December 1916 when the Railway Operating Division was working the limited light railways before the directorate came about. The 16-17 winter was bitterly cold and any water pipes laid near the surface didn’t stand a chance as well as water tanks on the surface.

They were great. Don’t worry I say what I think too and to hell with it. We are ‘mad’ about our particular war specialities

😉

Took a copy - thank you very much.
Your friends there wanted to know what we had in common - I said we’re mad 🥴

Will have a look tomorrow

Will pop in and have a look

To be honest not sure there was that much ‘legal’ scrap. The salvage corps did great work throughout the war, and any railway track etc was put up for tender/auction in 1919 (if I remember right). But you know what they used to day - ‘ if it ain’t screwed down it’s fair game’

Most of the urgent work on the railways started as soon as there was a retreat.
Rebuilding in other areas was greatly governed by recycling what was left, and transportation of new building materials was difficult hence the use temporary shelters.

While amending my GWR WW1 book I was reminded of a story I found for the GWR remembrance train
I don’t think there will be room in the book reprint for this, & for those who haven’t seen it on the train I thought I would share this unfortunate story
2nd Lieut T E Simpson RAF

😂 Cheers Allen 🥂