PHOTOGRAPHIC

Railway Transport Officers Staff Belfast 1921 and 1922

Photograph

Thompson, Belfast (Primary maker)

1922
1922

Northern Ireland: County Antrim: Belfast
Belfast

Black and white photograph (group shot) mounted on card showing the Belfast Railway Transport Officers at York Road station. The government took over control of the railway during the First World war from 1917 to 1921/22. The eight officers are wearing full uniforms. The front row is sitting down on chairs while the back is standing. The names and titles of the officers are written on the back of the card and are (left to right, back): Lt. Capt. Wheeler, G. (1st Bn K.R.R.G.), Pte (private) Broad, G. (1st Norfolk Reg.), Pte. Coomber, P. (1st Bn som. L. Inf.), Pte. Reynolds, R. (1st Bn Norfolk Reg.). (left to right, front:) Seagt. Hallett, S. (1st Bn [...] Regt.), Lieut. J. H. Gaston (Royal Ulster Rifles), Capt. H. B. Ward (Roy. Irish [...]), Capt. Shean, W. (1st Bn Som. L. Inf.). J. H. Gaston, (grandfather of donor), served the old Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company for forty-one years and spent his entire business life at York Road station. During the First World War he volunteered for active service and served in France with the 12th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles (Central Antrim Volunteers). Was injured and subsequently appointed to Railway Transport duties. He was also a member of the Whitehead Unionist Association, acted as their secretary for a while and was 'keenly interested in Freemasonry' (obituary).

paper, card

BELUM.W2013.68

National Museums NI