THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS

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THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES 

THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F.,  THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS 

& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES

WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE 

HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE 

THEIR WORKING LIVES

I am trying to find out the names of the A.S.L.E.F. Branch Secretaries for the Littlehampton Branch and the dates they served between. if you have any info please can you let me know.

S.H. BROWN C1950s F. Janaway c1980, R. Dorkings c1990 - 1995

LITTLEHAMPTON

LOCO

  This web page is dedicated to all A.S.L.E.&F. members who have worked at 

Littlehampton depot over the years, and it features A.S.L.E.&F. members who brought 

the trains of Littlehampton to life.

Chichester locomotive shed two road shed on the Down Side.

The Littlehampton Locomotive Shed (Shed Code Lton) was opened on the 17th August 1863 by the L.B.S.C.R. and 

was opened to replace the nearby Lyminster shed which was opened on the 16th March 1845 by L.B.S.C.R. The 

Lyminster shed was closed on the same day as the Littlehampton shed was opened. 

Littlehampton shed can been on the left hand side of the photo below. Littlehampton steam depot was a sub-depot of 

Bognor Regis.  Littlehampton Loco Shed was closed in 1937 to make way for the re-modelling of the station area as 

part of electrification of the Sussex West coast lines. The locomotives allocated for Littlehampton where re-allocated 

to the parent depot at Bognor with some locomotives being transferred in to Brighton depot. The Loco Shed still 

survives today. 

With the electrification arriving in Littlehampton on 6th February 1938, this created a new motorman’s depot at 

Littlehampton (E.M.U.T. ) which opened in c1937.

In 1995 The Littlehampton Depot was closed and the drivers transferred to the newly opened Barnham depot

Littlehampton A.S.L.E.&F. members had been part of the Horsham Branch until the open of their own Branch of 

A.S.L.E.&F. was opened in c1913  and closed in 1995.

 PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

Lyminster Station with Loco Shed (16th March 1845 - 17th August 1863 ) behind the station buildings 

Above is a list of all the engine men that where employed at Littlehampton Locomotive Department in 1877. It is not know if this is list was compiled in seniority order or not. However, the list does clearly indicates the  difference in the ages of both drivers & fireman at that period of time.

French adverts, advertising the ferry to Littlehampton 1864 - 1871

 PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

 FORD STATION

30th JANUARY 1861

EXTRACTED FROM THE REPORT BY

H.W. TYLER, CAPTAIN R.E.

On the 30th January, the 6 a.m. passenger train from Portsmouth, consisting of an engine and tender, 5 carriages, and 

2 break-vans, approached the Ford Station about four minutes late; and the driver found the signals lowered for him 

to pass the station and bridge in the usual manner. He proceeded over the bridge at 14 or 15 miles an hour, which is 

the greatest speed permitted at this point by the Company's regulations; and he saw the engine of another train 

waiting upon the down line of rails, for his train to travel first over the single line. As soon as he had passed the points 

on the east of the bridge, he became aware that the points-man had turned him on to the down line, instead of 

allowing him to proceed along his own line, and that a collision was inevitable. He had just time to reverse his engine, 

but no time to whistle for his breaks, before he struck the engine of the cattle train. He remained on his engine, and 

was not much hurt. The fireman, after giving his break-handle one or two turns, also tried to jump off; but he only 

succeeded in getting on the lower step of the engine before the collision occurred; and he was stunned, by being 

thrown upon the ballast between the two lines, and cut about the face.

  PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

 FORD STATION

4th MAY 1867

EXTRACTED FROM THE REPORT BY

C.S. HUTCHINSON, CAPTAIN R.E.

A passenger train from Littlehampton to Ford ran into a train of empty carriages standing in a siding at the Ford 

Station of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, on which occasion six passengers and the guard of the 

train were injured; no bones were broken, but the injuries consisted of cuts and severe shakes.

empty engine and tender attached to s train of empty carriages was standing on this siding, the engine being at the 

east end of the train, and about 250 yards from the station signal-box, or l20 yards from the west end of the platform, 

which is 130 yards long. 

The passenger train from Littlehampton to Ford consisted of a six-wheeled engine (with 5 ft. 6 in. driving wheels) and 

tender, a third-clam carriage, second-class carriage, first-class carriage, and break van, Provided with ordinary 

break power, coupled in the order stated. The guard states that the train left Littlehampton at 6.40 p.m. on the 4th 

May, and that they proceeded at a rather faster rate than usual up to the bridge over the Arun, the signals being all 

right for them to enter the station; but that the speed from this point, instead of being gradually reduced as is usual, 

did not slacken till the station box was reached, when, afar running for about 20 yards at a reduced rate, the train 

again shot ahead, and maintained its increased rate of speed until it ran into the engine of the empty train on the 

siding. Before reaching: the bridge the guard states that he applied his break, and kept it hard on until the collision 

occurred; and this statement is corroborated by other testimony. He was unable to communicate with the driver, from 

the absence of any means of doing so. The driver of the engine of the train of empty carriages stated that be happened 

to be standing at the each end of the platform when the Littlehampton train passed. From the rate at which the train 

was going (which he estimated at from 18 to 20 miles an hour) he felt sure a collision would occur, and flowed the 

train as quickly as possible. On reaching the engines he found his own had been knocked back about 40 feet ; and he 

observed that the break blocks of the tender of the engine from Littlehampton were off as far as the screw would 

admit, giving him the impression that the handle had been turned the wrong way. This driver's fireman was standing 

on the main line opposite to his engine when the collision occurred; he also estimated the speed of the Littlehampton 

train at from 18 to 20 miles an hour, and observed that the break blocks of the tender were right away from the 

wheels.

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

 LOCOMOTIVE WORKING ON

SUSSEX BRANCH LINES 1902

EXTRACTED AND ADAPTED THE JOHN PELHAM MAINLAND 

FROM RAILWAY MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 1902 

At the beginning of the century, the working of the locomotive depots at Littlehampton, Bognor, and Midhurst exhibit 

many interesting features directly traceable to mid -Victorian practice. These depots were included in the Horsham 

Locomotive District; Midhurst and Littlehampton had four engines each, and Bognor two engines. At least one engine 

at each shed was designates the “Branch Engine,” a relic of the practice established by John Chester Craven, 

Locomotive Superintendent of the L.B.S.C.R. from 1852 to 1869.

The Locomotive Foreman at Horsham made a tour of his District on the last Wednesday of each month. Leaving 

Horsham at 10.20 a.m. the circuit of inspection occupied no less than 7 1/2 hours, unless as sometimes happened, 

Bognor was omitted on a verbal assurance being given by the fitter in charge at Littlehampton that “they were all 

right there”; this reduced the time by 2 1/2 hours.

The choice of the day was a relic of the past; it had been originated with an old instruction which held the foreman 

personally responsible for certifying that the reserve coal stack had not vanished in whole or in part, and that the oil 

stock was according to the books, and had not been diverted to other purposes. Occasionally, on the second 

Wednesday of the month, the foreman paid a visit to Littlehampton only, but this was an exceptional measure of 

supervision. The reason for the choice of Wednesday was that on this day the Outdoor Locomotive Superintendent 

regularly visited the Chief Offices at London Bridge and therefore was not likely to descend upon Horsham, and find 

the Foreman absent.     

For all practical purposes the telephone was non-existent, the only means of communication, other than by rail-borne 

letter, being the single needle telegraph, known as the “speaking instrument.”

The immediate responsibility for these out-depots therefore rested upon the man in charge of the shed, and sol on as 

he was conscientious in the discharge of his in charge of the shed, and so long as he was conscientious in the 

discharge of his duties, everything worked satisfactorily. The standard of locomotive maintenance at these depots 

compared favourably with any other shed on the system, the mileage run between shop repairs averaging 65,000 in a 

period of about 2 3/4 years. The general arrangements were primitive by modern standards, but were suited to the 

conditions of railway working at that time.

Variations of the standard engine workings, as diagrammed, were confined to local adjustment at the time of the 

annual revisions of the timetables, and at holiday times, when late running of the London - Portsmouth trains resulted 

in unscheduled trips on the Bognor and Littlehampton branches. During the Goodwood Race period (the week before 

the August Bank Holiday) some slight adjustments were made to the train service on the Midhurst branch.

All clerical and administrative work was done at Horsham, as were repairs which could not be carried out by the 

fitter stationed at Littlehampton. The sole boilermaker visited the out depots if necessary, but such occasions were 

exceptional, engines being worked up to Horsham on suitable duties and charged over as required. Additional 

personnel, other than repairs staff, were provided from Horsham to cover sickness, leave, and other similar 

contingencies, as well as for special traffic requirements. Engine power for the latter was usually supplied from 

Horsham as well. In practice, if any member of the staff fell sick, provisional arrangements to cover his duties had to 

be made by the local man in charge of the depot until a substitute could be produced from Horsham, which ordinary 

was not until the following day. That life on the railway was much less strenuous for the fact that Horsham was not 

frequently troubled by such applications.

When a vacancy at any of the four depots occurred, it was filled by the senior man in the junior grade in the district, 

unless he expressed his desire not to do so, in which case the offer went to the next senior and so on. In the event of 

the post of fitter-in-charge at Littlehampton becoming vacant, the appointment was made but the Outdoor Locomotive 

Superintendent, Brighton.

The shed at Littlehampton, in which four tank engines could just be accommodated, and locomotives enthusiasts could 

obtain close up views of the engines from the public highway. There was consequently no occasion for any 

contravention of the law of trespass, or fear of  prosecution for loitering such as was the case at Bognor and 

Midhurst. Nevertheless, warning notices exhibited on the Company’s premises against loitering and trespassing were 

so numerous and conspicuous as to suggest to visitor that the local inhabitants possessed a particular flair for such 

offences, but the present writer knows of no case in which it was necessary to summon assistance from the Police 

Station immediately opposite the shed.

At Littlehampton, the fitter was in charge, and during the daytime he usually was to be found there, except on 

Mondays and Wednesdays, when he visited Bognor and Midhurst respectively to carryout repairs to the engine 

stationed there. Having but ten engines to look after (a small number for those days) the post was considered to be an 

easy one, as it undoubtedly was if action was taken to forestall mechanical troubles.

As Littlehampton possessed direct rail access from the Brighton, London and Portsmouth directions, it never partook 

of remote character associated with Bognor and Midhurst, and engines stationed there were more generally visible, 

as they have a much less restricted range of operation. The Littlehampton goods engine worked from that station to 

Brighton via the Preston Park spur on Monday to Friday nights inclusive, the enginemen being on duty 12 hours a 

night, thus completing their 60 hour week in five night. It was washed out by the pump-man on Monday mornings. The 

“ local service engine,” a Stroudley 0-4-2 tank in 1900, worked a turn daily as far as Three Bridges and back. This 

engine, and the branch engine, were washed out regularly after six days’ worked by the pump-man (but not on a 

Monday) the spare engine being used to cover their normal duties on such occasions.

* John Pelham Maitland, was a Loco Foreman at Newhaven & Littlehampton loco sheds.

  PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

Derailment at Littlehampton  1904

 Above L.B.S.C.R Locomotive workings for October 1912

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

JULY 1913

Extracted from A.S.L.E.F. Organising Secretary

W. Warwick's report

page 316

My next move was to meet a subcommittee of London. Brighton and South Coast Railway delegates, and then to 

Littlehampton for an open meeting on the Sunday (4th May). This is a small locomotive centre, but has sufficient to 

support a branch, and I hope in the near future to be able to open one there. My experience is that all the small 

centres on the various companies are coming into line and getting a branch of their own instead of being attached to 

the branches at the larger centres. This is as it should be, because it puts every centre, no matter how small, in direct 

communication with the General Office, and not only secures them information at first-hand, but so links the whole of 

the locomotive-men up that all can be in touch with General Office and each other at the shortest possible notice, and 

so does away with the weak links in the chain which should bind all together. There is no doubt a good deal of truth 

in.that saying, viz. : that any chain is only as strong as its weakest link. These small centres have been weak links, but 

I hope in the near future these weak links, will be removed and new ones forged in their stead, in the shape of a 

branch of our organization, wherever there is the requisite number of men to carry on the same. I am pleased to say 

this is nearly an accomplished fact in my district, as I have had the pleasure of opening no less than six such branches 

this year.

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

LITTLEHAMPTON STATION ON THE 4th AUGUST 1920

 On the 4^th August, 1920, Driver Edwards, and his Fireman Chapman, was in charge of engine No. 360. Whilst 

running bunker first into Littlehampton station with the 1.10 p.m. from Ford Junction. The brakes failed to act and at 

about 30 M.P.H. the engine demolished the buffers, crashed through the boundary wall behind and came to rest in the 

street. 

POSTCARD

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

LITTLEHAMPTON LOCO SHED SCENES

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

Littlehampton Wharf c1910

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

MAY 1929

BOGNOR AND LITTLEHAMPTON BRANCH

I would draw the attention of the “Bognor” members that our meeting night is Wednesday, at 7 p.m., every third week, 

at the Terminus Hotel. During the years 1927-8 the uncomfortable branch-room was the reason given for small 

attendances, but, I am prepared to wager that a room to surpass the above mentioned for comfort and homeliness 

cannot be found. Having, therefore, surmounted the difficulty of an uncomfortable room, I am at a loss to understand 

the reason for small attendances. During my annual holiday, I devoted three days to branch business by holding two 

special open meetings and attending to L.D.C. matters. The attendances were very poor. If I were neglectful I should 

expect such  meetings, but I defy anybody to bring that charge. Complaints, grievances, and suggestions, have all 

gone through their proper channels, almost as soon as receiving them. I’ve pretty well worn the carpet out in the 

“Loco.” Office, trotting in and out. Therefore, I repeat: “why such meagre attendances?”  Now, “Wake up,” Bognor, 

and let’s hear your voices raised in the branch-room a little more often, instead of in the “lobby,” for surely two hours 

devoted to branch matters is not a great sacrifice out of six weeks. A word of congratulation to the Littlehampton 

members on the splendid attendance at the last two monthly meetings.

W. LAWRENCE, Branch Sec.

   ELIZABETH WICKSTEAD COLLECTION

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

MAY 1930  

BOGNOR AND LITTLEHAMPTON BRANCH

I feel I must take an opportunity of expressing my thanks and appreciation to the members of the above for their 

assistance and help during the year 1929, and for apparent confidence felt, by again electing me as you secretary and 

shed committee representative, with Bro. H. Roger. I think we can look back upon the last 12 months with a fair 

amount of satisfaction, both from a membership point and an amicably working depot. Bro. Rogers will bear me out 

when I say that some of our committee meetings, during 1929, were rather trying ordeals, from the point of view of 

gaining a point (which was very rare) I must admit, and in some cases fighting to hold what we were just entitled to. 

When the foreman (that was then) greeted me with the remark, “Well, Lawrence, what is it this time, as much as I like 

you, I begin to hate the sight of you,” I think you’ll agree that it wasn’t exactly encouraging, but I will also admit that 

I was rather flattered, for o think I must have been a sort of a nightmare to him, I honestly believe he meant it, too. 

Anyway, I think we parted fairly friendly when he left us, so all’s well that ends rough. Well, now that we have entered 

upon another year with a new foreman and naturally new ideas, which, providentially for us, have proved beneficial 

to all, it’s up to us to look after them. Although I know there is no emphasize that point, I would like to lay stress upon 

the importance attaching to the branch meetings. For that is the place for the discussing of your workings, that your 

committee may go into conference with the knowledge that everybody approves of what is going to be done. Always 

remember, that to look after your interests and maintain efficiency, you must be conversant with present happenings, 

and to do that just spare that 2 hours one evening a month, and see and hear what’s doing. The attendances, of late, 

have been fairly satisfactory, but there is still room for improvement, so we commence our meetings again I would like those to this applies to bear it in mind.

Another point well worth mentioning applies to the “Arrears Link.” It is rather deplorable habit, makes more work 

for me and a bit more for Head Office and will, one of these days, cause yourselves perhaps years of regret. You will 

find occasion when assistance and representation would be a wonderful asset, but owing to your being “out of 

benefit” you couldn’t get it, and don’t come to me with any expectation of sympathy, because you won’t get it, and I’ll 

tell you why. If two and more share are preferred in the sweepstake, then let the sweepstake look after your future. I 

wouldn’t mind so much if you parted up with a portion of it when you won, but you don’t, or won’t. I’m not by any 

means condemning football sweeps, for I’ve got one share myself, but as soon as it interferes with my contributions, 

then I’m quitting, before the sweepstake condemns me. Get that, do you?  Just you think about it, and the explanation 

won’t be hard to find. 

Well, I won’t utilise anymore of our journal’s valuable space, and if all this is published I only hope and trust that 

some good comes of it. I’ll write again when my contribution return book shows “no arrears.”

W. LAWRENCE, 

Branch L.D.C. Secretary.

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 1931

BOGNOR AND LITTLEHAMPTON BRANCH

A few words from us I am sure will not come amiss. Firstly, a glance back over 1930, I believe gives us a satisfactory 

reflection. Certainly one or two matters that were unforeseen I have no doubt will be remedied before overtaking us in 

the New Year. Here I must mention that it Is a great asset to have a foreman who is always ready to listen to 

reasonable suggestions for betterment of our working conditions, and furthermore will also assist in alleviating any 

difficulties, sometimes, as I am aware, at a good deal of personal inconvenience; also, to have satisfaction expressed 

for our carrying out allotted duties was, to say the least, surprising, but nevertheless greatly appreciated. We can do 

no better than make 1931 even more successful, that is providing the companies leave well alone.

To enter into 1931, I must first of all express my appreciation of the apparent confidence shown in me again by 

electing me as your secretary, and I take this opportunity of thanking one and all, and trust there will be no cause for 

you to regret your choice. It is also well worth mentioning, that with the exception of one most desiring re-election, all 

other 1930 officers were returned unanimously. That in itself, I think, expresses a great deal. I would also 

congratulate the members upon the way contributions were paid and several cases of arrears wiped off. These in 

some cases, be it noted, before the Companies’ proposal were known. Judging from the present situation, I don’t think 

the arrears for December will be much to talk about. Whilst broaching the subject of the companies’ suggestions that 

are staring us in the face, I am relying upon this branch to respond to the “Stand to Arms” call, should it be necessary 

to sound same. We, of course, are aware that our two slugs are awaiting the opportunity to still further deprive us of a 

decent standard of living. It is pleasing to note that our E.C. have taken the time is not far distant when wedge will be 

driven completely home. It is beyond understanding why men who call themselves “Trade Unionists” can find time to 

associate with such scum. Furthermore, to listen to them and be influenced by what they say gets me groggy. Dirty, 

low-down, sneak thieves, and yet some of you are afraid to treat them in the manner they should be treated-sooner go 

and treat them to half-a-pint of beer. So would I? Still, it doesn’t seem to have much effect. I’ve talked till I’m very 

nearly sick with talking, so I only hope the day isn’t very far distant when others methods will deal with them. In 

conclusion, I would again remind certain members that our branch meetings are still held at the Terminus Hotel, 

Bognor Regis and the Labour Hall Littlehampton. With fond hoped that the New Year will be much brighter than 

present outlook affirms.

BRANCH SECRETARY

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN 

   PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN