RAILWAY enthusiast Roy Wilson shared his personal memories of the Soham Railway explosion with the public last week. He represented Soham at a commemoration ceremony for James Nightall, the Littleport fireman who died when a goods train exploded at the
RAILWAY enthusiast Roy Wilson shared his personal memories of the Soham Railway explosion with the public last week.
He represented Soham at a commemoration ceremony for James Nightall, the Littleport fireman who died when a goods train exploded at the railway station in June, 1944.
"I was 14 when we were blown out of our house," said Mr Wilson, "so I went to represent myself, Soham British Legion and the Community History Museum at the ceremony in Littleport.
Mr Nighthall, aged 22, uncoupled a burning wagon from the train which was carrying ammunition through the station. Mr Nightall's actions prevented the deaths of countless others. He and train driver, Benjamin Gimbert, were found dead on the platform and were posthumously awarded the George Cross.
Mr Wilson, of The Butts in Soham, comes from a family of railwaymen and takes his train memorabilia to model railway events all over the country.
His grandfather Walter Ayres and great-uncle George both worked on the railway.
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