PAGE  255  - AUGUST 27, 2006

The New Haven Railroad goes to war!!!
These photos are from the New Haven Railroad's "Along the Line" Magazine, "published by and for the employees of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Co."

When I hired out on the railroad in 1980, there were still a lot of World War 2 Vets working throughout the system. Not surprisingly, very few of these brave Men and Women spoke about their wartime experiences.

One thing is for sure, they were in fact  the great railroad men and railroad women of the greatest generation.

Years after he retired, we found out Boston Locomotive Engineer Eddie "Cheesecake" Watson was a highly decorated B17 pilot, flying daring and successful missions throughout WW2.

Conductor George Goss, seen below right (photo 21), was a Navy Seaman stationed on merchant ships protecting their crews and cargo from enemy attacks.

And how about the New Haven Railroad's own railroad battalion? The 749th Railway Operating Battalion.


The New Haven Railroad's 749th Operating Battalion.  Lt. Col. Harry F. Donnelly in command. Lt. Col. Donnelly received the Bronze Star Citation for meritorious achievement in Luzon, Philippines. "Donnelly and his Battalion of railroaders worked tirelessly on surveys and planning in spite of washouts, enemy action, failure of antiquated equipment, lack of signal systems, damaged track and lack of personnel."


New Haven Dining Car Steward Eddie Hale, in the Phillipines.
I bet he's thinking dealing with the enemy may be at times a bit more pleasant than being hassled by New Haven dining car crews and passengers.


New Haven Conductor George "Georgie" Goss, here at sea during the great war. George was a class act and a true gentleman.


Readville Shops Boiler Maker Helper and now T/5 George W. Buckley in the Phillipines.


Private First Class and Boston Brakeman William "Billy" Kirby.
A typical First Street Yard fella.
 

RAILROADS AT WAR!!!

Broadcast from New Haven, Connecticut. September 21, 1942.
"VOX POP" radio show host Parks Johnson, wearing a New Haven Conductor's hat,  interviews New Haven Railroad
Locomotive Engineer Duke Savory.


As of December 1946,   7315 brave employees of the New Haven Railroad served their country - 129 New Haven Railroaders made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country during World War 2.   As of December 1946,   7315 brave employees of the New Haven Railroad served their country - 129 New Haven Railroaders made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country during World War 2.  As of December 1946,   7315 brave employees of the New Haven Railroad served their country - 129 New Haven Railroaders made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country during World War 2.   As of December 1946,   7315 brave employees of the New Haven Railroad served their country - 129 New Haven Railroaders made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country during World War 2. As of December 1946,   7315 brave employees of the New Haven Railroad served their country - 129 New Haven Railroaders made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country during World War 2.

 

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