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THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES
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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 Three Bridges Branch and the dates they served between. if you have any info please can you let me know.

The known Branch Secretaries are:-

W C Headsman 1926 – 1940, G Gilliland 1941 -1942, F Brett 1943 – 1944, Charlie Stokes 1945-63,

Jim Sayers 1964 - 1970, John Cook 1972 – 1973, Dave Shopland 1974 -1982, Derek Abrahams 1983,

Robin Baldock 1984, Roy Luxford 1985 -1994, Martin Gee-Wooley 1994 –, Alison Berry - 1998,

Charlie Osta 1999 - 2004, Ron Pegler 2005 - 2007, Alex Button 2008 - 2010, Paul Eden 2010 to date.

THREE BRIDGES LOCO

1848 ~1964

This web page is dedicated to all A.S.L.E.F. members who have worked at Three Bridges depot over the years, and it features A.S.L.E.F. members who brought the trains of Three Bridges to life.

Three Bridges locomotive shed was opened in July 1848 by the L.B.S.C.R. (Shed Code 3-B).

On 27 January 1964 the steam shed was closed and the steam depot became a Mixed Traction depot. The Mixed Traction depot was closed in April 1969 along with Eastbourne M.T. & Feltham depots

With the electrification arriving at Three Bridges in 1932, this created a new motorman’s depot at Three Bridges (E.M.U.T.) which opened in 1932, along with Reigate motormans depot.

The Three Bridges Branch of ASLEF was opened on 17th May 1913

Three Bridges station c1909

On the left hand side is the original Loco Shed which closed c1909.

A COLLISION AT

THREE BRIDGES

12th APRIL 1858

Extracted and adapted from the report by

Douglas Galton, Captain

On the the 12 April, 1858 a accident occurred near Three Bridges, at this station, which 29 miles from London, the Horsham and East Grinstead branches join the main line. The Horsham is miles long, and is a single line.

On the 12th April, as a pilot engine which is kept at Three Bridges, but which is regularly employed to take two trains each way daily over the branch, was about to start with the 9.05 a.m. train from Three Bridges to Horsham, it was found that its assistance would be required with the 8 a.m. train from Brighton tp London, which was very heavy. The station master therefore sent the pilot engine away with the main line train, and telegraphed to Horsham for the regular Horsham engine, which would otherwise have waited there until the arrival of the pilot engine with the 9.05 branch train.

When the message reached Horsham, the Fireman of the Horsham engine was absent in the town getting his breakfast, and by the station master’s orders, the driver started for Three Bridges without him, taking a porter to supply his place. On nearing the Three Bridges Station, the driver shut of steam, and in preparing to stop in front of the carriages of the 9.05 train, which were standing on the siding allowed to them, he told the porter to apply the tender break. The porter did so; and the driver said “that will do,” meaning that he had done enough; but the porter, misunderstanding the expression, and thinking that the driver intended him to take the break off again, turned the handle the reverse way, and caused the engine to run up with some little violence against the carriages, to the injury of two of the passengers who were sitting in them waiting for the train to start.

The porter by whose unfitness for the duties of a fireman this accident was occasioned had been at Horsham for four months, and at Brighton for four years previously. He had been on the engines at Brighton frequently, but had not been in the habit of working the break, and had not travelled farther than 100 yards at a time on an engine before.

I have mentioned above that the pilot engine was about to take a train to Horsham, while the Horsham engine was at Horsham, and that it was only when the pilot engine was despatched with the Brighton train to London that the Horsham engine was telegraphed for to supply its place; and I may add, that this was in accordance with the daily practice pursued in the working of the line; as well as that the two engines are in the habit daily of running upon the single line in the same direction at the same time. but I would point out that this daily practice is in disobedience to Rule No.263 of the Company’s printed regulations, which directs, amongst other things, that “no second engine must be allowed upon the branch unless under circumstances of emergency.”

Rule No.263 of the Company’s printed regulations, which directs, amongst other things, that “no second engine must be allowed upon the branch unless under circumstances of emergency.”

The present accident was caused by the employment of the Horsham porter on a duty for which he was not fitted, and it might have happened equally if a porter from Three Bridges had been ordered to assist the driver shunting the engine from one end of the train to the other, and had made a similar mistake in doing so; so that it cannot fairly be said to have anything to do with the working of the single line; but it becomes my duty not the less to draw attention to circumstance that the printed regulations of the Company and their practice are not in accordance with each other, and to suggest that means should be taken for carrying out that conformity between them which is so necessary to proper discipline amongst the Company’s servants, as well as to the public safety.

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL AUGUST 1913

Extracted from A.S.L.E.F. Organising Secretary W. Warwick's report

page 370

On the Friday (17th May) I travelled to Three Bridges, another small locomotive centre on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, where we had a few members attached to our Tunbridge Wells Branch The object of my visit was to prepare for an open meeting on the Sunday, with a view to opening a branch Brother Harrison, of Battersea, Brother Worcester, of Horsham, and a few friends from Brighton, attended, and we had a good meeting , Brother Smith, of Brighton, was m the chair Brother Harrison explained the whole matter relating to the business done by the delegation on the electric and other matters I then talked to them on general matters relating to locomotive-men in particular, and at the close we were able to declare the branch open and elect the necessary officers for the time being, with a stipulation that I should visit them when the books arrived, so as to explain matters to the new secretary.

PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

STORIES FROM THE SHOVEL

extracted from RTCS book on locomotives of the LBSCR

On the evening of the 21st June, 1868 a 'Craven0-4-2 loco 167 was working a special cattle train from Tunbridge Wells to East Grinstead. Just past Hartfield the driver was warned of an escaped bull on the line, and was proceeding with caution when an axle broke on one of the wagons causing a minor derailment. Attempts were made at once to uncouple and remove the damage vehicle, but before much progress had been made the bull reached the scene, attracted by the bellowing of the frightened cows. It was then that the only casualty took place, for in his haste to reach the safety of his footplate; the driver slipped on the steps and broke his collar bone. The bull was eventually recaptured with the aid of one of the cows and the train sent on its way some four hours late.

On the 8th June, 1872, Driver Mills lost two fingers whilst oiling round this loco at Tunbridge Wells West shed as a result of a sudden movement despite the regulator being firmly closed and the handbrake on.

RECORDS OF THE PIONEERING ENGINE-MEN AT

THREE BRIDGES

Phillip Payne

Born on October 20th 1834 and entered the railway service as an engine cleaner.

First appears on the books @ 16/6 per week August 1855,

Wages increased to 17/- per week October 1855

Promoted to Fireman and 3/6 per day June 1858

4/- per day December 1862

Promoted to Driver and 5/- per day March 1863

6/- per day August 1863

7/- per day June 1865

7/6 per day March 1867

Superannuated November 1894

OFFENCES AS A DRIVER

July 1871 Cautioned for running by platform.

June 1874 Cautioned for omitting to call at station being. booked to stop.

May 1877 Fined 1/2 days for omitting to call at Barnham with train.

August 1877 Cauntioned for working train with defective engine coupling whereby it became detached.

August 1877 Cautioned for suspected mismanagement of fire whereby a private train carriage in train was burnt.

September 1877 Cautioned for for stopping foul of another road at London Bridge whereby two engines were damaged cost of repairs 10.2.6.

February 1882 Cautioned for neglecting to properly examine engine and allouping pin to carry out of eccentric rod , braking a lifting link and delaying train.

February 1888 Fined 1/- and cauntioned for braking drawbar fork of by the road truck by applying westinghouse brake carelessly when shunting at E. Grinstead 7/6.

April 1889 Cautioned for mismanging engine fire whereby engine became short of steam and lost 5 mins with train.

May 1889 Debited with 5/- being half the cost of repairs to lift valve spindle guide, and quadrant block and pin of eng: 275 which were damaged owing to his negligent in allowing therms to run hot cost of repairs 10/-

February 1890 Cautioned for losing 3 mins with 8.25 am Horsted Keynes to E. Croydon train by mismanagement.

Above is a list of all the engine men that where employed at Three Bridges 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.

Three Bridges Loco Dept. on Queen Victoria's Diamond coronation in 1897.

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL AUGUST 1913

Extracted from A.S.L.E.F. Organising Secretary W. Warwick's report

On the Friday I travelled to Three Bridges, another small locomotive centre on the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway, where we had a few members attached to our Tunbridge Wells Branch. The object of my visit was to prepare for an open meeting on the Sunday, with a view to opening a branch Brother Harrison, of Battersea, Brother Worcester, of Horsham, and a few friends from Brighton, attended, and we had a good meeting, Brother Smith, of Brighton, was in the chair Brother Harrison explained the whole matter relating to the business done by the delegation on the electric and other matters I then talked to them on general matters relating to locomotive-men in particular, and at the close we were able to declare the branch open and elect the necessary officers for the time being, with a stipulation that I could visit them when the books arrived, so as to explain matters to the new secretary.

Loco No. 38 ' Millwall' photo taken outside Three Bridges Loco Shed in 1904

Three Bridges Loco men with loco No. 258 'Cosham' taken in 1906. No. 258 spent most of its working life allocated to Three Bridges loco

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

JULIE TUPPEN COLLECTION

THE 1924 ASLEF STRIKE

THREE BRIDGES BRANCH

CRAWLEY c1920s

JULIE TUPPEN COLLECTION

Driver Charlie Wilson

LOCOMOTIVE JOURNAL MARCH 1932

THREE BRIDGES BRANCH

I can assure you all that we are very much alive and can claim to be nearly 100 per cent. in membership. The very few “nons” that we do possess will, I fill sure, soon make up their minds and join up at once. Surely they can see their folly by now. Why a man is not in the union fogs me completely. Is it due to apathy? If so, I ask them did apathy get you your conditions in 1919? Will apathy ever get you anything? The reply is in the negative. That sort of thing has got to be cut out if we are to maintain our present conditions. Every man has got to do his duty by joining up without delay; and also get into that very good habit of not getting into arrears. Give your secretary a chance.

I very much regret to have to report the death of our well worth member, Bro. H.A. Miller, on January 23. Driver Miller was one of the most staunch and true members that Associated could wish to have. His regularity at the branch-room was a credit to him. Cut off very sudden, at an early age of 37 years, he contracted an illness lasting only six days, and double pneumonia claiming his life. No man ever preached the doctrine of the Trade Union and Labour Movement more than our late Brother. In the troubles that we have had in previous years, Bro. Miller was a familiar figure. Always cheerful at the heart, he was liked wherever he went. As a mate on the footplate he was great, his conversation was such that one could feel themselves being educates from him. He was never more happy than when he was talking about matters concerning trade unions or the Labour Movement. He took an active part in both. Principle was his motto of the day. In case of hardship, he was always very willing to help. So, Mr. Editor, we give you a little idea what kind of a man we have lost from our ranks. It does not seem true, even now, that he has gone. To his widow and child we extend our heartfelt sympathy. They have lost a good husband and father, and we have lost an excellent workmate. The high esteem with which he was held was evident at the funeral, nearly a 100 staff of all grades being present to pay their respects. Four acted as bearers.

So good-bye, “Old Pal,” we bow our bare heads to you in respect, while you rest silent in your peaceful grave.

D.G. BATES

RAILTOUR 4th OCTOBER 1954

WORKED BY THREE BRIDGES

DRIVER G. TAYLOR (FORMERLY OF EBNE)

& FIREMAN DAVE SHOPLAND

Photos from Karen Shopland Collection

If you have any old footplate stories, and you would like me to posted them please let me know

THREE BRIDGES DRIVERS & FIREMEN ON STRIKE IN JUNE 1955

STANDING BACK ROW

Jim Sayers, Charlie Jenner, Peter Miles, Bob Hickman, Unknown, Den Reed, Jack. Knight, Sandy Holman, Jim Covey,

Jim Smale, Jim Burtenshaw, & Ken Owens

FRONT ROW

Max Sumner, Dave Shopland, Jim Green, Peter Stark, Tim Turner, Pat Laker, Ken Drew, Archie Setherton, Charlie Miles, J. Robinson, J. Bradley, George Slight, Charlie Mapston, Gordon Knight, Percy Terry, George Rice, Colin Smith, Bill Peacock, Roger Hopkins, W “Bungy” Charman & Sid Ellis.

FRONT ROW

(kneeling) Chris Burton, Ron Coveney, Fred Stoneman, Bill Barratt & Charlie Stokes (Branch Secretary).

There are number of striking ASLEF members missing from this photo, due to them not having any transport to able to attend the strike meetings.

-------------------------------------------

The Locomotive Public House is now known as the “Moonraker" which is situated in Three Bridges Road.

Ray Young’s Memories of this photo

For those like myself seeing this picture takes you back to those days of friendship and fraternity, it seems that it only happened a few years back.
Engineman George Taylor did move to Horsham and lived at Christ Hospital, his wife unfortunately was killed by a train there.
Max Sumner emigrated to Australia soon after the strike,

Archie Setherton moved back to the West Country as did Ken Drew.

Jim Covey lived the later part of his life in Sharpthorne, I think he joined his daughter there,

Ron Coveney became an inspector on the South Eastern

Sandy Holman went to East Africa to work on the railway,

Peter Stark became a Driver at Selhurst before moving over to management.

Les Wilson although a member of the N.U.R. Joined us for the strike period.

Some men were absent for the photograph it was I believe taken on the day we returned to work hence the overalls Colin Smith, Jim Burtenshaw, Chris Burton & Ron Coveney, are wearing,

Ray Young was absent as myself and Jack Owen had taken a message to Fratton Depot.

(no mobile phones in those days.)

BOB AWCOCK COLLECTION

Left Fireman Bob Awcock with his driver (Unknown)

The photo was taken whilst pulling out of the back road of Grange Road’s goods yard with the local pick up goods from East Grinstead to Three Bridges in the mid 1950s

Bob started at Three Bridges around 1954 and left about 1960 to go into Industry.

Sadly I cannot remember many of the cleaners or firemen of the time. I can remember drivers like Ray Young, Dave Shopland, Charlie Pope, Jack Owen,(Who was my best man),Charlie Mapston (Jack Owen's father in law), and Tich Robinson. Apart from Ray Young and Tich Robinson are the only other drivers I worked with., and my last driver was Jim Burtenshaw.

The only firemen I can remember was, Albert Baptiste and Robin Baldock.

George Farmer,

If I remember right he was a signalman when I knew him, and he was a friend of Syd Vallance, a leading porter at Grange Road. Together we all started a model railway club In East Grinstead.

Grange Road 4th August 1956

KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION

Grange Road 4th August 1956

KEN CHAPMAN COLLECTION

Left - Right Fireman Brian Pryor & Driver Ken Chapman

Robin Baldock Collection

Driver Robin Baldock and Fireman Nobby Clarke at Horsham

Nobby Clarke left the railway and went on to be a pub landord.

Driver Bill Peacock is seen standing in the doorway, the photo taken in the 1950s.

It is believed the fireman seated could be Alf Pelling. It is also believed that Alf was at Three Bridges for a time before returning back to Brighton loco.

KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION

Rambler Excursion at Rowfrant 9th June 1954

Locos 31906 & 31829

Fireman Jimmy Edwards at Sheffield Park in April 1955

Photo taken Mr. G S Robinson

Bob Walls Collection

Driver Geoff Walls & his Fireman Jimmy Funnel

KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION

Three Bridges Loco 14th May 1959

Brian Cook Collection

Fireman George Cook c1953

Bob Walls Collection

Geoff Walls

Bob Walls Collection

Geoff Walls

driving from a driver trailer of push and pull coach

Bob Walls Collection

Geoff Walls

East Grinstead High Level Station

GAVIN WILSON Collection

Left Unknown Enginemen & Driver Les Wilson

KAREN SHOPLAND COLLECTION

Barcombe Mills

HASSOCKS 8th AUGUST 1958

Involving

Driver Peter Clark

and his fireman Dave Thomsett.

A.J. WILLS COLLECTION

Whilst Peter Clark was working a L.M.S. Fairburn tank loco No. 42086, a collision took place at Hassocks station. It is understood that the collision was due to the down side ground frame was not interlocked to the Hassocks signal box and was left open.

When the driver Peter Clark was given the tip by the shunter to leave the yard, the train collided with a down train a 4-SUB No 4276. The driver remembers seeing his fireman's boots disappear out the window as he lept out.

There is no M.O.T. report in to this accident.

Involving

Driver Peter Clark

and his fireman Dave Thomsett.

whilst working a LMS Fairburn 4MT 2-6-4T

No.42086 collided with a 4 SUB No. 4276

When the driver Peter Clark was given the tip by the shunter to leave the yard, the train collided with a Up train the 4SUB No 4276. The driver remembers seeing his fireman's boots disappear out the window as he lept out.

There is no M.O.T. report in to this accident.

A.J. WILLS COLLECTION

Left in Hassocks down sidings waiting to be towed away

HORLEY

FRIDAY 8th APRIL 1960

Involving Driver Don Barrett

Robin Baldock Collection

Robin Baldock in Three Bridges Loco 1963

George Cook

on Three Bridges turntable

KEN CHAPMAN COLLECTION

Left - Right Driver F. Tribute and Fireman Ken Chapman

Dr. Beeching’s first day at B.R. joint the train at East Grinstead, asked by Dr. Beeching, how is the coal, Fireman Chapman replied “CRAP”.

'Please note steam gauge smack on’

Robin Baldock Collection

Robin Baldock at Steyning 1963

The little boy standing next to the loco on the platform is Brian Baldock (no relation to Robin), he went under the name of Bazil Brush, and finished up at Tonbridge.

Robin Baldock Collection

Robin Baldock's Fireman P. Butler (Ducky), who went on to become a driver at Caterham.

BOB WALLS COLLECTION

PETER MUSSELWHITE

Ken Ellis at Three Bridges in c1952.

JOHN DEBENHAM COLLECTION

Chic Debenham

Chic is seen leaning against the engine in Three Bridges loco

Chic started his footplate career at Three Bridges on the 27.07.1953.

Chic later transferred to Brighton M.T. as a redundant driver in April 1969 when Three Bridges M.T. was closed

BIFF MANVELL COLLECTION

Three Bridges Fireman Biff Manvell

PETER KYNATSTON COLLECTION

DRIVER CHIC DEBENHAM & FIREMAN PETER KYNATSTON

KEN CHAPMAN COLLECTION

Left - Right Foreman John Newcombe, Fireman Biff Manvell & Driver Ken Chapman

The engine returned to the “Bridges” depot from Horsham after having worked the last train from Guildford to Horsham, 12th June 1965

RODNEY BURSTOW COLLECTION

Ray Young

Running into Three Bridges yard

This "slight" mishap took place at Tunbridge Wells West. involving Driver George Slight. and his fireman Fireman Tom Oakley. The date is uncertain and there where no injuries sustained only to the engine P2 "Teddy Bear"

Left ~ Right: Fireman Charlie Pope, Unknown & Engineman Les "Tug" Wilson

Above 30056 with a Three Bridges (?) Footplate man (any idea who he is?) at Three Bridges down bay platform in c1952 with a Three Bridges Tunbridge Wells West push/pull train.

Peter Miles?