The Plymouth to Yealmpton Branch was a GWR single track line opened in 1898. The passenger train service ran from Plymouth Millbay. However the coming of the motor bus led to a rapid decline in use of the passenger trains, and the passenger service was withdrawn in 1930. It was one of a number of withdrawals of passenger services in the period 1929-1931 by all of the Big-4 Railway Companies. The other one that comes to mind in this area was the passenger service from St. Blazey to Fowey withdrawn in 1929. However freight trains continued to run to Yealmpton until 1960. This was quite fortuitous because during the Second World War Plymouth was badly bombed and this pursuaded lots of people to leave the city and stay in the countryside. This led the Great Western to reinstate the passenger trains to Yealmpton from Monday 3 November 1941, but this time from Plymouth Friary Station. With the end of WW2 the passenger trains were withdrawn for a second time on 7 October 1947, making the branch freight-only for the second time in its relatively short life of 62 years.
It is believed that the last passenger trains, before the first withdrawal, ran on Sunday 6 July 1930. This is 85 years ago and one of the earliest withdrawals we have yet reported on. Many thanks to Mike for reminding of this important event
It is believed that the last passenger trains, before the first withdrawal, ran on Sunday 6 July 1930. This is 85 years ago and one of the earliest withdrawals we have yet reported on. Many thanks to Mike for reminding of this important event
Yealmpton Branch station after final closure seen here in May 1961. Copyright Mike Roach