Worksplate, "This engine was on loan to R.O.D. 1917-1919, France, Engine 2717". Brass oval mounted on wood. Overall: 194 mm x 310 mm x 22 mm.

This workplate signifies that Great Western Railway locomotive No.2717 was requisitioned by the Railway Operating Division during the First World War. The R.O.D was a division of the Royal Engineers formed in 1915.

More than 500 locomotives were provided by British main line railway companies during the war. Huge volumes of traffic were moved in support of the British Expeditionary Forces. Troop movements, food, artillery, and ammunition were carried via rail, in incredibly difficult circumstances. Prolonged periods of shelling, aerial bombing, and night attacks caused damage to the track which had to be repaired quickly in order to keep the permanent way open.