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THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES 

THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F.,  THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS 

& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES


WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE THEIR WORKING LIVES

 THE RAILWAY DOGS


A faithful and clever animal formerly known to many passenger on the London and  Brighton the tidal train between London 

Bridge and Newhaven for the Dieppe steam boats.

NATIONAL UNION OF RAILWAYMEN COLLECTION


 Help the noble Railway Dog 


This photo was taken from the book title is 50 years of Railway Trade Unionism, the story of the N.U.R. published in c1920 

The first railway dog can be traced back to 1881, he was called “HELP” and collected money for the  Orphan Fund” of the 

Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.


This famous dog, a pure Scotch Collie was a gentle and beautiful creature. He was recog­nised as the “Railway Dog of 

England,” and was a most successful commercial traveller on behalf of the Railway Servants Orphan Fund.

During his life he collected £1004. (1882 -1891). Mr. John Climpson, passenger guard of the evening tidal Newhaven Night 

Boat train on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway for close on forty years, conceived the idea of training a dog for 

collecting purpose, and to carry an innovation for money to be given by the the passengers and others in aid of the Orphan 

Fund. “Help” was supplied through the agency of the Rev. Dr. Norman Macleod, by the assistance of Mr. W. Riddell, of 

Hailes, Haddington, procured a suitable dog for the service; indeed, the animal was a gift from Mr. Riddell, and Help was 

admirably suited for the work.
After being trained by Mr. Climpson, “Help travelled 

extensively from 1882 until 1891 throughout England, 

Scotland, Ireland and Wales and twice crossed the channel 

to France.

He carried a handsome silver collar, bearing a handsome 

silver Medal endorsed “I am Help the railway dog of 

England, and travelling agent for the orphans of 

railwaymen who are killed on duty” plus “My office is at 

55, Colebrook Row,  London, where subscriptions will be 

thankfully received and duly acknowledged,” to which 

interested persons could send donations. 

At the Bristol dog Show in 1884 “Help” was presented 

with a silver medal, and Mr. F.W. Hughes of the Gresham 

Club, present him with a silver collar and tablet. Help died 

in Newhaven in 1891. 


 

PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Above is the rear of an Amalgamated Society of Railway 

Servants (A.S.R.S.) fob, which features the “Railway Dog".  

This badge is extremely rare and is over 100 years old.

The amalgamation in 1923 of the London South Western with the London Brighton and South Coast and the South Eastern 

and Chatham Railways extended the area for fund raising, but at the same time increased the number of children requiring 

help and care, and by now dogs were collecting at all London Termini and large stations down the Thames to Dover, then 

round the coast to Plymouth and beyond. 


help

PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Help is reproduced from a capital lithograph executed by the Newcastle artist, Mr. Wilson Hepple



CLICK ON ICON FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING 
THE HISTORY OF 

RAILWAY DOGS

OTHER DOGS USED FOR RAISING FUNDS ON THE L. B. & S. C. R.


PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Above Station Master Gage with Bob the Railway Dog


PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Railway Dog ‘Hector’ & National Fund C1914

Brighton Bob mixed with commuters, sometimes boarding trains on their own to encourage more giving by passengers. He 

barked, “ hook hands” and performed tricks for money, their exploits frequently reported in the national and regional press. 

Brighton Bob could be a bit dishonest, he collect coins in his mouth and gave them in,  but secure boxes had to be tied to him 

after a journalist for a Christian magazine discovered in the 1860s that Brighton Bob was using some of his money to buy 

biscuits at a bakery. Railway dogs, were usually looked after and trained by railway staff and proved popular and lucrative.

Information extract & adapted from the Old Southeronians Association Website Which was written 

By H.T. Hunt  

JACK THE RAILWAY DOG

Courtesy of Mick Symes


There have been many dogs over the years that have been associated with the railways, and one such dog was well k dog was 

“Jack,” who was well known all over the L. B. & S. C. Railway. 


JACK THE RAILWAY DOG

August 1879

“Jack”the railway dog. Whilst waiting at the Horsham 

station on Friday night for the 9.20 up train, our attention 

was attracted by a little rough dog which scampered up the 

platform and leaped up on to the engine. On making home 

enquiries of the guard in charge go the trains to the meaning 

of this eccentric behaviour on the part of the annual, we 

were informed that he was known as “Jack” the railway dog, 

and was in  the habit of constantly travelling on the Brighton 

line from Lewes via Brighton and Horsham to London, and 

vice versa, generally travelling on the engine in fine weather, 

and in wet weather hob-mobbing with the guards in their 

breaks. nobody knows to whom he belongs, and he takes the 

food given him by the railwaymen’s a matter of course as 

recognised for his company. Jack has thoroughly warmed 

himself into the affections of the engine drivers and guards, 

both of whom take the greatest interest in their canine 

passenger; and should Jack ever fail to put in an appearance 

on the starting of the trains usually patronised by him, many 

are the enquiries, “ here’s our little dog, Jack.”  

RIGHT: Jack the Railway Dog July 18th 1885

E. REEVES COLLECTION

December 1880 


“Bob”, the once well known fireman’s dog, has a rival in “Jack” the railway dog. This sagacious animal passes his time in 

railway trains, and is well known at Brighton, Lewes, Hastings, London Bridge, and Peckham Rye. He travels with the guard, 

and take his repose at whatever terminus the train he happens to be in at night times arrives at. His taste lies peculiarly in the 

direction of all things appertaining to railways, as he will take no notice of any one not wearing a railway uniform. 

A South London guard on one occasion took him home. Jack went peacefully enough, but directly the man changed his 

clothes, and put on the garments of everyday life, Jack began to be uneasy, and at length bolted back to Peckham Rye. Jack is 

quite unoriginal in his way.  


21 January 1882

Accident to “Jack,” the Railway Dog. On Friday morning a serious accident happened to “Jack,” the London, Brighton, and 

South Coast Railway dog. He was crossing the up main line at Norwood Junction station when the Brighton mail train came 

along, and before the animal could reach the platform the engine caught him, and crushed his foot. A local veterinary surgeon 

was at once summoned by the officials, and the dog’s injuries having been attended to, he was placed in the care of a guard of 

an Eastbourne goods trains, by whom he was handed over to his master. Mr. Moore, the station master at Lewes. The accident 

has since necessitated the amputation of one of the dog’s legs, a surgeon very successfully performing the operation while the 

animal was under the influence of chloroform.

No difficulty is anticipated as to Jack’s future locomotion on three legs, although the radius of his operations will be 

necessarily more limited. Hitherto it has been from Paris to Scotland. The last previous appearance of Jack in Lewes was 

when had just returned from a wedding at Berwick, and he arrived gaily beckoned with ribbons in honour of the event.


THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE RAILWAY STATION

The remains of the unfortunate young fellow Page (who died from injuries sustained in an accident on the goods station), were 

interred in St. John’s churchyard on Sunday afternoon. The funeral was attended by a large number of railway employees as 

well as of members of Court Lewes Castle A.O.F., of which the deceased was a member. “Railway Jack” was also present, 

wearing a crape collar. 

The famous L. B. & S. C. Railway dog “Jack” has just reached Eastbourne station by one of the afternoon trains unexpectedly, 

and without guidance, otherwise than wonderful animal instinct to join in the procession of the funeral of Inspector Bryant, an 

official who had the honour of a large public burial. The noted dog just reached Eastbourne in time, found its way to the 

funeral, and solemnly followed the corpse to the cemetery, to the astonishment of everybody. The dog also joined the 

procession from the cemetery back again. 

Railway Jack, the canine celebrity has just met with an accident which seemed likely to terminate his eccentric career. He had 

been absent from his home, Lewes Station, about a fortnight till brought back with his left foreleg crushed. Jack was at 

Norwood Junction late on the previous evening, and crossed the metals just as fast train was running through. He missed his 

hold in jumping on to the opposite platform, and fell under the engine of the approaching train. Jack’s left fore foot was 

completely crushed, and the radius servers fractured. The Norwood station master at once took him to a surgeon, who bound 

up the dog’s legal the same time expressing an opinion that the limb must either amputated or the animal killed. Mr. Moore, 

station superintendent at Lewes, was at once communicated with and the dog sent home. On arrival Jack was at once taken to 

Mr Stock, veterinary surgeon at Lewes, and, with the assistance of Mr. J.P. Braden, surgeon, he very successfully amputated 

the limb close to the shoulder, The operation was performed while the dog was under the influence of chloroform.   

At a quarter past five their Royal Highnesses got back to station, where, at the especial quest of the Princess, Lady Brassey 

presented to her the famous Railway Jack,” who had been sent on to Eastbourne from his home in the station master’s office 

at Lewes early in the day. The Princess, who had heard a great deal about the dog, was very glad to have this opportunity of 

seeing him, and she took away with her two photographs, one representing him seated up on a trunk before he lost his foreleg, 

the other taken since the accident, which has compelled him to a more sedentary existence.


November 1890

A famous dog, which had more than once had the honour of presentation to Royalty, died on Monday at the house of his 

master, Mr. F.G. Moore, Mayfield Sussex. Mr. Moore was formerly stationmaster at Lewes, and his dog. “Railway Jack,” was 

known far and wide as a traveller. He began by taking the train to Brighton and Newhaven, and then extended his journey to 

London, Dover, and Canterbury, and after went as far afield as Exeter, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, but always returned to Lewes. 

Once, at Eastbourne, the late Lady Brassey presented “Jack” to the Prince and Princess of Wales, and he was introduced to 

Prince and Princess of Saxe Weimar at Cowes. He was a great favourite everywhere, had three fine collars given him and a 

silver medal. “Jack” was nearly thirteen when he  ended his notable career.  

THE BRIGHTON BRANCH OF A.S.L.E.&F. WEBSITE.


 HAS NOW BEEN MOVED TO A NEW SITE CALLED


IGNITING THE FLAMING OF UNITY



https://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/



PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW 

TO TRANSFER TO THIS NEW SITE

 

 



CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO TAKE YOU 

TO THE NEW UPDATED COMBINED AND WEBSITE


IGNITING THE FLAME OF UNITY WEBSITE


https://ignitingtheflameofunity.yolasite.com/


THIS WEBSITE COMBINES THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES 

THE BRIGHTON A.S.L.E.&F.,  THE BRIGHTON MOTIVE POWER DEPOTS 

& THE SUSSEX MOTIVE POWER WEBSITES


WHICH EXPLAINS THE EVOLUTION OF THE FOOTPLATE GRADES AND THE 

HISTORY OF THEIR TRADE UNIONS AND THE STRUGGLES TO IMPROVE 

THEIR WORKING LIVES

 

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