Image: Grave of G J Churchward, Christ Church, Swindon - geograph.org.uk - 1113212

Description: Grave of G J Churchward, Christ Church, Swindon. George Jackson Churchward was the first Chief Mechanical Engineer for the Great Western Railway and served the company in that capacity until he retired in 1922. He was responsible for inspiring the design of several famous locomotives including a personal favourite of mine, the 'City of Truro' 867629 He continued to live in a company house, long since demolished, near the railway works not far away from where he now lies. His demise came about because, despite having been retired for 11 years, he retained a keen interest in the railway. He was killed on the railway near his home on 19 December 1933 by an express train hauled by a 'Castle' class locomotive like this one 941623 It seems he was walking near the line and noticed a defective sleeper and stepped onto the line for a closer look, failing to notice the approaching train. I'm not sure how that conclusion was reached as he died instantly but it is as plausible a reason as any other to explain how an elderly man with poor hearing and eyesight came to be on a main railway line. References: http://www.greatwestern.org.uk/m_in_gwr_gjc.htm and George_Jackson_Churchward To see the somewhat understated inscription please see here 1113210
Title: Grave of G J Churchward, Christ Church, Swindon - geograph.org.uk - 1113212
Credit: From geograph.org.uk
Author: Brian Robert Marshall
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