Dear Mr Jenkin,
I am an historian investigating the Bodmin Stop Line. This was a defensive line to be held against German invasion in the summer of 1940 and ran from Fowey to Padstow. As the railway was used in places as part of this line I am wondering if you or your members can tell me anything about how the railway was defended in 1940. I believe there were railway blocks at the bridges over the River Camel south of Wadebridge (on the line to Bodmin and on the line to Launceston). These were rails inserted in large concrete blocks either side of the line to block the passage of any train coming along the line. I am also aware of the pillbox by the road entrance to Bodmin Road Station (now Parkway). I also have seen the photo from the Maurice Dart collection of the armoured train at Wadebridge that was manned by a Polish Regiment in 1940-41. Wadebridge, Bodmin and Lostwithiel were designated as anti-tank islands in the defensive line with roadblocks etc to prevent tanks passing.
I would be grateful for any information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, or photos of the line taken after the war that may have inadvertently captured the remains of the wartime defences. I have looked at those on your website but can't see anything that jumps out.
On a separate investigation I am also interested in the siding at Sawmills near Golant on the Lostwithiel-Fowey branch line that was used by the US military, and in connection with their movement of ammo to Fowey for the D Day landings, the War Ministry sidings at Doublebois. These were on the station side of the road bridge (as opposed to the goods yard that was on the Bodmin Road side). Again any information would be gratefully received.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Phil H.
Please reply to this website and I'll pass the information on.
I am an historian investigating the Bodmin Stop Line. This was a defensive line to be held against German invasion in the summer of 1940 and ran from Fowey to Padstow. As the railway was used in places as part of this line I am wondering if you or your members can tell me anything about how the railway was defended in 1940. I believe there were railway blocks at the bridges over the River Camel south of Wadebridge (on the line to Bodmin and on the line to Launceston). These were rails inserted in large concrete blocks either side of the line to block the passage of any train coming along the line. I am also aware of the pillbox by the road entrance to Bodmin Road Station (now Parkway). I also have seen the photo from the Maurice Dart collection of the armoured train at Wadebridge that was manned by a Polish Regiment in 1940-41. Wadebridge, Bodmin and Lostwithiel were designated as anti-tank islands in the defensive line with roadblocks etc to prevent tanks passing.
I would be grateful for any information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, or photos of the line taken after the war that may have inadvertently captured the remains of the wartime defences. I have looked at those on your website but can't see anything that jumps out.
On a separate investigation I am also interested in the siding at Sawmills near Golant on the Lostwithiel-Fowey branch line that was used by the US military, and in connection with their movement of ammo to Fowey for the D Day landings, the War Ministry sidings at Doublebois. These were on the station side of the road bridge (as opposed to the goods yard that was on the Bodmin Road side). Again any information would be gratefully received.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Phil H.
Please reply to this website and I'll pass the information on.