Catalogue

Interview
912, LO/267/218
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Haines, Thomas, 1895 - , Interviewee, Male, Train driver;
Speaker: Florance, John, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls progressive career with the Great Central Railway, joining as a cleaner in 1912. Describes job of cleaner, cleaning a locomotive, taking an exam and becoming a fireman prior to enlisting in First World War. Explains fireman's, skill the need for judging gradients, placing coal for a fire, good timekeeping. Describes becoming a driver at 40, conditions worked in, learning routes, problems due to weather and delivering newspapers. Recalls decline of steam trains and introduction of electric and diesel trains. Criticises Beeching and nationalization for leading to a drop in standards. Mentions an accident, and how he missed driving when health forced him to stop.
Place of birth: East Leake, Nottinghamshire
Education: East Leake school;
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 20/3/1986
Playing time: 52 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: Yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.