Memorial Planned for Catterick Bridge Rail Explosion
A memorial is set to honor victims of the 1944 Catterick Bridge rail explosion in North Yorkshire
Catterick Bridge, North Yorkshire, Rishi Sunak, Memorial, 1944 Explosion
Catterick Bridge: A local resident is working hard to set up a memorial for the tragic railway disaster that happened back in 1944. This is taking place in Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond.
With support from Rishi Sunak and the North Yorkshire Council, a memorial stone is being built. It will be placed near the old railway station on Gatherley Road.
The explosion destroyed the Railway Hotel and caused a lot of damage. It’s hoped that Rishi Sunak and local council members will be there for the unveiling, though they haven’t set a date yet.
On February 4, 1944, a munitions depot near the Catterick railway station exploded, killing 12 people and injuring over 100. It was a devastating event that shook the community.
Just days before, soldiers were moving a lot of ammunition in preparation for D-Day. Witnesses saw them handling the crates roughly, which was concerning.
Then, out of nowhere, a loud bang rocked the area. Six trucks loaded with grenades went off, causing tons of incendiary bombs to explode.
The destruction was immense. The Railway Hotel, several houses, and a café were completely wiped out. A packed bus and people waiting at the station were lucky to escape unharmed.
Incredibly, a nearby fuel depot and a massive bomb didn’t explode, which could have made things even worse.
Amid the chaos, some brave souls emerged. John Weller, who was thrown from his hut, saved three men from a burning building, risking his life in the process.
For his bravery, he received the Edward Medal from King George VI, which is now displayed at the Green Howards Museum in Richmond.
The explosion took a heavy toll, with six civilians and six servicemen losing their lives. Four soldiers were tragically killed, and their remains were only found as fragments.
They are buried together in Hornby churchyard. This memorial will honor them and all the others who lost their lives that day.
Rishi Sunak has emphasized how important this memorial is for remembering this significant moment in North Yorkshire’s history.
He mentioned how pleased he is to support the community in this effort, highlighting the need to remember those who lost their lives in such a tragic event.