A Railwayman's War: Part 1

In 1939 at the age of 16years I started work as an Engine cleaner (hoping to become an Engine Driver) at the Shoeburyness LMS London,Tilbury and Southend section.
The four engine shed were situated just a few hundred yards from the mouth of the Thames and the North Sea.
When the threat of the German invasion )operation Sealion) was imminent, the plan was that all engines,in steam or not, were all coupled up (six or more engines) and taken to the London Depots at Plaistow. Any engines left behind at Shoeburyness, had to be destroyed.
Thoughout this period, every day crews had to travel as passengers to the London Depots, for instructions and Engines.
I remember being one of the footplate men in a coach approaching Cranham (near Upminster) on a bright sunny early morning, when I looked out of the coach windows, and the sight that greeted me was frightening.
A squudron of Messerschmitt 109 fighters 'hedge hopping', low flying just a few yards from the railway track. I could clearly see the 'spinner'
the white chevron (GRUPPE KOMMANDER)black cross and swastika, and the pilot, allgoing to attack Hornchurch (RAF Aerodrome)which the train later passed bombed and on fire.
This story is one of many of my escapes during the war 1939-44

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