WD ex-LMS Fowler Class 3F facts for kids
The War Department ex-LMS Fowler Class 3F was a group of eight 0-6-0T steam locomotives. These powerful little trains were taken over by the War Department in 1940 from the London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). They were originally part of the LMS Fowler Class 3F series.
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Their Journey to War
The War Department chose these Class 3F 0-6-0T locomotives to be their main type of shunting engine. Shunting engines are special trains used to move other railway cars around in train yards.
Eight of these engines were made ready and sent to France in 1940. This was during a time known as the Phoney War, which was an early part of World War II when there wasn't much fighting. The trains were used to help British forces in France.
To make things simpler, most of the chosen locomotives were from a batch built in 1928 by William Beardmore & Co.. However, one engine, No. 7589, was built by the Hunslet Engine Company.
What Happened During the Fall of France?
During the chaotic retreat of British forces in the Fall of France, it's believed that two of these locomotives were destroyed. This was done to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.
However, one locomotive was later seen in 1953 at Berlin-Tempelhof station in Germany. It had German army markings and had recently been repaired in 1944. The other five known locomotives were left behind in France. They were then used by the French railway company, SNCF, and were called the 030.TW class.
Later, in 1943, the War Department decided to use a different type of shunting engine, the Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST. So, no more Fowler Class 3F locomotives were needed.
Back Home After the War
After Europe was freed from occupation, the five surviving locomotives were returned to Britain. This happened in August and September 1948. By this time, the LMS railway company had become part of British Railways. The locomotives were given their original numbers back, but with "40000" added to the front. This was a common change for most former LMS locomotives.
The Fate of Each Locomotive
Out of the eight locomotives sent to France:
- Two were destroyed during the war.
- One was captured and used by the German railway, then scrapped in Germany around 1953-1954.
- The remaining five returned to Britain in 1948.
The five locomotives that came back to Britain were taken out of service between 1961 and 1966. Sadly, none of these historic trains were saved and preserved for future generations to see.
