Remembering the St John’s Rail Disaster, Lewisham

In Remembering the St John’s Rail Disaster, Lewisham, Dr Tony Redding presents a detailed analysis of the terrible consequences for those caught up in the tragedy.On Wednesday, 4 December 1957, the 4.56 p.m. steam express for Ramsgate left London’s Cannon Street over an hour late, due to thick fog. The driver at the controls of the locomotive knew the route like the back of his hand, yet the express somehow passed two caution signals at speed between New Cross and St John’s, ploughing at 30mph into the rear of a stationary electric train packed with 1,500 passengers.This catastrophic collision at St John’s, Lewisham, was the third worst in British railway history. Over 200 people were injured and 90 died.‘As a young man of 15 years and a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, I was a first responder to the St John’s, Lewisham, rail crash. I witnessed it but it seemed like a dream. It was not until I talked to the author of this book that I realised the full horror of the event and how it impacted so many lives, even to the present day.’ – DAVE WADE, St John Ambulance first aider‘This book is a heartfelt tribute to all those involved in that dreadful train crash. A wonderful account of moving stories from the victims and rescuers, presenting the facts and the aftermath.’ – JEAN FERGUSON, survivor‘As a survivor, I have learned from this book much more than I was previously aware of. A good mix of technical facts and human stories. Perhaps not a book for those of a nervous disposition.’ – JOAN REMNANT, survivor‘As someone who survived this train crash, I believe this book to be a fitting tribute to everyone whose lives were touched by the disaster. A deeply moving account told with skill and compassion and an important record for future generations.’ – PATRICIA YASEEN, survivor