Ben Gimbert was born in Sutton near Ely but lived in March. He was a railway engine driver for the LNER. On June 2nd 1944 he was driving a train of 51 wagons 44 of them containing 250lb and 500 lb bombs from March to Marks Tey destined for the D Day landings. On approaching Soham in Cambridgeshire he noticed that the first wagon had caught fire. Ben stopped the engine, instructed the fireman James Nighthall to uncouple the first wagon so that the fire would not spread further down the train. He then pulled the engine clear of Soham station and buildings. on the way telling the signalman Frank Bridges to prevent further trains from entering the section. There was a terrific explosion which killed James Nighthall and signalman Frank Bridges. Miraculously Ben and guard Herbert Clark survived although suffering serious injury, Ben being admitted to Newmarket Hospital for 6 weeks.
Had it not been for the actions of these men Soham village and much of the surrounding area would have been destroyed. For their actions Ben was awarded The George Cross, the LNER Silver Medal for Courage and Resource and the Daily Herald Order of Industrial Heroism. James Nighthall was posthusmously awarded the George Cross. Ben's medals are on display in March Museum whilst James's are in Soham College. Frank Bridges was not recognised until 2nd June 2007 when a memorial was unveiled in Red Lion Square, Soham, Ben was awarded the Coronation Medal in 1953. There were engines named after Ben and James and roads in their respective towns. March Museum carries a good display relating to this and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays. The story is also well covered on the internet.
Well done Undulatum for FTF ( and quick ).