On the 22nd of March 1945 my father, the late Herbert Norman Stubbs, then aged 23 was the fireman on an ammunition train travelling south on the Barrow line. As they neared Bootle he saw flames coming from a wooden wagon, which was loaded with depth charges. The driver (Harold Goodhall) stopped the train and my father went back to unhook the burning wagon. By this time it was burning fiercely and there were jets of flame coming from the wagon. The driver pulled forward and my father went to put detonators on the opposite line as there was a troop train due. He had only placed one or two when the wagon exploded. He was thrown through the air and knocked unconcious. He eventually came round and put the remaining detonators in place. Unfortunately the driver was killed. For his actions Mr Stubbs was awarded the George medal and the Order of industrial heroism (worker's V.C.).
Below are new cuttings from 1945 and also 1985 along with letters from Ministry of Transport and Millom Council.
Many thanks to Alan Stubbs the son of the late Herbert Norman Stubbs for all the information about his father.
Daily Mail 26th March 1945
Barrow Eveing Mail March 1945
West Cumberland Times April 1945
North Western Evening Mail April 1945
George Medal Letter from Ministry of Transport
Letter from Millom Council and LMSR 1945
Rail News March 1985 Part 1
Rail News March 1985 Part 2