Catalogue

Interview
1089, LO/435/386
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Webb, John, 1913 - , Interviewee, Male,
Speaker: Carswell, J, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Talks about father's career as train driver for Great Central Railway (GCR) and London and North East Railway (LNER). Describes father starting as cleaner in Manchester, 1890s, drivers tying themselves to cabs of 'Hell Fire Jack' engines; coming to Leicester, 1916. Talks about GCR engines, London-Leicester run, system of payment, accidents and crashes, trips to Skegness. Recalls wanting to joining railways but slump of 1920s restricting recruitment. Talks about father's involvement in strikes of 1919, 1926, getting financial help from Co-operative. Explains conditions during Second World War, engines blacked out, father retiring after his train was followed by bomber. Anecdote of father helping to start stalled engine when a passenger.
Place of birth: Birkenhead, Merseyside
Education:
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Train driver
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1890s, 1900s,1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s
Language: English

Recording Date: 26/11/1987
Playing time: 50 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.