Railway workers’ WWI plaque finds new home at Birmingham New Street

An historic memorial plaque commemorating Midland Railway Locomotive department staff who served in the First World War has been rededicated and restored to a prominent location at Birmingham New Street station. The plaque lists the names of 76 men who served between 1914 and 1918, including seven who lost their lives in the conflict.

The plaque was relocated from Network Rail’s Saltley Delivery Unit following the depot’s recent move. Its new position on the main concourse at Birmingham New Street ensures that the memory of those who served continues to be honoured.

The plaque was rededicated during a ceremony on 11 November, following Birmingham New Street’s annual Remembrance service. Led by Andrew Hall, a chaplain from the Railway Mission charity, the service included representatives from Network Rail’s Central route and other rail industry partners, as well as former and current Saltley colleagues and a granddaughter of one of the men named on the plaque.

Andrew Hall emphasised the importance of public memorials:

"Memorials like this and the acts of Remembrance they inspire need to be part of the community and displayed publicly. May they forever cause us to pause, reflect and consider how we can work together for peace."

Elizabeth Graham, station manager at Birmingham New Street, expressed pride in hosting the plaque:

"It’s an honour for Birmingham New Street to be custodian of the Saltley depot memorial plaque. It’s so important that we remember the railway workers who bravely fought for their country, in all wars and conflicts, and this plaque will now proudly sit beside the main war memorial plaque we have on the concourse."

Passengers can view the restored plaque on the station concourse. Birmingham New Street station also features a war memorial at the entrance from Smallbrook Queensway.