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It’s unusual to have images of the men and women named in the ASRS/NUR records – but in some cases we do. Spectacular events like train crashes were often caught on camera – and in the era of mass postcard production (c.1900-1914), accidents and disasters were a popular subject. This postcard managed to combine both the incident and one of the railway workers involved – driver John Morris.
The accident took place at Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire, Wales, on 13 November 1911. A London and North Western Railway goods train was being driven by John Morris and fired by Alfred Ellis. It got out of control climbing the valley and ran backwards in Ebbw Vale station, where it derailed in spectacular style. According to the Cambria Daily, John and Alfred ‘narrowly escaped with their lives.’
Alfred and John were both members of the ASRS. Alfred, 40, staying working for the railways after the incident until at least 1939, becoming a driver. However, John, then 65, retired almost immediately afterwards – possibly this incident was his push to stop working. He received a payment of £22 from the ASRS Disablement Fund; he died in 1914.
This account is one of over 20 life stories featured in the Railway Work, Life & Death project’s ‘Lives on the Line: Railway Workers, Accidents & Union Action’ exhibition at project partner the Modern Records Centre, from October 2026 until mid-January 2027.