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 TRAIN CRASH AT WIVELSFIELD STATION


23rd DECEMBER 1899


Involving enginemen


Driver Thomas Wright and his Fireman Frederick Barrows (Btn/Nhvn)


& Driver Alfred Westlake and his Fireman William Franklin (Battersea) 


Extracted and adapted from the report by 

F.A. Marindin, Colonel


 

 

 PHOTOGRAPHER UNKNOWN

Dense fog brought disaster at Wivelsfield on 23rd December, 1899, the 5.45 p.m. up Pullman express consisting of engine, 

tender and 10 vehicles, worked by Driver Westlake and his Fireman William Franklyn both of Battersea shed, which at had left 

Brighton at 5.52 p.m. seven minutes late ran at considerable speed into the rear of the 5.35 p.m. up ‘Boat Express’ from 

Newhaven, consisting of engine, tender, and 12 vehicles,  Driver Thomas Wright and his Fireman Frederick Barrows, which had 

been stopped at Wivelsfield up starting signal, for about five minutes, and had just start in its journey, and run forward for about 

40 yards. The collision took place at about 6.14 p.m., and the results were disastrous.

The three rear vehicles in the boat train, viz., a composite carriage, a second class, and a brake van were practically destroyed; 

a composite carriage, the forth vehicle from the rear, had three compartments broken up, and two other vehicles were slightly 

damaged.

The engine 'B2' Class 4-4-0, No. 206 ‘Smeaton’, of the Pullman train was upset, and was lying on its side across the down line 

about 44 yards north of the point of collision, badly damaged; the tender was of the rails, across the 6 foot way and the up line; 

the remains of the front brake van, which was broken up, were also across the line, partly over the edge of the embankment, and 

buffer locked with the tender; the next vehicle, a bogie composite carriage, was badly telescoped with the brake van, and off the 

rails; the next a first class saloon carriage, was off the rails, and considerably damaged; the next,another first class saloon 

carriage, was off the rails and broken up, having been telescoped by the vehicle next behind it, a Pullman car, which as off the 

rails with the bogie wheels knocked from under it and considerably damaged. The other five vehicles in the train were on the 

trails and not damages.

One passenger in the boat train, one in the Pullman train, and the rear guard of the boat train, were killed upon the spot, and 

three other passengers, who were in the boat train, the same day or the next. Ten passengers in the boat train, and seven in the 

Pullman train, were injured, the injuries in ten cases being serious, and the fireman William Franklyn  and both guards of the 

Brighton train were injured.

In the permanent of the trains was as follows:-

 The 5.35 p.m. up Boat Train

Gladstone Class engine No. 193 ‘Freemantle’ and tender, 1 first class carriage, brake van, 2 bogie composite carriage, Pullman 

car ‘Queen,’ 2 bogie composite carriages, brake van, 2 bogie composite, and 1 second class carriage, and brake van; or 12 

vehicles, equal in weight to 19, all fitted with the Westinghouse brake. The length of the train was 574 feet 3 inches, and the 

weight 278 tons 5 cwt., of which all but 22 tons 3cwt. was on braked wheels.

 

The 5.45 p.m. up Pullman Train

Gladstone class 4-4-0, No. 206 ‘Smeaton’ and tender, brake van, 1 bogie composite, and 2 first class saloon carriages, 2 

Pullman cars ‘Maud’ and ‘Arundel’, 1 bogie composite, 1 invalid, and 1 bogie composite carriages, and brake van; or 10 

vehicles, equal in weight to 15, all fitted with the Westinghouse brake. The length of the train was 496 feet 7 inches, and the 

weight 245 tons 14 cwt., of which all but 30 tons 2 cwt. was on braked wheels.   

 

Description 

Wivelsfield station, the scene of this accident, is 10 miles 1 chains from Brighton, 66 chains north of Burgess Hill station, and 2 

miles 75 chains north of Hassock station. The main line is double, nearly straight, and running north and south, and at a point 

between Burgess Hill and Wivelsfield, 900 yards north of the centre of the former station, and 428 yards south of the centre f the 

latter station, the branch line from Newhaven, running east, joins the main line at Keymer Junction with tailing points on the up 

line.

Approaching Wivelsfield from the south the line falls from Hasocks station for some distance towardsBurgess ill station, then 

rises for a short distance, is level through Burgess Hill station, and then falls to Wivelsfield on a gradient of 1 in 264.

There are block signal cabins at Burgess Hill, south of the station, Keymer Junction, opposite to the junction points, and 

Wivelsfield, south of the station. The distances between these block cabins are :-

From Burges Hill cabin to Keymer Junction cabin 1,190 yards

From Keymer Junction cabin to Wivelsfield cabin 315 yards.

The only signals to which it is necessary to refer are the Burgess Hill up starting signal, the up main distant and up main home 

signals for Keymer Junction, and the Wivelsfield up starting signal.

Burgess Hill up starting signal is on the up side of the line, about 87 yards not the of the the north end of Burgess Hill station. 

The semaphore arm is 14 feet, and the lamp 11 feet, above rail level.

Keymer Junction up main distant signal is on the down side of the line, exactly opposite to Burgess Hill up starting signal, and 

842 yards from Keymer Junction cabin. It has duplicate signals, one high and the other low; the semaphore and lamp of the 

former being respectively 65 feet and 61 feet above rail level, and of the latter 18 feet and 14 feet above rail level.

Keymer Junction up main home signal is on the up side of the line, 142 yards south of the Keymer Junction signal cabin; the 

semaphore arm being 58 feet and the lamp 54 feet above rail level.

Wivelsfield signal cabin, the semaphore arm being 50 feet, and the lamp 44 feet, above rail level.

There is no up home or distant signal worked from Wivelsfield signal cabin, but the levers in the junction cabin working Keymer 

Junction up main home and distant signals (as well as the up branch signals, which need not be described), are so controlled 

from Wivelsfield cabin that they cannot be taken off without the joint action of the two signalmen, and therefore the only signal 

acting as an up main home signal, for Wivelsfield cabin is 457 yards south of this cabin. The point of collision, as nearly as it 

can be fixed, was about 260 yards north of Wivelsfield cabin, 575 north of Keymer Junction cabin, and 717 yards north of 

Keymer Junction up main home signal. The line here is on an embankment.

Extracts from the Company’s Book of Rules and Regulations, detailing the rules bearing upon this accident are given in an 

Appendix. The line is worked upon the block system, and the following is the only instruction in the general rules for block 

working as to the conditions under the “Line Clear” signal may be give,

“Unless special instructions are given to the country, as explained below, the “Line Clear” signal must never be given until the 

train or engine has passed the signal box with tail lamp or lamps complete, and is proceeding forward; and, in the case of a 

stopping train, not until the work of the stain has been performed, and the train is proceeding forward, or has been shunted into 

a siding clear of the main line”    

The following is the only “special instruction” in regard to this place:- 

“Keymer Junction signalman must not allow an up train to come from the Keymer line after he has given up main line clear to 

Burgess Hill, until the train from the latter station has been passed.”

 

Evidence 

Thomas Wright, states: I have been 29 years in the service, and a driver for 14 1/2 years. On the 23rd December I came on 

duty at 8.55 a.m. to work until about 9 p.m. I would not have been away from my engine all day. My engine (No. 193) is a 

wheeled engine with driving wheels and leading wheels coupled. It is fitted with the Westinghouse brake working blocks on the 

four coupled wheels and on the six tender wheels. I left Newhaven with the 5.35 p.m. up boat train at right time. The train was 

equal to 18 vehicles, about the usual weight. It was foggy all the way, and I lost a little time. With the exception of Lewes up 

distant signal, where I was checked, all the signals were off for me. This signal was at danger and I ran over a fog signal. I 

pulled up to walking pace and came slowly up to Keymer Crossing up home signal which was off. The Keymer Junction up 

distant signal was on and I ran over fog signals. I came on at asking pace into Wivelsfield station, where I stopped with my 

engine within a few yards of the up starting signal. I stood thee for about five minutes when the signal was lowered. I opened the 

regulator and started. I had run about four carriage lengths when I felt something run into the rear of my train. My mate was 

knocked across the footplate, but I was not moved. I stopped as soon as I could. The brakes were applied automatically. I did 

not run more than four carriage lengths. I went back to the front guard and asked if he knew what was the matter. He was in the 

second vehicle from the tender and the train was broken behind his brake van. I then went and gave assistance at the wrecked 

carriages. It was very foggy at the time. I had seen all the signals on the journey, but not until I was near to them. It is not usual 

to be stopped so long at Wivelsfield. As soon as I saw what had happened I ran across to the man fogging on the down line, and 

told him to put down fogs and to go back 50 yards and put down another half dozen. He said he would. 

 

Frederick John Barrows, states: I have been 16 years in the service, and a fireman for 9 1/2 years. On the 23rd December I 

was firing with driver Wright. I have heard his evidence and it is correct.

 

Allimus Miles, states: I have been 35 years in the service, and 32 a guard.  On December 23rd I was a guard of the 5.35 up 

boat train from Newhaven. It was made up as follows:- Engine and tender, empty first class carriage, brake van (in which I was 

riding), two bogie composites, Pullman car, two bogie composites, brake van (empty), two bogie composites and a brake van, in 

which there was guard Davis. I have no note of a second class carriage in front of the rear brake van, in the London Bridge 

portion of the train. It may have been added after I took my notes. We started at right time. It was foggy all the way from Lewes 

to Wivelsfield, and we lost a little time. We were checked at the Keymer Crossing signals, and came very slowly into Wivelsfield, 

coming to a stand at the up starting signal. In my experience during a fog, if drivers do not see the fixed signals, and do not run 

over fog signals at a distant signal. I have worked the boat train for 15 months, and it is very seldom that we are in front of the 

Pullman train. The train was pretty full. I think there were 104 passengers, mostly in the Victoria portion which was in the front. 

none of the carriages in this portion were off the rails although some were damaged. The London Bridge portion was broken up. 

 

Alfred Westlake, states: I have been 24 years in the service, and a driver for 20 1/2 years. On the 23rd December I came on 

duty at 10.35 a.m. at Battersea to work till about 7.30 p.m. My engine (No. 206) is an eight wheeled engine with leading bogie, 

and driving trailing wheels coupled. It is fitted with a Westinghouse brake, working blocks on the four coupled wheels. I was 

driver of the 5.45 p.m. up Pullman express from Brighton. I heard the train was equal to 18, but I do not know how it was made 

up. The whole train was fitted with the Westinghouse brake. We started a few minutes late; I am not sure how much, but I think 

about 6 minutes. The train was not timed to stop until it reached Grosvenor Road, Victoria. It was very foggy all the way. I ran 

over no fog signals on the way, but I was able to see all the signals when I got up to them, and all were off. We passed Burgess 

Hill withe Burgess Hill signals off for me running at about 35 miles an hour. I was losing time, as I was running cautiously 

owing to the fog. The fog was not so thick at some places as to others, and I saw the Burgess Hill up distant signal some 90 

yards away; at other places I could not see them any distance off. It got very thick again after passing Burgess Hill up distant 

signal. I was riding on the left side of the footplate. I did not see the Burgess Hill up starting signal or the Keymer up distant 

signal. I knew I had passed them for I had stepped across the footplate to look at the Keymer Junction up distant signal, and 

that is how I missed the up starter. I went back to my own side to keep a look out for the Keymer Junction up home signal. I did 

not see that either. I said to my mate, “I cannot see anything my side - look out.” The reason I said that was that he was firing, 

and he put his shovel back and looked out. I continued to look out my side, and just then my fireman said. “Red light out of the 

box, mate.” At that time my speed was about 35 miles an hours. I had not checked the speed by using my brake, but I had been 

running from Hassocks to Burgess Hill up distant with my steam off, and on seeing that off I had applied steam just a trifle. I 

had a pressure of 70lbs on my Westinghouse brake gauge. I at once applied my brakes full power and it acted well, going on 

with a grip. My steam was off at the time, as I had shut it off at Burgess Hill before I seeped across to look for Keymer Junction 

up distant signal. I think my brake as well on when entering Wivelsfield station platform. I reduced my speed considerably 

before the collision occurred,at which time I estimate my speed to have been about 25 miles an hour. I remained on my engine 

and was not hurt at all. I ad seen the tail lights on the boat train, but not more than 20 yards away. By that time I had done all I 

could to stop. My brake was hard on and my engine was reversed. I had not time to apply steam. My engine seemed to run some 

way before it came to a stand when it was turned on its side across the down line. I had not seen fogmen out anywhere on the 

journey, but all the signals up to Keymer Junction up distant signal I had seen off. I did not go back to see how the Keymer 

Junction signals were standing after the collision. I did not sound my whistle before the collision. My fireman applied the tender 

brake. The sand boxes were not opened. I know rule No. 61a. I was misled by having a clear road all the way, and not finding 

any fogmen out, although it was not a sudden fog, but had been on for over two or two and a half hours. If it had been a sudden 

fog, I would have stopped when I passed the signals without seeing them. If there had been fogmen I should have got a green 

light signal from them at signals which were all right. The up distant signal for Keymer Junction is a good signal on a clear day, 

although it is on the wrong side of the line, but it is  bad signal on a misty day. I think that it is misleading, when a long train is 

standing at Wivelsfield up starting signal, to allow a train to run up to Keymer Junction up home signal, without some longer 

warning than Keymer Junction up distant signal, especially in bad weather. I think that it would be better that the Burgess Hill 

up distant should be kept at danger when the Keymer Junction up distant signal is at danger. I think that the reason that I 

missed the Keymer Junction up distant signal was that on stepping a cross I had the glare of the fire in my face, and there was a 

lot of steam and fog about. I have  been driving on the main line from Brighton to London for about five years. i have never 

made any complaint about the signals. The fog was thicker at Keymer Junction than it was at any other part of the line. I think I 

missed the Keymer Junction up home signal because it is on a high post.      

 

William James Franklin, states: I have been 15 1/2 years in the service, and 10 years a fireman. On the 23rd December, I 

was fireman with driver Westlake. I have heard his evidence and it is correct. It was at the Wivelsfield signal box that I saw the 

red light. I was hurt on the head in the collision, and on the shoulder when helping to get the people out  of the damaged train. 

 

John Woodhead, states: I am out door locomotive superintendent at Brighton. 6.45 p.m. on December 23rd I received a 

telegram saying a serious collision had occurred at Wivelsfield, and that both up and down lines were block. I at once went to 

the running shed to arrange for the sending of the break down gand and steam crane, which ready to leave soon after 7 p.m., 

but which did not start until 7.30 p.m., in consequence of waiting for doctors who had been sent for. In the morning I had 

arranged for the breakdown gang to be ready for emergencies from 2 p.m. till all trains had left. Om receipt of the message I 

ires Mr. Billinton, locomotive superintendent, and he joined the train at Preston Park. We arrived at Wivelsfield about 7.50 p.m., 

and seeing the serious result of the accident the break down gangs from New Cross and Battersea, and the steam crane from 

New Cross, were telegraphed for and instructions given for strong gangs of men to be sent immediately. While looking round the 

scene of the accident. I was applied to for engine and carriages to convey injured to Brighton, and for this purpose the Pullman 

car, Arundel, and three carriages which had formed the rear portion of the 5.45 p.m. Brigton to Victoria train, and which had 

not been damaged, were detached from the damaged portion and taken to the down side, all the wheels being while the injured 

passengers were being in the train, which was worked to Brighton by engine which had brought up the break down gang. The 

Pullman train I found in the following condition:- The engine, No.206, ’Smeaton” (four wheels coupled bogie) was over on its 

side on down line, the trailing wheels lying slightly in the six feet way; the tender was on its wheels, but across the six feet and 

up lines; the next vehicle, a brake van, was also across the line, partially down the bank, and lock buffered with the tender; the 

next vehicle was a bogie composite, and was partially telescoped with brake van and off the rails; the next vehicle, a first class 

saloon, was off the rails; the next vehicle, a saloon, was off the rails, and partially telescoped in Pullman car “Maud,” which 

was off the rails, and its bogie wheels knocked partially from under it; the rest of the train consisted of the undamaged stock 

which conveyed the injured to Brighton. When the injured had left for Brighton, another engine came from Brighton, and we 

commenced to replace carriages on the metals. I only had time to glance at the boat train, and saw that the brake van and a 

carriage were partially down the bank, and that a bogie carriage had been knocked off its framing. I can say nothing more 

about the boat train, as being away to get train for injured, I remained working at the south end of the scene of accident, getting 

the carriages on the rails. The break down gangs from New Cross and Battersea arrived sometime after 10 p.m., and 

commenced working at the north end of the scene of accident. In the meantime the engine and undamaged carriages of the boat 

train formed a ’special’ to London, taking many of the injured who were conveyed to Guy’s hospital. We got the engine and 

tender and all the carriages on the line soon after 3.30 a.m. on 24 ultimo. I found the line very much damaged; the rails were 

torn from the sleepers and bent.      

 

Charles Henry Viney, states: I have been 26 years in the service, and a signalman for 18 years, 9 years at Wivelsfield. On the 

23rd December I came on duty at 3 p.m. for nine hours (about). In my cabin there are eight working levers. We work absolute 

block in both directions viz: to Keymer Junction, southwards, and Folly Hill, northwards. We work under the ordinary rules 

with no special instructions. I have no independent up home or up distant signal, but I control Keymer Junction up home and 

distant signals, both for main and branch. The following are block signals recorded in book:-

for the 5.20 p.m. up train from Lewes. 

Approaching signal received from Keymer Junction 5.54

Line clear given to Keymer Junction 5.55

Entering section signal received from Keymer Junction 5.57

Arrival signal given to Keymer Junction 5.57

Approaching signal given to Folly Hill 5.57

Line clear received from Folly Hill 5.57

Entering section signal given to Folly Hill 5.59

Arrival signal received from Folly Hill 6.14

The 5.35 p.m. up train from Newhaven (the boat train).

 Approaching signal received from Keymer Junction 6.2

Line clear given to Keymer Junction 6.2

Entering section signal received from Keymer Junction 6.8

Arrival signal given to Keymer Junction 6.9

Approaching signal given to Folly Hill 6.14

Line clear received from Folly Hill 6.14

Entering section given to Folly Hill 6.14

The 5.45 p.m. up Pullman train from Brighton

Train approaching signal received from Keymer Junction 6.10

I did not give the “line clear” signal, and I have no other signal recorded for this train. When the boat train was approaching, 

all my up signals were at danger, because I had not received the line clear from Folly Hill for the preceding train. I pulled off 

my up home signal lever controlling the Keymer up branch home as soon as I got the train on from Keymer Junction at 6.8 The 

train stopped with the engine near my up starting signal, which was at danger. It stopped for five minutes. At 6.14 I lowered the 

starting signals, but I cannot say for certain whether the train started or not. I got the train approaching signal for the Pullman 

train at 6.10, which would be when the train left Hassocks. My main line signal levers remained at danger. There is no back 

light on the home signal, but the signal was and is in good working order, and I have no doubt the arm was at danger. I heard 

the Pullman train approaching through the junction as soon as I had pulled off my up starting signal. There was no time to go 

out to put down fog signals, so I got my hand lamp and waved a red light from the window. I believed it was seen.The train 

passed my box at about 6.14, or almost immediately after I had pulled off my up starting signal. It was running at 50 miles an 

hour I should say. I cannot say whether steam was on or off, or whether or not the brakes were applied. I heard the crash of the 

collision almost immediately. The whole train had passed my cabin. I did not hear any whistling from the engine. It was a very 

thick evening. It was a thick when I came on at 3 o’clock, and got gradually worse, and steadily worse. I could not use see the 

tail lights on the boat train as it was standing, although I saw them as it passed my cabin. I could not see the light in my up 

starting signal. I could not see this light at 4 p.m. I wired to Burgess Hill signalman at 3.30 p.m. to ask if he had seen the fog 

man about. The fog man who works at my up starting signal os named Amos Cox, and he lives near Keymer Crossing. He came 

at 4.30 p.m. and went at once to his post. The frogmen at the distant signals are called by Keymer Junction signalman, not by 

me. Burgess Hill signalman had told me he was going to send for the frogmen, but I heard nothing more from him. I did not 

know whether the man were there or not. The weather was so bad that there ought to have been frogmen about. I had 

telephoned to Mr. Farley, the station, at 3.30 p.m. to ask if he had seen the ganger as I wanted the frogmen out. He replied that 

he had seen the ganger who had gone for the frogmen, and they were at their post at the up starting signal, and the down home 

signal and the Keymer Junction down distant signal at the tine the collision occur. The collision blocked both lines.     

 

Richard Edwards, states: I have been 47 years in the service, and a signalman for 36 years, 27 years at Keymer Junction. On 

the 23rd December, I came in duty at 2 p.m. to work till 1o p.m. There are 11 levers in my cabin, and we work absolute block 

under the ordinary rules, with no special instructions. The next block signal cabin on the main line southwards is Burgess Hill, 

and the next on the Keymer branch is Keymer Crossing. I have an up main home signal, and an up main distant signal, both of 

which are controlled from Wivelsfield. On the branch I have a slot on the Keymer Crossing up home signal but not on the outer 

home signal. I also control the Keymer Crossing up distant signal. The following are entries in my train record book:

For the 5.20 p.m. train from Lewes

Approaching signal received from Keymer Crossing 5.44

Line clear given to Keymer Crossing 5.44

Entering section received from Keymer Crossing 5.55

Train arrival signal given to Keymer Crossing 5.56

Approaching signal given to Wivelsfield 5.53

Line clear received from Wivelsfield 5.55

Entering section signal given to Wivelsfield 5.55

Arrival signal received from Wivelsfield 5.57

For the 5.35 p.m. up train from Newhaven (the boat train).

Approaching signal received from Keymer Crossing 6.0

Line clear given to Keymer Crossing 6.4

Entering section received from Keymer Crossing 6.6

Train arrival given to Keymer Crossing 6.7

Approaching signal given to Wivelsfield 6.6

Line clear received from Wivelsfield 6.0

Entering section given to Wivelsfield 6.6

Arrival signal received from Wivelsfield 6.8   

For the 5.45 p.m. up train from Brighton (Pullman train)

Approaching signal received from Burgess Hill 6.9

Line clear given to Burgess Hill 6.9

Entering section signal received from Burgess 6.11

Train arrival signal given to Burgess Hill 6.13

Approaching signal given to Wivelsfield 6.9

The line was not cleared for this train.

I believe my clock was right. The Pullman train passed my cabin running very fast at 6.11 1/2. Steam was full on, and the brakes 

were not on. Both my distant and home signal levers were at danger. The levers are controlled from Wivelsfield. I could not see 

the arms of the signals or the lights. The signals were, and are, in good working order. I have no doubt whatever that the signals 

were at danger. It was very foggy. I could not see any signal lights from my cabin. The fog began at about 3.30 and got 

gradually worse. I had no fog me out on the main line. At about 3.45 p.m. I telegraphed [to Burgess Hill signalman to send for 

my fog man, who should have been posted at my distant signal at Burgess Hill.He answered that he had sent for the frogmen. 

About three times afterward I asked him if my frogmen was there, and he said had not come yet. I did not record the time on my 

message, but I think  I asked him at about 5.45. The frogmen were posted on the Keyner branch, but these are called by Keymer 

Crossing signalman, nit by me. The man who should fogged at my up distant is Alfred Lewry who lives at Keymer Crossing. I 

knew he was ill,  I do not know who was detailed to take his place. Lewry belonged to the Burgess Hill gang. I had a 

conversation about a fortnight ago with ganger Packham. He told me that because Lewry was ill, if the fog came on the night, 

he would arrange to take Amos Cox’s place at my up starting signal so that Amos Cox would take the place of Lewry at Burgess 

Hill at Keymer Junction up distant. I knew that the man who had taken Lewry’s place in the gang would do his fogging if the fog 

came on in the day, but he lives at Brighton and would have gone home at night. This arrangement was only during ganger 

Tullett’s illness. I had no more conversation with Packham than what I have said. I ought to have posted up in my cabin the 

names and address of the fog man. I knew Lewry was not able to fog for me on the 23rd. I did not know who had taken his 

place. I ought to have known. I was never informed, and I never asked. When I heard the Pullman train approaching I tried to 

get down to put fog signals on the line but had no time to do so. I waved a red light from the landing outside my cabin. this was 

before the engine of the train passed me. My cabin is a very high one. There was no fog man at my cabin, and the only fog man I 

am responsible for is the at my distant signal, where Lewry would have been. I know Rule 64a, but there is no signal at my 

cabin. I did not understand the rule to mean that I should put down fog signals opposite of my cabin. The home signal was too 

far away for me to put them there. I do not know whether the signal lamps were lighted. I telephoned to Wivelsfield for a fog 

man for my up distant signal when I found I could not get one from Burgess Hill, but this was not till after 6 o’clock. The fog 

man at this signal is always got from the Burgess Hill gang, and is posted when I asked for him. The answer I got from 

Wivelsfield was that Packham said that all his frogmen were out. I always book the arrival signal of a train at the time I send the 

signal, and not at the time the train arrives. The Pullman train passed at 6.11 1/2, but I did not send the signal till 6.13, the time 

I have booked because I was looking after the train up to the time of the collision. The Pullman is booked to pass my cabin at 6 

p.m. and the boat train at 6.5.

 

William Everest states: I have been 17 years in the service and a signalman for eight years, one year and nine months at 

Burgess Hill. On the 23rd December I came on duty at 2 p.m. for eight hours. The train approaching signal for the Pullman 

train was given to Keymer Junction at 6.8, and the line was cleared at once. It passed at 6.11, running very fast. All my signals 

were off for it. It was due to pass at 5.59. It was very thick at the time. My up starting signal was off, but I could not see the 

light. I cannot speak as to the position of the Keymer Junction up distant signal. There was no fog man at it. I have to call two 

fogmen when necessary, one is for my up distant signal and the other is for my down distant signal. Three was a man at the 

down distant signal, but none at the up distant signal. I had wired to Hassocks for the man, named Charles Cox, at 4.10. He 

lives at Hassocks. The reply I got from the signalman was “I have told the head porter about it.” I telegraphed again to 

Hassocks at 4.15: “Dp you know where he lives?” Hassocks answered “No.” I telegraphed again: “He lives atNo.9 Bonchurch 

Street. Tell him he must come at once.”Hassocks answers “Right.” At 4.20 p.m. I telegraphed to Hassocks: “Have you got 

fogmen out?” Hassocks answered, “No.” I telegraphed back: “It is thick, I cannot see my stating signal.” Hassocks replied: “It 

is thick here.” I replied, “Right.” At 3.30 I had called head King, and said: “Do yo know where the fogmen are, as I want them 

out?” I then called Tom Carver, a porter, and said: “Will you go and tell the station master I want fogmen out.” Head porter 

King came up and said he would see what he could do. I did not see the station master myself. At 3.45 p.m. I had received a 

message from Keymer Junction asking if I had fogmen out. I told him “No, I cannot get them to come.” He asked me to send for 

fogmen. The man who should fog at Keymer Junction up distant is named Lewry. I knew that he was ill. The man who should 

have taken his place is a plate layer living at Brighton. I do not know his name. I took no steps to get him. The following are the 

signals recorded in my books for the Pullman train.

Approaching signal received from Hassocks 6.5

Line clear given to Hassocks 6.5

Entering section received from Hassocks 6.8

Arrival signal given to Hassocks 6.11

Approaching signal given to Keymer Junction 6.8  

Line clear received from Keymer Junction 6.8

Entering section given to Keymer Junction 6.11

Arrival signal received from Keymer Junction 6.12   

 

 Robert Ancock states: I am signalman at Keymer Crossing, and was on duty on the 23rd December. The following are the 

signals recorded in my book for the 5.35 boat train:-

Approaching signal received from Spatham 6.2

Line clear given to Spatham 6.2

Entering section signal received from Spatham 6.4

Arrival signal given to Spatham 6.9

Approaching signal given to Keymer Junction 6.2

Line clear received from Keymer Junction 6.6

Entering section given to Keymer Junction 6.8

Arrival signal received from Keymer Junction 6.10

 

William King states: I  am head porter at Burgess Hill and have been 15 years in the service. On the 23rd December I 

received a message from signalman Everest that Keymer Junction required fog man out, and that ours were wanted as well. I 

was shunting at the time, but as soon as possible after I went to the station master. I told him what Everest had said about 

fogmen, and would he send for him. This was at about 3.45. The fog man at Keymer Junction up distant signal is provided out to 

the Burgess Hill gang. His name is Moore who is taking  Lewry’s place. The stain master said “I have only a lad on the platform 

and have no one to send.” I said “I have done with porter Carver in the goods yard, and will send him to you on the platform.” 

I asked if I should send the lad for the fogmen, and the station master said “No, send Carver to me and I will send for the men.” 

I sent Carver to the platform. I did nothing more as the matter was in the hands of the station master. We were fully employed. 

On a foggy night I could not see Keymer Junction up distant signal from the platform.

 

Stephen Gravett states:  I am a plate layer and have been 20 years in the service. On the 23rd December, after booking on for 

fogging at Burgess Hill signal cabin at five p.m., I went out to fog at Burgess Hill down distant signal. On my way there I passed 

Keymer Junction up distant signal. I saw it from the platform quite plainly. It was giving a good light and was at danger. After I 

got to my post I could see the light on Burgess Hill down distant signal from a point 35 yards north of the post, where I stood all 

the time. I was standing on the down side of the line. The lamp was burning well. The Burgess Hill down distant signal is on the 

same post as the Keymer Junction up stop signal, and one lamp acts for both signals. When the Pullman passed this lamp was 

burning, but I was on the wrong side of the signal for seeing whether the up signal was off or on. The fog kept about the same 

after I went on at 5 p.m. I saw the Pullman pass. It was running between 50 and 60 miles an hour I should say.    

 

 Edward Tullett states: I am gangerof permanent wat in charge of the length between Burgess Hill and Hassocks. I have three 

regular men in my gang, viz.: Alfred Lewry, Stephen Gravett, and Charles Cox. Lewry lives at the Railway Cottages, at the 

junction, Gravett at Norway Cottages, Junction Road, and Cox at Bonchurch Road Hassocks. Stedman came to me on the 23rd 

December at about 5.20. He said I was wanted out fogging. I said “I really cannot come I am too ill. You go back and see the 

station master, and ask him whether he can get ganger Packham from the next length.” I meant the Burgess Hill stain master. no 

arrangement had been made for Packham to take up fogging at Burgess Hill. I worked up to 1 p.m. that day and then went 

home. The man who should fog Keymer Junction up distant signal is one of my gang, Alfred Lewry. He was ill and has been for 

some time. A man from Brighton named Moore had taken his place temporarily in the gang. The plate layers leave off work at 1 

p.m. on Saturdays. There was no fog at the time Moore went home at 1 p.m. No arrangement was made for any one to take his 

place fogging at Keymer Junction up distant signal. I knew there would be no one for this post unless I went there myself, or 

unless the Wivelsfield station master had got some one else from above. A ganger is supposed to see that his fogmen are at their 

posts. I was taken ill with bad pains in the inside at about 3 p.m. I had no one to send anywhere except a little girl eight years 

old. Packham lives 1 1/4 miles away from me. I had been laid up for nearly three months, but was at work for about a fortnight 

up to the day of the accident. I have not been to work since. Amis Cox was taking my place as ganger when I was away. At 

about 4 p.m. I notice that it came on foggy. 

 

John Stedman states: I have been nine months in the service and am porter at Burgess Hill. In the evening of the 23rd 

December the station master sent me to ganger Tullett at 4.50 to tell him he was wanted to come out to fog. Tullett said he and 

pains in his inside and was going to bed and could not come. I went back to the station having been away about half an hour. I 

told the station mast what Tullett had said and then went to tea. It was then about half past five. Tullett said: “Better send for 

Packham.”

I told the station master this but he did not tell me to go to Packham. 

 

Alfred Ernest Tranah states : I am station master at Burgess Hill and was on duty on the 23rd December. At about 4 p.m. I 

was at work in my office. Head porter King came to me and said the fogmen were wanted. I told him to instruct the signalman 

on duty to wire Hassocks for plate layer Charles Cox and to send porter Carver, who was assisting him in the goods yard, to 

me, to assist me with the platform work, so that I could send a lad porter to call the fogmen. Just as the arrangement was made 

I opened my office door at about 4.2 and saw a plate layer named Standing. I called across the line to him “You are wanted for 

fogging at once.” “Call Cox (Amos) and Gravett.” He said “Right Sir” and started off. Gravett’s place is at the down distant 

signal and the man at the up distant signal is Charles cox who resides at Hassocks. King had told me that Keymer Junction 

wanted  man, and I intended Amos Cox to go to his up distant signal knowing that Lewry was ill. As I had sent Standing I did 

not send the lad porter. No one came but I heard that Gravett was at the station. Porter Carver told me that he had seen Gravett 

and told him he was wanted out fogging and had better come and see him. He did not come. As the porter had told me he was in 

the station and dressed as if he was going away I said we would make a search for him. Porter Carver found him sitting down in 

the waiting room and came and told me. I at once went to him and informed him that I wanted him out fogging at once. He said 

“I am going to Worthing to see my daughter and have taken my ticket, what am I to do?” I said “You know your duty. your 

ticket is of no consequence, the clerk will give you the money back.” Eventually he went to the signal box and went fogging at 

the down distant signal. I inquired at the signal cabin at about 4.45 p.m., and ascertained that Charles Cox had not been got 

from Hassocks. I went to Keymer Junction up distant signal and found there was no one there. I then sent the lad porter to 

ganger Tullett, the ganger of the length, to tell him to come out fogging at once. The lad porter came back and said Tullett could 

not come as he has a pain in his stomach and was just going to bed. That would be between 5.30 and 6. I then went again to the 

signal box and asked if anything more had been heard from Hassocks. I told the signalman to wire again to Hassocks to say that 

the fog man had not come. While I was in the signal box the news came from Wivelsfield that the Pullman had run into the boat 

train. I do not know what became of Standing. Standing is not under me and I do not know where he fogs, but I took it for 

granted that he would call Gravett and Cox on his way to his post. If ganger Tullett had come I would have have put him on the 

Keymer Junction up distant signal. I had no men to employ as fog signalmen. I was short handed and had one man laid up. The 

work was very heavy, bing Christmas week. I know Rule 22. Between 4.30 and 5 o’clock I went to Keymer Junction up distant 

signal, and found there was no fog man there. The lamps were lighted, and at that time they were showing a red light. Between 

4.30 and the time the Pullman passed, five up trains and two engines had passed. When Stedman returned from ganger Tullett 

he said something about Packham or seeing Packham, but I did not understand him to say that Tullett had said “Better send for 

Packham.” I have six porters at my station, but there were only five there that day. After the accident I saw Keymer Junction up 

distant showing a danger signal.       

 

John Farley states: I  am a relief station master, and was in charge at Wivelsfield on the 23rd December, during the absence of 

the station master due to illness. It came on very fogy at about 3.30. I knew that it was my duty to see that fog signalmen were 

posted as soon as they were necessary. The fog man at Keymer Junction up distance signal is under Keymer Junction signal 

cabin, but is always found from the Burgess Hill gang. I was asked by the signalman in Wivelsfield station cabin for fogmen 

soon after 3.30 p.m., and I sent for them, but the signalman at Keymer Junction signal cabin did not ask me for one until 6.8 

p.m. I first ran after ganger Wells who had just left the station where he had been talking to me, but I could not catch him up, so 

I turned back to go for ganger Packham. Before I reached the station the collision occurred just north of the station. It was then 

exactly 6.14 p.m. I had only been acting station master at Wivelsfield for five days. Keymer Junction signal cabin is under 

Wivelsfield Station. The Wivelsfield fogmen were all at their posts, and I thought, until the Keymer Junction signalman 

telephoned for  me at 6.8, that the man at his up distant signal had been as usual posted from Burgess Hill. 

 

Richard Stringer states: I am permanent way inspector in charge of the line from Brighton to Three Bridges. The length from 

about a mile north of Wivelsfield to the middle of Burgess Hill station is in charge of ganger Packham. The length from Burgess 

Hill to Hassocks is under ganger Tullett. In Packham’s gang there are George Wickens, Amos Cox, and Henry Standing. In 

Tullett’s gang are Stephen Gravett, Charles Cox, and Richard Lewry. Lewry has been ill for several weeks and a man named 

Moore has been detailed from Brighton to take his place temporarily. On Saturdays the men leave work at 1 p.m., and no doubt 

Moore had returned to Brighton at that time on the 23rd December. The rule under such circumstances is for the ganger to take 

the fogging as  long as it does not interfere with his other duties. The fog man for the Keymer Junction up distant signal is found 

from Tullett’s gang. I did not myself make any arrangement as to how the fogging was to be done at night or when Moore was 

away. Ganger Tullett had been ill for some weeks but resumed duty a fortnight before the 23rd. He fell ill again on the 23rd and 

is still ill. Standing fogs at Wivelsfield down home and Keymer Junction down distant. Amos Cox fogs at Wivelsfield up starting 

signal and Wickens t Folley Hill up distant signal. Gravett fogs at Burgess Hill down distant signal and Charles Cox at Burgess 

Hill up distant signal. In Moore’s absence Tullett should have taken Lewry’s place at Keymer Junction up distant signal. Tullett 

being taken ill, the only other man available was ganger Packham, who would have come if he had been sent for.  

 

Robert Packham states I am ganger in charge of the length from Burgess Hill to a mile north of Wivelsfield. All my gang are 

detailed to fog signals north of Wivelsfield. The Burgess Hill fogging is done by Tullett’s gang. My men know where to go when 

called out, their posts having been allotted to them by me in the first instance. On the 23rd December the three men were called 

out and were at their posts. At a little before 4 p.m. a porter came and told me the men were wanted for fogging, and I called out 

the men. I had no fogging post myself. I knew Tullett had been unwell, but I thought he was on duty again. If I had known he 

was unable to take up fogging duty I would have gone myself, or sent Amos Cox to Burgess hill to fog at Keymer Junction up 

distant signal.   

 

Henry Moore states: I am a permanent way man and have been two years in the service. On the 23rd December I was taking 

the place of plate layer Lewry, in Tullett’s gang. I had done his fogging duties at Keymer Junction up distant signal twice by day 

and once by night before 23rd December. I know the rules as to fogging, having been instructed by Amos Cox, who was acting 

ganger in Tullett’s place when I took up the work. On the 23rd December, being Saturday I left off work at 12.15, and net back 

to Brighton, where I live. I had no instructions to return if I saw fog coming on. If I had been told to I would have come, and 

could have got a train. It was very foggy at Brighton between 3.30 and 4.0. Inspector Stringer had told me that after I had left 

duty I need not return in case of a fog, but if a fog came on while I was on duty I must take up the work. He told me that 

arrangements had been made for the fogging duties if a fog came on after I had left. He did not tell me what the arrangements 

were.  

 

Charles Langbridge Morgan, M.I.C.E., states: I am Chief Engineer of the L.B.S.C.R. I first inspected the site of the 

Wivelsfield accident my self on the 26th December. most of the wreckage had then been cleared away. I produce a correct survey 

plan of the line between Burgess Hill and the North end of Wivelsfield station. The general condition of the two trains after the 

accident has been marked on the plan from information obtained from those who were first on the spot. The last signals for the 

up main line, passed by the Brighton Pullman train on approaching Wivelsfield, are the up main distant and up main stop or 

home signal worked from Keymer Junction cabin. The former signal is situated just north of Burgess Hill Station, on the down 

side of the line, and has two arms working together, the top arm on the post is 65 feet, and the lower arm is 18 feet above rail 

level, the lamp being respectively 61 feet and 14 feet above rail level. The latter signal is on the up side of the line 142 yards 

south of Keymer Junction cabin, the arm being 58 feet, and the lamp being 54 feet above rail level. Both signals are world from 

Keymer Junction signal cabin, bu t are controlled from Wivelsfield Station cabin, the levers working the signals in the former 

cabin being disengaged from the latter cabin. The following are distance along the one measured from Keymer Junction cabin, 

viz.:-

To Keymer Junction up home signal 142 yards south

To Keymer Junction up distance signal 842 yards south

To Wivelsfield signal cabin 315 yards north

To point of collision 575 yards north.

The up starting signal from Burgess Hill is on the up side of the line; almost immediately opposite the Keymer Junction up 

distant signal. There is the usual telegraphic communication between the signal cabins. The following are correct distances 

between certain statins on the line:-

Brigthon to Wivelsfield 10 miles 1 chain

Brighton to Hassocks 7 miles 6 chains

Hassocks to Burgess Hill 2 miles 9 chains

Hassocks to Wivelsfield 2 miles 75 chains

The following are distances from the centre of Burgess Hill station:-

To Burgess Hill Signal Cabin 200 yards south

To up starting signal 148 yards north

To Keymer Junction up distance signal 148 yards north

To Keymer Junction up home signal home signal 848 yards north

To Keymer Junction Signal Cabin 990 yards north

To Wivelsfield signal Cabin 1,305 yards north

To point of collision 1,565 yards north

To Wivelsfield up starting signal 1,743 yards north

The line falls from Hassocks in the direction of Burgess Hill, and after a short length of rising gradient is level through the 

station. It then falls to Wivelsfield on a gradient of 1 in 264.


Frederick Barkshire, states: I am a District Superintendent in the Traffic Department, and live at Brighton. The following are 

extracts from the Signalmen’s books, showing the time the Pullman train passed the cabins on the 23rd December, after leaving 

Brighton:-

Montpellier Junction 5.54 p.m., Lovers’ Walk Junction 5.56 p.m., Preston Park South 5.58 p.m., Preston Park North 5.58 p.m., 

Patcham 6.0 p.m., Clayton Cutting 6.4 p.m., Hassocks 6.8 p.m., Burgess Hill 6.11 p.m., Keymer Junction 6.13 p.m.

 

David Greenwood, states: I am Traffic Superintendent of the L.B.S.C.R. I produce the Rule Book of the Company. The rules 

relating to fog signalling are from No. 61 to No.71a. All drivers and signalmen are bound by these rules and the rule for drivers 

upon which we principally rely in the case of fog is No. 61a. Strictly speaking the station master at Wivelsfield is responsible for 

seeing that there are fog signalmen posted, when necessary, at the regulated signals worked from Wivelsfield and Keymer 

Junction cabins; the latter cabin under Wivelsfield. The fog signalmen on the Keymer branch are posted from Keymer Crossing 

signal cabin. The only fog signalman posted from Keymer Junction up distant signal near Burgess Hill. I found the name and 

address of plate layer Lewry, who in ordinary course would take this place, posted in Keymer Junction cabin when I went there 

at midnight on December 23rd. This man was away ill, and the name of the man who took his place in the gang had not been 

posted. The names of the three men fogging from Wivelsfield station cabin were properly recorded in that cabin.

 

Conclusion 

The circumstances under which this lamentable collision occurred are very clearly described in the foregoing evidence, and the 

causes of the disaster are easy to determine. There is very little discrepancy on material points between the statements of the 

witnesses considering the number of persons examined, and the different interests involved; and the one satisfactory feature of 

the case is the absence of any serious attempt on the part of any of the servants of the Company to evade responsibility, by 

throwing the blame on a fellow servant, as too often happens.

It may be as well, before entering upon the history of the case, to say that, judging from the entries in the train record books in 

the different signal cabins concerned, it is evident that there was some difference between the times of the clocks in these cabins 

although each of the signalmen believed that his clock was right, for the differences in the times entered are greater than can be 

accounted for by delays in making the entries, or by the practice of not booking fractions of minutes. It seems, however, most 

probable that the clocks in the main line cabins up to Burgess Hill were right, but that the clocks in Keymer Junction and 

Wivelsfield cabins were one or two minutes faster than the others, and in dealing with the running of the trains I have assumed 

that this was the case.

The 5.35 up boat train started from Newhaven at right time, and , having been checked at one or two places, and on 

approaching Keymer Junction, passed Wivelsfield signal cabin at 6.9 p.m., about three minutes late. It came to a stand at 

Wivelsfield up starting signal, the preceding train, the 5.20 up train from Lewes, which had passed Wivelsfield at 5.59 p.m, not 

having been cleared from Folly Hill, the next block signal cabin northwards.

The starting signal was lowered at 6.14 p.m., according to the clock in Wivelsfield cabin, but probably between 6.12 and 6.13 

p.m, and the boat train had started, and run forward for a distance of about 40 yards at outside, when the collision occurred.

The 5.45 up Pullman train from Brighton was seven minutes late in starting, passed Hassocks at 6.8 p.m., burgess Hill at 6.11 

p.m., and Keymer Junction at 6.13 p.m. (probably), and was still running at a speed of some 20 to 25 miles an hour when it 

overtook and struck the boat train, with the terrible results detailed above; the driver having become aware of the danger, and 

having taken steps to stop his train, only when a red light was shown to him from Wivelsfield signal cabin about 260 yards from 

the point of collision, at which time his speed was probably about 40 miles an hour.

There was no irregularity in the block working of these trains, and although the Pullman train almost invariably precedes the 

boat train, the signalman at Keymer Junction was quite justified in giving the latter train the precedence, and allowing it to 

enter upon the main line at 6.7 p.m. or 6.8 p.m., at which time he had not received any intimation of the approach of the up 

Pullman train, which, as a matter of fact, had not then passed Hassocks, over 2 1/2 miles distant. Both trains were express 

trains, running through to London without stopping.

The cause of the Brighton train being late in starting was that the 3.50 p.m. down train, a train which should return to London 

as 5.45 p.m. train, was, owing to the heavy Christmas traffic and the fog, very late in leaving London, and therefore the 5.45 

train had to be made up of vehicles at Brighton.

The driver of this train found all the signals off for him, and actually saw them off as far as Burgess Hill but he did not see 

either the Burgess Hill up starting signal, the Keymer Junction up distant, or the Keymer Junction up home signal, the first of 

which signals was off for him, the two others being beyond any question at danger, and with the lamps burning properly.

He did not however take any steps to pull up his train, until, as stated above, he was passing Wivelsfield signal cabin, and his 

fireman told him that there was a red light being waved from the cabin.

He estimates his speed to have been 35 miles an hour at Burgess Hill, and at Keymer Junction and Wivelsfield, while the 

signalman at Wivelsfield estimates it at 50 miles an hour, and a fog signalman near Keymer Junction at between 50 and 60 

miles an hour, and the signalmen at Burgess Hill and Keymer Junction say the train was running “very fast.”

An estimate of speed calculated from the times recorded in the signalmen’s books, on short lengths of line, and where fractions 

of minutes are not booked, is absolutely unreliable, but, as it appears that after leaving Brighton, the was losing time, and took 

21 or 22 minutes at least to run 10 miles 1 chain, instead of 15 minutes, the usual time, it is clear that the driver’s estimate is 

pretty nearly correct, although probably, as he was at the point running upon a falling gradient, his speed was increasing 

between Burgess Hill and Wivelsfield, and may at the latter place have been as high as 40 miles an hour.

The fog which prevailed at the time had commenced at about 3.30 p.m., and had got steadily worse, so that at the time the 

accident happened the distance at which a signal lamp could be seen was small, varying, no doubt, according to the position 

and height of the signal lamps, according to the density of the fog at each particular place, The evidence, however, leaves no 

doubt whatever that all fog signalmen should have been at their posts, whereas there was no man at Burgess Hill up distant 

signal, or Keymer Junction up distant signal, for which posts there are men detailed.

The evidence of plate layer Stephen Gravett, who was acting as fog man at Burgess Hill down distant signal, which is on the 

same post as Keymer Junction up home signal, is to the effect that, on his way to his post, he could see Keymer Junction up 

distant signal from Burgess Hill platform, a distance of about 90 yards, and the light on the signal where he was fogging from a 

measured distance of 35 yards, so that, although the fog was no doubt thick, the signal lamps were not absolutely obscured 

between Burgess Hill and Wivelsfield, any more than, according to the evidence of the driver of the Pullman train, they had been 

on the line between Brighton and Burgess Hill.

The absence of the fog man at Burgess Hill up distant had no bearing on the case under consideration, as this signal was off, 

but had there been a man at Keymer Junction up distant signal, it is almost certain that the collision would not have happened, 

for the driver would have been warned there by running over fog signals, and it may be assumed that he would have reduced 

speed and have been prepared to stop at Keymer Junction up home signal. The fact that no fog signalman was at this post seems 

to have been partly due to a chapter of accidents, but also to inadequate arrangements for calling out the fog signalmen under 

all circumstances and to a want of appreciation, on the part of those responsible, of great risk of leaving the distant signal 

unguarded.

As Keymer Junction is considered  part of Wivelsfield station, the station master at that station was clearly, under Rules 61 and 

68, ethnically responsible for seeing that fog signalmen were stationed at all the signals requiring them worked from Keymer 

Junction cabin, as well as at those worked from Wivelsfield cabin, but, as the man who should act as fog signalman at Keymer 

Junction up distant signal belongs to Burgess Hill platelayes’ gang, it has always been the practice for the Keymer Junction 

signalman to wire to Burgess Hill when he wants the services of a fog signalman, leaving the Wivelsfield signalman to get out 

the fog signalman required at his signals, and furnished by the Wivelsfield gang. The Wivelsfield men were duly posted at 

Wivelsfield up starting signal, Wivelsfield down home signal, Keymer Junction down distant signal and Folly Hill up distant 

signal, on the requisition of he signalman at Wivelsfield to the station master at 3.30 p.m.; bit, although, at about 3.45 p.m., the 

Keymer Junction signalman telegraphed to Burgess Hill to ask for signalman, and asked again three times between 3.45 p.m. 

and 5.45 p.m., no man was posted, and it was not till after 6 p.m. that the Keymer Junction signalman telephoned for a fog man 

to the station master at Wivelsfield, who at once took steps to obtain and as speedily as possible although as it turned out, too 

late.

The fog signalman on the Keymer Branch being provided from Keymer Crossing the only man to be got by Keymer Junction 

signalman is the man at his up distant signal. The regular man for the post, belonging to Burgess Hill gang, is named Alfred 

Lewry, and his name is according to rule, posted up in Keymer Junction signal cabin, but he had been ill for some weeks. Since 

his illness his place as plate layer in the Burgess Hill gang had been taken by a maned Moore, who lives in Brighton, who lives 

at Brighton, and who upon an ordinary fray would have been sent to act as fog signalman at Lewry’s post, but, the 23rd 

December being a Saturday, the plate layers had left work at 1 p.m., and Moore had gone home to Brighton.

The arrangement which had been made, and acted upon, in regard to this man was that if a fog came on during the hours of 

work he was to take up fogging duties, but that if he had gone home he need not return, and that another man would be 

obtained. Until some other man could be obtained it was the duty of the ganger Edward Tullett to take the place, but the 

arrangements for providing this other fog signalman seem to have been very defective.

Ganger Tullett had also been ill and off work for some time, but he had taken up his duties again about a fortnight before the 

23rd December, and had been at work up to 1 p.m. that day. He was unfortunately again taken ill at 3 p.m. and was evidently 

not fit to come out again.

At 4 p.m. the station master at Burgess Hill received a message from the signalman, through head porter King, to say that the 

fog signalmen were wanted for the Burgess Hill signals, and also for the Keymer Junction up distant, and he sent a plate layer 

to call out two of the men, another man, Chares Cox, having been telegraph for to Hassocks, where he lives.

After considerable difficulty the regular man for Burgess Hill down distant signal, by name Stephen Gravett, was despatched to 

his post, and was there when the Pullman train passed, but Charles Cox, whose post is Burgess Hill up distant signal, was not 

obtained until much latter.

At 4.45 p.m. the station master at Burgess Hill went to Keymer Junction up distant signal, and found that there was no fog 

signalman there, and it was not till then that any serious attempt appears to have been made to get a man for that post, although 

it was well known that the regular man Lewry was ill.

A porter was sent off to ganger Tullett to tell him to come out to fog at once, but he returned between 5.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. with 

a message from Tullett to say that he was ill and was going to bed, and that the station master had better see if he could get 

ganger Packham, the ganger of the Wivelsfield length. The station master admits that  the porter said something about Packham 

or seeing Packham, but says that he did not understand that Tullett had said “Better send for Packham.” Consequently he 

contented himself with going to the signal cabin to ask whether Charles cox had come from Hassocks, and while he was there 

the Pullman train passed, and soon after he heard that the collision had taken place. Such being the facts of the case the causes 

of the accident are quite apparent.

No doubt the primary cause was the adverse conditions of the weather, for the late departure of the Pullman train from 

Brighton, and its consequent precedence by the boat train, was due in some degree to the fog, which also was certainly the 

cause of the driver of the Pullman train missing the signals at which he should have reduced his sped, and come to a stand.

In spite of the fog, however, the accident would not have occurred if the rules of the Company gad not been disregarded by the 

driver of the Pullman train Alfred Westlake. He knew perfectly well where he was and under rules 47, 51, and 61a, it was his 

duty to have treated the Keymer Junction up distant signal, which he did not see, as a danger signal, to have reduced the speed 

of his train, and to have stopped at Keymer Junction up home signal, or at the place where he knew it should be, if he were 

unable to see it.

He has the reputation of being one of the best drivers on the line, with an excellent character, and he gave his evidence in a very 

straight forwards manner, stating that he was misled by not finding any fog signals on the line; but to accept that plea as a 

justification for the breach of clear and distance rules, and to admit that a driver not finding fog signalman out is in the least 

degree entitled to assume that signals which he does not see are off for him, would be a most mischievous conclusion, and 

would constitute a danger to the traveling public. It is I fear only too clear that, finding all the signals up to Burgess Hill off for 

him, he was too ready to take it for granted that he would, as usual, precede the boat train, and have a clear run to London, and 

therefore was not sufficiently careful to make sure of condition of the Keymer Junction signals. He had at the time been on duty 

for a little over seven and a half hours, and to a small extent his responsibility for the accident must be shared by his fireman. At 

the same time it must be observed that the absence of the fog signalmen was a contributory cause of the accident, and speaks 

badly for the arrangements for fog signalling at this place.

Doubtless the illness of the regular fog signalman, the sudden indisposition of ganger Tullett, and the fact that the plate layers 

had all left their work before the fog came on, made it somewhat difficult to get out the fog signalmen, but, when it is seen that 

for over two hours two important signals were left without fog signalmen, it is impossible to avoid the conclusion that sufficient 

energy was not shown by some of those responsible.

So far us the Wivelsfield station master is concerned I think that he can hardy be found fault with. He was a relief station master, 

taking the place of the regular station master who was ill, had only been at Wivelsfield for five days, and, although according to 

the strict reading of the rule he was responsible for having a fog signalman at the Keymer Junction up distant signal, he only 

followed what had been the recognised practice in leaving the man to be found at Burgess Hill, while he hag taken care to have 

the men posted at the Wivelsfield signals. The signalman at Keymer Junction signal cabin, when he was unable to get the fog 

signalmen from Burgess Hill, ought most certainly to have applied at once to his own station master, instead of letting master 

drift from 3.30 p.m. till 6 p.m., at which time he first made his application to Wivelsfield. Had he done so there can be little 

doubt that ganger Packham would have arranged for the duty being done, and also that if had asked for assistance he might 

have been able to comply with Rule 68a and have had detonators placed upon the line opposite his cabin, when his signals were 

at danger, before the fog signalmen arrived. This he says he was unable to himself, and looking at the great height of signal 

cabin, and the age of the man, there is a good deal of force in his contention, again if the Burgess Hill station master had

sufficiently alive to the risk of leaving Keymer Junction up distant without a fog signalman he would have taken more pains to 

produce one. Very likely he was as he says, short handed, one of his men being away, and as usual at that season, there was a 

great deal of work to be done, but still it was certainly not impossible for him to have sent one of his five porters temporarily to 

take up the duty of fogging, whereas he did not send for ganger Tullet until nearly an hour had elapsed since the fog signalman 

was applied for, and he not even take the trouble of telegraphing to Wivelsfield when the message came back from ganger Tullett 

to say that he was ill, and that ganger Packham had better be sent for.

Ganger Tullett also, knowing that there was no one himself to take Lewry’s place, ought, if he had had a proper sense of his 

duty, to have taken steps, when the fog came on and he felt himself too ill to go out at 3.30 p.m., to have let the station master 

know, so that someone else might have been got to take his place, and I cannot think that, if he had taken any trouble, he would 

have been unable to find a messenger.

Briefly therefore the accident may be attributed principally to the disregard of rulw by driver Alfred Westlake and his fireman, in 

running past signals at danger, but also in some degree to the state of the weather, to the unsatisfactory arrangements for fog 

signalling, and to the apathy of the Burgess Hill station master, ganger Tullett, and signalman Richard Edwards.

The principal lessons to be learnt from it by railway companies generally are:-

First. The necessity for the strictest possible discipline, in order to ensure that, under all circumstances, rules and regulations 

are attended to and that all the servants of the company have adequate knowledge of them

Secondly. The want of some better system of fog signalling, so that, even if by some mechanical or electrical appliance, the 

employment of fog signalmen cannot be altogether dispensed with, means be provided by which a signalman can protect the line 

at his signals during the interval which must elapse between the time that fog signalmen are called out, and the time that arrive 

at their posts, especially in the case of suddens fogs.

There have been very numerous inventions to carry out these objects, and I cannot but think that, if the questions were 

energetically taken up, some one at least of these inventions might be found suitable for adoption. As, however, it is most 

desirable, if not essential, that any appliance adopted should be universal application, the concerted action of the Associated 

Railway Companies is necessary.

The Company more immediately concerned, the L.B.S.C.R. Company,would be well advised if they were to lose no time in 

adopting the more modern code of rules drawn up the Associated Companies, for, while the wording of several of the new rules 

for working during fogs is clearer and more explicit than that of those now in force on the railway, it may be taken as almost 

certain that the provisions of one of these rules, as to block working, would have averted this accident, for he enjoin that during 

a fog, until the fog signalmen are at their posts, a signalman must not give “Line clear” and allow a second train to approach 

until he has received the “Train out of section” signal from the block signal cabin in advance, that is to say that in this instance 

of the Pullman train would not have been allowed to pass Burgess Hill until Keymer Junction signalman had received the 

“Train out of section” signal from Wivelsfield, which would not have been given so long as the boat train was standing in the 

Wivelsfield's section.

It is also desirable that, if possible, bettie arrangements should be made so that fog signalmen should be easier to get at when 

their services are required, and so that there can be no possible misunderstanding as to who should detail the fog signalman on 

an emergency, and who should take the place of a man who is taken ill, or is absent from any other cause.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Company to make some alteration in their signalling arrangements at Wivelsfield. I 

cannot think it satisfactory that the section between Keymer Junction and Wivelsfield should be considered as a separate block 

section, and yet should have no separate up signals. The station might be treated as an intermediate station in a section between 

two block signal cabins, having only signals worked from the platform for the protection of trains standing thereat, or if a block 

signal cabin be necessary there should be an up home signal from Wivelsfield, with an up distant signal on the Keyemr Junction 

up home signal post. The signal cabin would probably be better placed at the north end of the station, and the existing main line 

cross over road, now worked from it, might be moved forward, or back to be worked from the Junction cabin.

Another matter worth the attention of the Company is in reference to their high signals. It is the practice upon some lines to 

provide duplicate low arms upon all signal posts over a certain height, in one case fixed at 45 feet. It is possible that, although 

the driver of the Pullman train missed seeing the Keymer Junction up distant signal lamp, only 14 feet above rail level, he might 

have caught sight of a low signal lamp on the Keymer Junction up home signal if there had been one.  



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