Moors wars

NYMR’s ‘Railway at War’ event has been hailed a great event.

Held over a full weekend the North Yorkshire Moors Railway attracted upwards of 15,000 visitors – some from as far afield as Germany, Norway and Holland.

Hundreds of visitors put on 1943-style civilian and military costumes. Re-enactment groups with their vehicles and equipment helped bring to life a number of scenarios along the railway, including fire-fighting during the blitz, dealing with an air raid, and the Home Guard on patrol.

ENSA entertainers helped to boost morale whilst wreath-laying ceremonies at Pickering and Grosmont brought home to all the serious nature of war and the sacrifice still being made by allied troops abroad.

Says NYMR general manager, Philip Benham, ‘This has to be one of the best events of the year for local tourism. It is about nostalgia, and we can all be proud of the crowds, the spectacle, the atmosphere and general goodwill. The growing interest year on year in this weekend is amazing.

‘This year was particularly special as we remember the outbreak of war 70 years ago. There is a serious message throughout the event, and we are particularly keen to remember the sacrifices made by the many thousands of railwaymen and women who served on the Home Front.’

Article courtesy of RailStaff Newspaper.