Heavy trains of munitions and heavy trains of wounded passed each other on the line, these hospital trains being distinguished by the large red crosses on every coach. Every station had its first-aid department and its free buffet for soldiers and sailors. Everywhere the railways reflected war conditions, and sittings of the Executive Committee were distinguished by the explosion of bombs dropped by aeroplanes and airships of the enemy in dangerously close proximity.
Even the chairmen of companies had something complimentary to say about the services of railwaymen during those tragic years. For example, the following:—
Lord Muncaster, at the annual meeting of the Furness Railway, February 17th, 1917—"May I say a few words on the services which have been rendered to you by our officers and staff during probably the most trying and difficult time which the railways have ever passed through? ... The work of the officers and staff has necessarily been greatly increased, and has been carried out in a very satisfactory manner to the Government, the railway, and the public."
Lord Claude Hamilton, M.P., at the Great Northern Railway meeting, February 11th, 1917:—"At the present time 5,730 men, representing 17.3 per cent. of the total staff employed, have been either called or enlisted with the company's consent, whilst some 150 who left without permission are known to have joined the Army or Navy. I regret to record that 209 men have been killed in action or died of wounds, whilst a number have been reported "missing" for months. The men who have been reported wounded and at the various hospitals number 200 to 300. All these men have been communicated with, and where possible visited, and comforts supplied to them, and they feel that the company and their employees are taking a continuing interest in their welfare."
Mr. H. W. Thornton (at the same meeting): "I am proud to say that every man in the service of the company, however humble his position, has loyally and patriotically supported the manage-
