Alstom Unveils Hidden Stories of Crewe’s Fallen Railway Workers from the World Wars, Honoring Their Legacy

Alstom Unveils Hidden Stories of Crewe’s Fallen Railway Workers from the World Wars, Honoring Their Legacy

(IN BRIEF) Alstom has published new research by Colin Haynes, the company’s Environment, Health and Safety Director, revealing the personal stories of fallen railway workers from Crewe Works who died in both world wars. The publication, More Than Just Their Names: The War Memorials of Crewe Works, highlights the lives of individuals such as Private Jeremiah Wilkinson and twins John and Henri Villiers Russell, who died aboard HMS Formidable in 1915. The memorials at Crewe Works record the names of 52 men lost in the First World War and nine in the Second World War. Haynes’ research honors their sacrifices and emphasizes Crewe Works’ role in supporting the war effort. A special event to mark the publication was held at Crewe Works ahead of Remembrance Day, and the publication will be available for public reference at the Crewe Heritage Centre and Cheshire Archives.

(PRESS RELEASE) CREWE, 11-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, is commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Great War with a special publication that uncovers the stories of local heroes from Crewe Works who fought and died in both world wars. Research led by Colin Haynes, Alstom’s Environment, Health and Safety Director for the UK and Ireland, reveals new insights into the lives of those listed on the war memorials at the company’s historic Crewe facility.

Over the past year, Colin Haynes has meticulously researched the war memorials at Crewe Works, uncovering the hidden stories of the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. His findings are compiled in a publication titled More Than Just Their Names: The War Memorials of Crewe Works. This research highlights the personal histories of local railway workers, including Private Jeremiah Wilkinson, one of the first casualties of the First World War, and the poignant story of twins John and Henri Villiers Russell, whose tragic deaths aboard HMS Formidable in 1915 sparked national grief.

Crewe Works, which houses five wooden plaques and three bronze tablets, records the names of 52 men lost during the First World War and nine men who perished in the Second World War. Haynes’ research also delves into the lives of other fallen soldiers such as Trooper Charles Ball, who died in training in 1915, and Private Thomas Fennah, a celebrated local athlete killed in combat. In the Second World War, men like Aircraftsman Arthur Condliffe and Private Alfred Palin also lost their lives in service.

The research not only celebrates the sacrifices of these individuals but also highlights Crewe Works’ role in supporting the war effort, including the production of more than 150 Covenanter tanks during the Second World War. Colin’s publication serves as a tribute to the bravery of the workers who left their jobs at Crewe Works to serve their country, and it reinforces the sector’s commitment to honoring their memory.

The research was formally presented at a special event at Crewe Works on 5 November, with representatives from Crewe Town Council, the Crewe Heritage Centre, and the Family History Society of Cheshire in attendance. Gordon Heddon, Honorary Chairman at Crewe Heritage Centre, praised Alstom for its dedication to preserving the history of its workers. “By producing the stories of those who gave their lives during conflicts, Alstom has ensured that although the memorials are not publicly accessible, the men are not forgotten,” he said.

The publication will be available for public reference at the Crewe Heritage Centre and the Cheshire Archives and Local Studies in Chester and Crewe. Although the booklet is free of charge, readers are encouraged to contribute to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Crewe Works, which opened in 1843, has been instrumental in the development of the town, which grew from a population of 500 to over 40,000 by 1900. Today, it is home to Alstom’s UK Centre of Excellence for Bogie and Traction Motor Overhaul, supporting the UK rail market and the High Speed Two (HS2) project.

On Remembrance Day, Alstom staff will gather by the war memorials at Crewe Works to observe a two-minute silence in honor of those who lost their lives in service. Staff at other Alstom depots across the UK also participated in the London Poppy Day event to support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

About Alstom
With 37 locations and 6,000 employees, Alstom is the UK and Ireland’s leading supplier of new trains and train services, and a leading signalling and rail infrastructure provider. Alstom have built, or are building, just under 40 per cent of the UK mainline train fleet; as well as the entire fleets in service with London Underground and Dublin Luas. Half of all UK rail journeys are made on an Alstom train, while its portfolio of smart products is the widest on the market.

For more information, please visit www.alstom.com.

Contacts Press:

Ben GOODWIN – Tel.: +44 (0) 7935 348 065
ben.goodwin@alstomgroup.com

SOURCE: Alstom