Image from Network Rail
An exhibition by the Rail Delivery Group highlighting the important role of women in the railways during WW1 has just opened in London.
This free exhibition will be at London Charing Cross station until 10 August when it will move to King’s Cross station until August 31. After this it will be touring around the country – details of future locations will be announced here.
The railway played an important part in WW1, transporting troops, horses, military equipment and medical supplies around the country. Almost 100,000 men left the railways to fight in WW1 leaving a huge skills shortage. At the start of the war there were about 13,000 women, mainly in domestic positions, in the railways. By the end of the war there were over 70,000, in a vast range of roles.
The exhibition includes photos, soldiers’ letters and unique memorabilia commemorating the role of the railways in WW1 – the railway workers who fought in the war, including the soldiers who lost their lives, the soldiers honoured for their bravery, and of course, the women, who kept the railways at home running.
Phil Hufton, managing director of operations at Network Rail added: “Without the contribution of women, the railway could not have played such a significant part in the war effort. We owe a great debt to them and to the thousands of railway workers who fought. It is important for us to know their stories and ensure that they are not forgotten. This exhibition, which will be touring the country, has been created by the rail industry as a reminder to us all.”
Exhibition photographs have been supplied by the National Railway Museum. All relevant historical images accompanying this press release should be credited to the National Railway Museum.
