PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE COLLECTION OF FREDERICK ALBERT COLE

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Mr Cole joined the Great Western Railway in 1936 at Aberbeeg and from there he moved on to Tredegar. From Tredegar he moved to Gloucester (Barnwood) depot. When this was merged with Horton Road, he was offered the opportunity to move to Worcester.

There was a vacancy at Worcester from the middle of 1964 because Mr Harry Cureton had retired. Mr Cole took up the position of Locomotive Depot Master. He later became the Area Manager until he retired in July 1979.

Mr Cole had an office that was alongside the Goods Engine Shed just around the corner from the roster board. He also had responsibility for Bromsgrove and Honeybourne sheds.

According to Mr Cole's records this photograph was taken in December 1963 and shows No.44805 off the rails. The location is the west end of Worcester Shrub Hill Station with the former Midland Railway Goods Shed in the background. No.44805 was allocated to Saltley Shed.

This is 'Castle' class 4-6-0 No.7025 'Sudeley Castle'' alongside the water tower at Worcester Loco Sheds. It was probably taken in the summer of 1964 shortly before the engine was withdrawn from service.

This photograph was taken on Friday 12th August 1961 and shows the crew of the very last passenger train from Tewkesbury to Upton-on-Severn. The loco was the regular engine for the branch being former Midland Railway 0-6-0 No.43754 (thanks to Robert J. Keegan for additional information).

The MIAC does not know who took any of the three historic photographs as none were credited on the photos. We have therefore been unable to see permission from the copyright holders for the use of their material.