Reflections on a Railway Career: LNWR to BR – Retro Review

While history books can provide us with the facts, the spirit of railways only really comes to life in autobiographies. In this way we get an appreciation of the characters who built and operated the system.

J.M. Dunn’s Reflections on a Railway Career: LNWR to BR was published back in 1966 by Ian Allen. It covers a working life extending from just before the First World War to the late 1950s.  A chapter recounting the kindling of interest in locomotives during his early years and schooldays is followed by the story of an apprenticeship at the LNWR’s Willesden Erecting Shop from 1913.

During late 1919 Dunn transferred to Abergavenny Shed, commencing a tour of duty in the LNWR South Wales Division which included Tredegar and Blaenavon. In 1935 he travelled north to become Foreman Fitter at the Llandudno Junction LMS shed, subsequently transferring to Nuneaton and Coventry.  By 1944 Dunn was back in North Wales, taking over the Bangor Shed. Closing chapters describe his retirement years which included the purchase and preservation of ex LNWR Coal Tank No 1054.

Engaging Story of Humans and Machines In a Long Railway Career

Dunn’s reminiscences provide a forthright and candid record of his railway career. At times he demonstrates a brutally cynical attitude to both family and colleagues. Intriguingly, however, he displays a real talent for painting pen portraits which show insight and humour.

It was animosity following his strike-breaking activities during the 9-day national railway dispute of 1919 which was the impetus behind him leaving Willesden for the sanctuary of Abergavenny. Nevertheless, his dedication to learning as much as possible about the locomotives of his LNWR employers and those of competitor companies led him to travel the length and breadth of Britain.

Keeping the Wheels Turning in South East Wales

The struggle to Keep services running is a central theme of Dunn’s experiences in the South Wales valleys sheds. The background is the frequently harsh environment such as large snowdrifts on the Heads of the Valleys line in winter. Importantly, the lack of resources available in an outpost far from the centre of LNWR/LMS activity resulted in a chronic lack of spares and equipment for locomotives at Tredegar and Blaenavon sheds.

Dunn makes comparisons, both favourable and unfavourable, with competing railway companies. For example, an amusing anecdote involves his surprise at having to sit on carriage seats which were little more than wooden slats when travelling on the Rhymney Railway!

Just a word of warning. During the 55 years since its appearance there has been a huge cultural shift and some of Dunn’s phraseology is inappropriate today!

In Summary

Dunn’s reminiscences are interesting on both a personal level and as a way of throwing a sidelight on the evolution of railways through much of the twentieth century. Entertaining and forthright, but beware some phrases which are now regarded as intolerant.

Outline Contents

• Early Years and Schooldays
• Apprenticeship Days
• Abergavenny
• Tredegar
• Tredegar Again
• Blaenavon
• Llandudno Junction
• Nuneaton and Coventry
• Bangor
• Bangor Again
• A Miscellany

About the Author: J.M. Dunn

J.M. Dunn was a fitter and eventually shedmaster with an LNWR background. He was employed at many of the steam motive power depots in Wales during his long railway career. Dunn was noteworthy for his blunt comments about working conditions in South Wales, and in particular the problems of keeping the Beames’ 0-8-4Ts on the road and on problems with the early far from standard standard class 5 4-6-0s. He was a dedicated member of the Institution of Locomotive Engineers.

Related reviews

Railwaymen of the Welsh Valleys 1914-67: Volume 1 by Philip W.L. Williams
Railways and Industry in the Sirhowy Valley by John Hodge
The Sirhowy Valley and its Railways by D.S.M. Barrie and Charles E. Lee