Two new plaques unveiled to celebrate Bridlington railway war heroes

Two new blue plaques paying tribute to World War Two railway heroes have been unveiled at one of Northern’s East Yorkshire stations - after a local author discovered their story.
By Louise Hollingsworth
Published 20th Feb 2024, 10:50 BST
Updated 21st Feb 2024, 11:55 BST
Two new blue plaques paying tribute to World War Two railway heroes have been unveiled at one of Northern’s East Yorkshire stations - after a local historian discovered their story.Two new blue plaques paying tribute to World War Two railway heroes have been unveiled at one of Northern’s East Yorkshire stations - after a local historian discovered their story.
Two new blue plaques paying tribute to World War Two railway heroes have been unveiled at one of Northern’s East Yorkshire stations - after a local historian discovered their story.

The presentation follows research and a subsequent campaign by Bridlington author Richard M Jones to get them recognised for their brave exploits at the transport hub.

Previously, a plaque honouring courageous ticket collector Ernest Barker was installed at the station, but Mr Jones’ research found that two other railway men also battled blazes alongside Mr Barker.

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Northern and members of the community, including the British Legion, Network Rail and the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership attended a celebration at Bridlington station, where the additional tributes were unveiled to Arthur Harrison and George Whitehurst.

Northern and members of the community, including the British Legion, Network Rail and the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership attended a celebration at Bridlington station, where the additional tributes were unveiled to Arthur Harrison and George Whitehurst.Northern and members of the community, including the British Legion, Network Rail and the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership attended a celebration at Bridlington station, where the additional tributes were unveiled to Arthur Harrison and George Whitehurst.
Northern and members of the community, including the British Legion, Network Rail and the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership attended a celebration at Bridlington station, where the additional tributes were unveiled to Arthur Harrison and George Whitehurst.

The heroic railway workers saved lives by battling a fire after a bomb hit the station yard close to a train carriage full of ammunition.

The brave act was carried out on July 11, 1940, as an unexpected raid by a German bomber caused devastation on nearby Hilderthorpe Road. Five people died as blasts destroyed buildings.

Kerry Peters, regional director at Northern said: “We are so pleased to be able to pay tribute to these local heroes and the heritage of Bridlington station. A special thank you to historian Richard M Jones for his tireless research.

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“I’d like to thank everyone for attending the event and we are delighted to be a part of this community project.”

Richard M Jones said: “I would like to also say a huge thanks to Richard Isaac from Northern who corresponded with me throughout this and pulled a lot of strings here and there to make sure this happened.

"He is obviously passionate about railway heritage and thanks to him all three plaques are now honouring the heroes of the July 11 raid.”

Mr Jones’ talk will take place on Thursday, March 21 at 3pm at Bridlington Library.

Spaces are filling up fast, so call Central Library on 01262 672917 to book a seat.

Related topics:Richard M JonesBridlingtonEast YorkshireNetwork Rail