World War One wagons to roll again on railway

The Class D bogie wagons were used to transport supplies to the front in France during World War One

Railway wagons that were used to transport soldiers and supplies during World War One will be back on the tracks for an event in Skegness.

They will be operating on the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway (LCLR), in the Skegness Water Leisure Park, on Saturday 21 September.

The wagons, which include an ambulance van for wounded soldiers, have been conserved and restored by volunteers from the LCLR Historic Vehicles Trust.

Richard Shepherd, the trust chairman, said visitors would have a chance to see a "real, living demonstration of history", which showed "how the British and their allies used them to secure victory".

The 1917 ambulance van was used to transport wounded soldiers to hospital

Other wagons in the collection were used to transport ammunition, food and medical supplies to the front in France.

"These narrow-gauge railways helped the Allies overcome the problem of transport of men and materials over the muddy quagmires, which had earlier prevented reinforcement and supplies," Mr Shepherd added.

"The surviving vehicles are a significant part of our collection in Skegness."

Those wishing to see the World War One demonstration trains from the lineside will be asked to make a donation and should wear a hi-vis jacket, LCLR said.

Normal passenger services will cost £2 for a return and £5 for a family. Further details are available on the railway's Facebook page.

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