The village of Soham in Cambridgeshire, England, was the setting for a remarkable act of bravery during the wartime summer of 1944. Two men lost their lives and many others were injured in the incident which saved the village from total destruction.
Train Carrying USAF Bombs for the War Effort
Early in the morning of June 2nd, 1944, a slow goods train made its way towards Soham, hauled by the engine British Austerity. Behind it were 55 wagons containing bombs and necessary components, destined for White Colne in Essex and the United States Air Force. In charge of the load was engine driver Benjamin Gimbert, aided by his fireman James Nightall. In the guards van at the rear of the train was Herbert Clarke.
The train passed Barway junction, where the signalman noticed nothing unusual. As it approached Soham station Gimbert was alarmed to see smoke and flames emanating from the first wagon. He carefully brought the train to a halt, aided by Clarke applying the brake in the guards van. Nightall jumped down and quickly uncoupled the burning wagon from the rest of the load. After regaining the footplate Gimbert moved the engine and its deadly cargo quickly forward.
Wagon Explodes Killing Fireman and Signalman
Standing on the platform at Soham was signalman Frank Bridges, who had watched the drama unfold. Standing with a fire bucket, Bridges also had the foresight to warn colleagues along the line of what was happening. As the train passed through Gimbert shouted to Bridges, enquiring if the line ahead was empty. He hoped to pull the wagon into open countryside before it exploded. Unfortunately, the 44 bombs in the wagon detonated while passing the station. Nightall and Bridges were killed in the explosion, while Gimbert was thrown 200 yards from his engine.
At the time of the explosion Clarke had been running towards the front of the row of wagons to see if he could help. The train was around quarter of a mile in length and Clarke did not reach the front before the engine had departed. The force of the explosion threw him backwards a considerable distance. Despite his injuries Clarke made his way back along the line for over two miles, laying detonators to warn any oncoming trains.
The blast had reduced Soham station to little more than a crater in the ground. Despite the destruction only a handful of buildings in the village were destroyed. The consequences of all 44 wagons detonating did not bear thinking about. An enormous rescue effort was quickly launched to help the numerous casualties, although there were no other fatalities. The railway was critical for wartime movements and, in an extraordinary effort, the crater was filled in within hours. By the evening of June 2nd the line was operational once again.
Soham Remembers the Courage of Railwaymen
A service of thanksgiving was held in Soham church two days after the explosion. Gimbert (who recovered from serious injuries) and Nightall were both subsequently awarded the George Cross for their bravery, although many felt that Bridges and Clarke were just as deserving. Today, the event is commemorated by plaques located in Soham church and Soham Village College.
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