The Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway (RH & DR) is a 15 inch gauge light railway which runs along the English Kent coat. The line is one of the smallest public railways in the world, the Wells and Walsingham line in Norfolk currently holds the prestigious title but the RH & DR heralds itself as the ‘Kent mainline in miniature.’ The line as well as providing services for the many tourist who visit, also offer a school train service for pupils during the term.
The Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway experience during the Second World War is of particular interest due to its obscurity. With its position along the Kent coat the line would have been the first to see German bombers fly overhead on their way to attack inland. In response the War Department requisitioned the line and unleased the world’s only armoured miniature train. The armoured train consisted of a steal plated steam locomotive named the Hercules which was accompanied by two steel armoured bogie wagons which housed an anti-tank rifle and a Lewis gun in each, all manned by men of the Somerset Light Infantry. To get a sense of the rather bizarre sight of a miniature train armoured and carrying an arsenal of weapons, I refer you to the Pathe video and pictures attached. Although some may see this endeavour as smacks of desperation, it can be observed how the British home forces used all the tool available to hand. With its position along the coast and the ability to move swiftly it is perhaps reasonable to see why Britain mobilised a toy train in defence of its home territory.
When peace returned to the World the RH & DR returned to its civilian service, proclaiming its return in 1946 with a re-opening spectacular accompanied by the comedic duo of Laurel and Hardy. The pairs slap stick improvised routine was witnessed by thousands of people and was seen by many more through the short newsreel attached bellow. This bold show signalled the return of the light railway and although the line suffered from package holidays in the 1970s the line continues to survive providing tourists with a unique experience.
Sources
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway official website, <http://www.rhdr.org.uk/about.html>
Narrow Gauge Pleasure, ‘The Romeney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway’, < http://www.narrow-gauge-pleasure.co.uk/railways/rlyromney.aspx>
Pictures taken from, ‘War in Toy land’ <https://m.warhistoryonline.com/featured/war-in-toyland-the-only-miniature-armored-train-in-the-world.html/2>
Historic Happenings 