Dan Steele

I was drawn to this image because of the sense of atmosphere the original portrayed. The low light and resultant slow shutter has blurred the figures and given it the feel of an oil painting, and that has carried over to the colourised version I’ve produced.

The steam locomotive in the foreground is known as a SR (Southern Railway) V Schools class, and was designed for intermediate passenger services. More commonly found in a green livery, during the second world war, they were all painted black¹.

Locomotive 914 “Eastbourne” (30914) was built in 1932 by the Eastleigh Works and was in service until 1961². During the Second World War, 914 would have played a vital role in helping transporting troops and other personnel around the country.

There are three surviving Schools class locomotives, one of which, 925 “Cheltenham”, is still local and can be found at the Mid-Hants railway.

During the Second World War, the Eastleigh works branched out into other areas of the war effort, producing parts for Blenheim bombers and Horsa gliders.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SR_V_Schools_class
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_SR_V_%22Schools%22_class_locomotives

Stanbridge Earls is a manor house estate situated in Awbridge just outside of Romsey in Hampshire.

During the Second World War in Europe, the USAAF needed a way to provide R&R to help their crews recover from combat fatigue whilst they were stationed in the UK. It was decided that they should make use of the tranquil British countryside, and set up retreats and rest homes. The first such place was at Stanbridge Earls¹.

I’ve picked this image from a series of photographs held in the IWM archives showing life at Stanbridge Earls. It shows two airmen who were usually found as part of the crew of a Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress”. Today they are enjoying fishing on the River Test, on what appears to be the grounds of the manor house, and they look quite at ease.

1. http://www.americanairmuseum.com/place/134909