Britain's Railways During World War Two

Region:

South East

Notice Period:

Short (maybe less than one month's notice)

Type:

Professional

Fee:

Paid: £60 plus travel @45p per mile up to 30 miles from Reading

Category:

History

Updated:

22^nd June 2022

Tagged:

Railway History | World War 2 | Railways | Home Front

Industrial and Railway historian Richard Marks explores the impact of World War Two upon Britain's railways. Find out the important role that Britain's four railway companies had in achieving victory on World War Two. Discover the war work that was undertaken in the railway company works across the country and the impact of Luftwaffe operations over Britain's railway network during the war. This talk will also look at how the legacy left by the Victorian railway builders benefitted Britain in World War Two.

This talk can be run in conjunction with Britain's Railways in World War One as a two part programme.

I am a published historian based in Berkshire who specialises in industrial and railway history and the history of science. My current areas of research are the aircraft and systems of the RAF, industrial development in the Victorian period, and the development of the railway and canal systems in Britain in the mid to late 19th Century. I am currently researching a PhD in economic history and am a tutor with the WEA.

My talks appeal to a broad range of audiences and sizes of groups. I’m happy to adapt the length and format for your requirements. My aim is to educate and entertain, leaving the audience with a new perspective and wanting to learn more.

A 20 year career in technology, working with British and international manufacturing companies has given me a unique perspective as an historian.

Feedback from previous talks: "Richard had clearly done a massive amount of research and preparation. He is an excellent presenter very knowledgeable and engaging speaker. It was informative and thought provoking."

"I found the whole subject fascinating and wanted to learn more."

Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Richard Marks

• More than Spitfires; Behind the Battle of Britain
• The Arrival of the Railways in Reading
• Bomber's Moon: The Equipment and Tactics of RAF Bomber Command during World War Two
• Iron Dragons: British Tanks in the First World War
• Barbers to Surgeons: Medicine in Victorian Times
• Stephenson's Horses: The Victorian Railways
• Trouble at Mill: Life in the Victorian Factories
• An Eclectic Extravaganza: Victorians at Leisure
• Berkshire and the Industrial Revolution
• Chocks Away: The Royal Flying Corps in the First World War
• So You Think We Don't Make Anything Anymore ? Britain's Manufacturing in the 21st Century
• The Great Western Railway in Victorian Berkshire
• Munitions Workers in World War One
• Britain's Railways During World War One
• Munitions Workers in World War Two
• Soldiers in Skirts: Women in Britain's Armed Forces during World War Two