Carriages and Wagons Gallery

Norton Fitzwarren train crash, 1890

Damaged carriage from the Norton Fitzwarren train crash of 11th November 1890

Accident, Crash, Norton Fitzwarren

Carriage No. 4329 from US General Dwight D. Eisenhowers Alive train in 1942

One of the most important areas in which the GWR was asked to support both the war effort and the US army was in the provision of what was codenamed the Alive train which was to be used by the US General Dwight D. Eisenhower whilst in Britain making preparations for the invasion of Europe. Much secrecy surrounded both the make up and the operation of this train, although some details have emerged during the years following the war, and we know that carriage No. 4329, featured in this image, was one of the sleeping coaches from the Alive train. It is understood that the order for the train was issued in June 1942 and that many additions and improvements were subsequently made over the following years, so making the train a fully equipped and self-contained vehicle from which General Eisenhower and his team could operate. During the latter years of the war the Alive train travelled extensively around Britain, and in December 1944, fully equipped with bullet proof glass, the train was shipped overseas where it operated throughout France and on many occasions travelled close to the enemy line

Kitchen Car of No.16 Ambulance train, April 1915

No.16 Ambulance train was built at Swindon Works in 1915 and was paid for by the United Kingdom Flour Millers Association - A plaque can be seen on the door denoting the gift by the association. It was equipped with patient beds, a pharmacy and treatment rooms. No 16 ambulance train saw active service in France during WW1

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