A memorial plaque in honour of staff from the Midland Railway Loco department who fought in World War I has been officially rededicated at Birmingham New Street.
The plaque lists the names of 76 men who valiantly served in the Great War between 1914 and 1918, with seven listed separately who did not return from the conflict. It was originally on the site of Network Rail’s former Saltley Delivery Unit, adjacent to the railway in Saltley, as a roll of honour to the bravery and sacrifice of those involved.
The depot recently relocated to a new home, but the memory of these men will now live on, with the plaque having been restored and displayed on the concourse at Birmingham New Street. A rededication service, led by railway chaplain Andrew Hall of the Railway Mission charity, followed today’s annual Remembrance service (11 November) which was held in front of the war memorial outside the station.
Representatives from Network Rail’s Central route and other rail industry partners laid wreaths and paid their respects during the service which was also attended by a number of former and current Saltley-based colleagues, and the granddaughter of one of the men listed. Andrew Hall, railway chaplain, said: "Memorials like this and the acts of Remembrance they inspire need to be part of the community and displayed publicly.
“May they forever cause us to pause, reflect and consider how we can work together for peace." Elizabeth Graham, station manager at Birmingham New Street, said: “It’s an honour for Birmingham New Street to be custodian of the Saltley depot memorial plaque.
“It’s so important that we remember the railway workers who bravely fought for their country, in all wars and conflicts, and this plaque will now proudly sit beside the main war memorial plaque we have on the concourse.” Passengers and visitors to Birmingham New Street can view the war memorial plaques on the concourse and pay their respects at the permanent war memorial situated by the station entrance from Smallbrook Queensway.
