footplate; relief running foreman; train crew supervisor; father, a village blacksmith and farrier; childhood; school; travel; early interest in railways; cinema car on express trains; leaving school aged 14; worked for father for 3 years, as could not join railway until 18 years old; railway entrance exam; medical; experiences as an engine cleaner; December 1940, became a passed cleaner; seniority; Second World War experiences; trade union membership; transport to work, housing, lodgings; 1944 became a regular fireman; memories as a fireman; fireman on Kings Cross route; first driving turns; Pullman cars, "blanked" off brakes; diesel training; practical training; steam, diesels, Deltics, HSTs; single manning; domestic life during footplate career; relief running foreman, relief panel; relief train crew supervisor; training at Crewe; reminiscences; 1922-11-24, railway work 1940-1985. 3.1496 x 2.8346 x .315 in.