Memorial plaque rededicated at Birmingham New Street

A memorial plaque was rededicated at Birmingham New Street as part of their commemorations for Armistice Day (Nov 11th).

The plaque honours staff from the Midland Railway Loco department who fought in the first World War.

It lists the names of 76 men who partially served in the war between 1914 and 1918.

Seven names have been listed separately as they did not return from the conflict.

It was initially on the site of Network Rail’s former Saltley Delivery Unit.

However, that depot recently relocated but Network Rail wanted to make sure the memory of these men lived on.

It got relocated to Birmingham New Street where wreaths were laid by a number of former and current colleagues, as well as representatives from Network Rail's Central route.

Andrew Hall, railway chaplain, said: "Memorials like this and the acts of Remembrance they inspire need to be part of the community and displayed publicly.

"May they forever cause us to pause, reflect and consider how we can work together for peace," he said.

Elizabeth Graham, station manager at Birmingham New Street, said: “It’s an honour for Birmingham New Street to be custodian of the Saltley depot memorial plaque.

"It’s so important that we remember the railway workers who bravely fought for their country, in all wars and conflicts, and this plaque will now proudly sit beside the main war memorial plaque we have on the concourse," she said.