Great Western Company of Royal Engineers SR

[Marge555]

My Uncle who worked for the Great Western Railway joined the "Great Western Company of Royal Engineers (SR)" in 1927. He had served in The Royal Welsh Fusiliers in WW1 and was then called up again in September 1939 as he was in "The Reserves" Was the Great Western Co.of Royal Engineers in any way related to the GWR Railway for whom he worked or completely separate? What does SR stand for? Any help with this appreciated. Thanks

[jorose]

I think SR stands for Special Reserve - you might want to check out the 'Railway Operating Division' of the Royal Engineers.  It probably was connected to his work - the Royal Engineers recruited many people from the railway companies.

[Marge555]

Many thanks for the info. it's been most helpful. The "Railway Operating Division" was completely new to me, so that's an area that I can find out more about. Thanks again, Marjorie

[Cholton]

Hello,

The Royal Engineers had a long association with mainly light railway systems stretching back to the late 1880s. THey were active in most British campaigns and much of the process of developing key areas. India and Egypt were big areas for these companies; and they rapidly expanded during WW1, especially in France and Flanders but also, for example, in Palestine.

There is very little written about these activities, however, and the only good book appears to have been written in 1967 and is now long out of print. There are quite a few enthusiast societies and most are on the web. Just type "Light railways" or "military light railways" and you should discover a few, amybe even in your area.

I think the base for these activities would be Longmoor in Hampshire, but again there is little readily available. The RE musueum in Chatham might be able to help, but it is short-staffed and under-funded I believe. If you can get to Chatham that might speed things up a bit.

Hope this helps,

Cholton

[Marge555]

You've given me some good leads here and some things to look into via the web. I'm gradually learning quite a bit about my Uncle's involvement with the Royal Engineers and their railway connections. Many thanks, Marjorie