2005

Awaiting its next duty is 66077 'Benjamin Gimbert GC' at Didcot on 28th August 2005. In the early hours of of 2nd June 1944 an ammunition train of 51 wagons, filled with unfused bombs destined for the American Air Force bases in East Anglia, was approaching Soham station in Cambridgeshire. Suddenly Mr. Gimbert, the engine driver, saw that the wagon next to the engine, containing forty 500 lbs bombs, was on fire. The blazing van was close to the station buildings and was obviously liable to endanger life in the village. The driver and fireman realised that it was essential to separate the truck from the remainder of the train and run it into the open. Driver Gimbert set the engine in motion and as he approached a signal box he warned the signalman to stop any trains which were likely to be involved and indicated what he intended to do. Almost immediately the vehicle blew up. Nightall was killed and Gimbert was very severely injured.

class 6666077didcot parkwayews