Keith, I was 12 years old in 1942 having lived through the Plymouth Blitz the previous year, all manner of emergency
plans existed and gateways for road traffic were prepared.
I do not think they were used. Part of the bridge was planked
at this time. Maurice lived nearer (but is of course much
younger than me) although he had older friends.
Later in the 50s my father was signalman at both Saltash &
Royal Albert Boxes. During this period King Lever operation
was introduced, 12 trains an hour was thought to be the best
achievable periodicity, difficult to achieve with token working.
Trespass late at night by pedestrians often occurred, lads
including myself returning from girl friend expeditions. A blind
eye was used on these occasions, being on the dark bridge when
a Hall or a Grange flogged past as one sheltered in a hide was an unforgettable experience. (Was she worth it?). I too am
interested in the roadway history, no one has mentioned the ex-
plosive boxes installed for destruction if operation Sea Lion looked like succeeding. Peter.
Many thanks to Peter for his very interesting reply - I wonder where the explosive boxes were placed?