Why May is a special anniversary for Severn Valley Railway diesels
Think of May at the Severn Valley Railway and one’s mind turns to the diesel gala, an event that the railway is rightly proud of. However, May is also the month that saw the sinking of many vessels, the names of which are carried by a number of diesels based on the line.
On 22 May 1941, destroyer HMS Greyhound sank after being attacked by Stukas as it made its way to a rendezvous with cruisers in the Kythira Strait. Six officers and 74 sailors lost their lives. Locomotive D821 is seen hear: https://www.flickr.com/photos/190687851@N02/53415042134/in/photolist-2po745j
Just two days later Battlecruiser Hood was hit by shells fired by German battleship Bismarck, during the battle of Denmark Strait. The losses were horrific – just three out of the 1418 crew survived. 50031 is seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/190687851@N02/53665116069/in/photolist-2pLcKkT-2pLdhn3-2pLc1cs-2pLdgie
On 25 May 1982, during the Falklands war, Merchant Navy container ship Atlantic Conveyor came under fire from Argentinian jet fighters and was hit by two Exocet missiles. The severely damaged ship managed to cling on for three days before sinking while under tow. 12 crew members were killed. 40106 is seen here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/190687851@N02/53660977874/in/photolist-2pKQxcG-2pMXBkW-2pQ38Ad-2pL7Qk2-2pKR6KZ-2pL9W2V-2pKWb4a-2pQ38At-2pLyFVv-2pQ9v5k
Not your average railway books but something very different. Horrors, humour and history, along with wonderful photography combine to make a unique trilogy of rail books. Most of the information regarding passenger and staff incidents has never been in the public domain before and the history aspect is also lively and engaging. Thread bound and printed on top quality paper, these hard back books (first two in a trilogy) are Illustrated throughout, with approximately 200 creative colour photographs per book. 'A funny Thing Happened on the Train to London' : https://www.chimewhistle.co.uk/shop/p/a-funny-thing-happened-on-the-train-to-london and 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Train to the Midlands': https://www.chimewhistle.co.uk/shop/p/afunnythinghappenedonthetraintothemidlands