RAIL CREW HONOURED FOR BRAVERY

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2011 :: RMTnews 28 Back row - Left to right: Chris Cook(Bath Spa station staff 10 years); Alex Gordon (RMT President); Harvey Brant (Signaller, Bristol Panel 25 years); Keith Martin (Shopman, St Philips Marsh depot, Bristol 25 years ); Phil Boston; Pat Ethridge (Conductor Guard, Bristol 10 years); Mark Nicholls (Conductor Guard, Bristol 25 years); Dave Adlam (Train Manager, Guard Bristol 25 years); Phil Rogers (Signaller, Bristol 25 years); Front row – Left to right: Tony Gulley (Train Manager, Guard, Bristol 40 years); Gary Abbott (Bristol branch secretary); Peter Kelly (Bristol Temple Meads, Station Supervisor 40 years) From Left to Right- Branch Secretary Les Bruty, Keith Slade, Jennie Rose(Branch Chair), Bob Crow and 40 year badge holder Keith Wetherell The train crew that led 60 passengers to safety after their Glasgow to Oban train struck boulders and derailed at the Falls of Cruachan have been honoured by British Transport Police. Eight people were injured when the front carriage was left hanging precariously over an embankment after running into a landslide on the evening of June 6. Drew Hinde, a steward from Glasgow, received a British Transport Police Area Commander’s Commendation from Chief Superintendent Ellie Bird at an awards ceremony at the City Chambers. Train driver Willie Dickson from Grangemouth, and guard Angus MacColl of Oban, were also honoured. The three men led passengers off the train and put out a fire sparked by leaking diesel fuel. Driver William Dickson was the last man out – before crew member Drew Hinde climbed back into the teetering carriage to ensure no-one was left inside. Mr Dickson said: “I’m not one for the limelight. I thought I’d got a speeding ticket when I saw the British Transport Police envelope”. Describing the moment near- disaster struck, he said: “These two big rocks were in front of me. “I heard the passengers scream, then the adrenaline kicks in and the first thought is your passengers,” he said. The Rail Accident Investiga- tion Branch is still investigating the cause, but its initial findings concluded the train struck a boulder that had fallen on to the track. Chief Superintendent Bird said: “The bravery of all three men is without question, they are truly deserving of their awards. “Thanks to their swift action and quick thinking all the passengers were speedily led to safety. “The Scotland area of British Transport Police is grateful to the officers and public-spirited individuals for their hard work and assistance. “This ceremony is our chance to say thank you and recognise their contributions,” he said. BRISTOL BRANCH DOES THE HONOURS NEASDEN BRANCH PRESENTS 40 YEAR HONOURS Three rail workers who helped lead passengers to safety after a train from Glasgow derailed and hung over an embankment honoured for heroism RAIL CREW HONOURED FOR BRAVERY