Tribute To Fallen Heroes Of Soham Train Explosion

MEMBERS of Soham History Group paid tribute to fallen heroes this week at the 65th anniversary of the Soham train explosion. Members laid a floral wreath at the base of the memorial on Red Lion Square to commemorate the selfless actions of four men who sa

MEMBERS of Soham History Group paid tribute to fallen heroes this week at the 65th anniversary of the Soham train explosion.

Members laid a floral wreath at the base of the memorial on Red Lion Square to commemorate the selfless actions of four men who saved the town from almost certain destruction in June 1944.

The men, two of whom were awarded the George Cross (Gimbert and Nightall) for their actions, managed to halt the progress of a fire on an ammunition train packed with 500lb explosives, saving thousands of lives and ensuring that much of the cargo made it to the front line for D-Day.

The four were: Benjamin Gimbert, James Nightall, Frank Bridges and Herbert Clarke.

3889HD0609. History group members Jim Ames, Barbara Warner and Peggy Gibbon lay a wreath to mark 65 years since the train explosion.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE.