First World War memorial plaque unveiled at Wolverhampton Train Station
West Midlands Railway has unveiled a restored plaque commemorating rail workers who lost their lives during the First World War.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Linda Leach, unveiled the restored tablet on Friday, May 2, which lists employees of the goods department of the London and North Western Railway in Wolverhampton who died in the conflict.
Members of the Royal British Legion (RBL) were in attendance alongside West Midlands Railway representatives to unveil the golden tablet at Wolverhampton Railway Station, with the RBL leading a minute's silence to remember the lives lost.
Sign up to our free daily Wolverhampton newsletter for the latest news, views and features
The plaque lists more than 60 names of those lost from the rail service in Wolverhampton, including goods porters, loaders, clerks, guards and stablemen.
Also listed are the birthplaces of those remembered, which include Walsall, Darlaston, Wolverhampton, Willenhall, Pedmore, West Bromwich, Brownhills, and many more.
The memorial plaque was originally erected at Wolverhampton Station and is thought to have been later moved to the passenger footbridge in the 60s or 70s.
The memorial has now been reinstalled in a more central location of Wolverhampton Station, with the tablet now sitting on the wall on the concourse.
Robert Goode, head of property at West Midlands Railway, said: "We hope that by giving this memorial a new lease of life, it will help to keep the memories alive of all those listed. Thank you to Paul Edmunds in my team who identified the opportunity to restore the plaque and made it happen.
“It’s possible that relations of these LNWR staff members are still living in Wolverhampton today. To any who want to reach out to us, we’d be happy to host you at the station to see the plaque in person."
The refurbishment work was undertaken by the Railway Heritage Trust, who commissioned the specialist restoration company, Lewis Howes Signs and Engraving, to bring the inscription back to pristine condition.
The company also created a bespoke hardwood frame as backing for the plaque.
Councillor Linda Leach, mayor of Wolverhampton, said: "Those remembered on this tablet were local people, who served in World War One for their country and for us all.
"I’m pleased to unveil it following this restoration project, and hope to see it remain in the station for years to come, so all passers-through can see it and remember their sacrifice.”
