bobpike Posted 4 January , 2005 Share Posted 4 January , 2005 I am trying to research an Alfred Abbott, born Darlington 2.2.1881. He joined the Railway in August 1895 as a cleaner, but is listed on the 1901 Census as a Locomotive Foreman. According to his grand-daughter, he said he drove Ambulance trains in France & had a medal from the French government for getting people out on his train, 'before the Germans took over.' He also said he had a letter from the Russian government offering him free railway transport for aiding Russian soldiers. He is believed to have served in the Army, but whether this was whilst driving Ambulance trains (is this possible? If so, in what capacity/regiment?) or after, is not clear. He died in 1967. Any help on his personal, medal details & the role of Ambulance train drivers would be most appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpike Posted 6 January , 2005 Author Share Posted 6 January , 2005 I hope you don't mind if I resurrect this, but can anyone tell me anything about Ambulance trains & even better Alfred Abbott, please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Nulty Posted 6 January , 2005 Share Posted 6 January , 2005 Bob Just as a result of a bit of googling, the following have been found, plus numerous others. Steve http://www.westernfront.co.uk/thegreatwar/...lancetrains.htm http://www.lnwrs.org.uk/Sales/portfolio11.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Nulty Posted 6 January , 2005 Share Posted 6 January , 2005 Bob Going back to the 1881 census, the young (2 months old) Alfred Abbott is living at 87 Park Street, Darlington with his parents Thomas and Frances. Dad is shown to be a general labourer, born in Richmond, Yorkshire. Also there are Alfred’s elder brothers William (11), Thomas (9), George (5) and Arthur (2). Apart from the father, the family are all born in Darlington. By 1891, the family had moved to 17 Taylor Street, Darlington. Dad Thomas is now shown as a Locomotive Boiler Master and the eldest sons Thomas and George are both Railway Engine Cleaners. Another addition to the family is Frederick, now aged 3. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpike Posted 6 January , 2005 Author Share Posted 6 January , 2005 Stephen, Many thanks for both postings, much appreciated. I wish I could get a start on his military career! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobpike Posted 6 January , 2005 Author Share Posted 6 January , 2005 I've been told that he would have been in the Railway Operating Dept of the RE's, often driving British engines from the Great Central, Great Western, and even the Caledonian, or possibly the ASC. As he came from Darlington & worked locally, could it be a GNER engine? Can anyone confirm & expand on this, or even suggest from MIC who are possible candidates? There are no indications that Alfred had a second forename. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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