinformation can be corrected.

Which photo?

Thanks - just about installed. Still have boxes in the "formal living room". That includes Yeadon's (Show them off, even if no one for 100 miles knows what they are!).

There's a much larger garden and a pond. The pond would look good with a bridge over the waterfall. I think it would suit G better than O though...

richard wrote: There's a much larger garden and a pond. The pond would look good with a bridge over the waterfall. I think it would suit G better than O though...

Would that make you the 'Wichita Lineman'?