Quintinshill rail disaster, Britains Worst, 1915.

[Kitchener's Bugle]

Just watched this excellent documentary on I;Player,

I knew nothing of this, Britain's worst rail disaster which in involved a troop train of men from the 1/7th Royal Scotts on their way to Gallipoli.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05vqx7v/britains-deadliest-rail-disaster-quintinshill

The overwhelming majority of fatalities were among the men of the Royal Scots and the precise number was not established as the roll list of the regiment was destroyed by the fire. Lt.-Col. Druitt's official report gives an estimated total of 215 deaths and a further 191 injured Of the 500 soldiers of the 7th Batt of the Royal Scots on the troop train, only 58 men were present for roll call at 4.00 pm that afternoon, along with seven officers. In total, 226 people died and 246 were injured. The engine crew of the troop train also died in the first collision

[Moonraker]

Discussed

here

and

here

Moonraker

[Kitchener's Bugle]

Thanks Moonraker..... missed them, But its still worth a "bump" for those who missed the excellent programme!.

[MikeyH]

Many thanks for the link, somehow missed the programme when broadcast. Well made documentary and Neil Oliver excellent as usual.

Mike.

[mysie]

Hi just wondering if anyone has a list of where they were all buried, the total estimate was 215 Royal Scots killed,if my husbands figures are right there are 199 on the Special memorial mass grave in Rosebank. He found 1 or 2 in Eastern Cemetery,and 1 else where might have been in Rosebank but not in the mass grave not sure,which would give 202-203 ,meaning a possible 13 buried elsewhere, Can anyone help ,thanks .

Mary.

[Kitchener's Bugle]

Hi Mary, they are all on CWGC - Searchable with the exact date of 22.05.1915 and type in Royal Scots as the Regiment.

Example:-

YOUNG, ANDREW

Rank: Private Service No: 1300 Date of Death: 22/05/1915 Age: 21 Regiment/Service: Royal Scots 7th Bn. Grave Reference: 12. 56. Cemetery: NEWBATTLE OLD CEMETERY Additional Information: Son of Andrew Young, of 17, Links Place, Musselburgh, Midlothian. Born in Lanarkshire.

[mysie]

Hi thanks very much,i will let my husband know.

Mary.