Steaming into the Blitz: More Tales of the Footplate in Wartime Britain

by Michael Clutterbuck, Katharine Smith (Editor)

About the “The tales are a fascinating mix of anecdotes about the working lives of footplate men... readers with a railway bent will find themselves moved. This ebook is incredibly good value for money.” Gauge 0 Guild Gazette “The author’s railway family background ensures that the stories are very realistic – especially in the banter between the well-drawn characters! ... even a working engineman couldn’t find too much to fault. Recommended.” Steam Railway magazine Steaming into the Blitz follows in the footsteps of Steaming into the Firing Line; book one of Michael Clutterbuck's ever-popular 'Steaming Into' series. These fascinating, evocative stories will transport readers back to the heart of the Second World War, in Britain. Sheltering from air raids in the firebox of an engine; the hazards of sleeping in Underground stations during the bombing; transporting injured troops; suffering attacks from enemy fighters wishing to cause chaos on the transport system. The life of railwaymen during the war is one which is not often considered but which demanded its own share of bravery. Steaming into the Blitz is full of lively characters, humour, and attention to detail. Fans of the first four books of this series will not be disappointed.

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 29, 2019

Reviews

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's time to bring the kettle to boil in the firebox, grab a cuppa on the footplate, and listen to some train stories. Michael Clutterbuck has created another volume of steam age trains in wartime England. This collection covers 1939 through 1945 and the impact of the Second World War on the homeland.

Trains played a vital role in the English economy and especially during the war years. Drivers and firemen were important enough to be exempt from military service along with other critical professions. That is not to say that it was safe or easy to operate a train. German planes targeted trains and stations to disrupt the transfer of men and materials. Danger from above was not only from direct attack but also attacks on bridges and vulnerable rails. The war also brought changes to society. Women gained new roles, rationing was in effect, and much to the surprise of American servicemen, race was not an issue in the British armed forces.

The plots vary in subject and show the extent that rail played in wartime England. Wartime meant more than the usual duties. It also meant armored antiaircraft cars, missions of mercy, missions of national security, as well as their routine scheduled work. What is also interesting in this collection is that not all the stories center on the drivers and firemen. Many stories are center on average people and the role the trains played in their life.

Clutterbuck once again puts together a collection of informative and entertaining stories from the nostalgic era of steam.

[H.Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story that immediately takes you to the footplate of an engine driver and fireman during the war. Michael's ability to involve the reader into the situation is almost immediate and one can quickly relate to the situations and characters. Some chapter endings are quite blunt and intentionally so when the characters are killed in the story line. However that was how it was in war time and adds considerable realism to each section.

[Mr V M Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again on the footplate, open the regulator, release the brakes and add another story. If interested in railways he takes you on a long journey with a number of interesting stories.