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A large crane lifts a damaged steam locomotive engine, with a man in a flat cap standing in the foreground to the left.

Soham Rail Disaster 1944

Soham Rail Disaster 1944

History of Soham Rail Disaster 1944

There are numerous sources of information about this disaster. A wagon loaded with ammunition exploded in the early hours of 2nd June 1944 just outside Soham station.. The train fireman and the signalman were both killed when the wagon they were drawing away exploded. They were both posthumously awarded the George Cross.

A damaged railway track with heavy machinery and figures standing amongst mounds of debris and destroyed buildings nearby.

Soham Rail Disaster 1944

MoT_Soham1944 – this is the official report

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soham_rail_disaster

https://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/docsummary.php?docID=1026

https://ww2today.com/2-june-1944-two-g-c-s-after-soham-railway-disaster

Two news clippings showing a row of terraced houses with damaged roofs and a building with significant structural collapse.
A damaged brick house with a partially collapsed roof and dark window voids, with several people standing in the debris.

Soham Explosion 1944 (Cambridgeshire Collection)

A large crane on tracks lifts a train engine component at a damaged rail station with a wooden building and debris nearby.

Soham Rail Disaster, 1944

Tags

  • world war two

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  • Soham

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Soham

World War Two Reminiscences of E Bartlett

documents

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2 Market Street, Soham

Crow Hall farmhouse, Northfield Road, Soham

Middle Mere windmill, Soham

6 High Street, Soham

The Central Hall, Fountain Lane, Soham

38 High Street, Soham

27 High Street, Soham

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T Stubbing, Sand Street, Soham

Downfields / Pollards windmill, Soham