Ben Gimbert

Benjamin Gimbert GC (6 February 1903 – 6 May 1976) was a British engine driver with the London and North Eastern Railway and a recipient of both the George Cross and the Order of Industrial Heroism. Alongside fireman James Nightall, Gimbert was recognised for saving an ammunition train from a fire on 2 June 1944 during the Soham rail disaster.

Early life Gimbert was born on 6 February 1903 in Ely (now in Cambridgeshire), the son of farm labourer George William Gimbert and his wife Florence. He moved to Peterborough in 1918, working as a cleaner for the Great Eastern Railway (GER) before being promoted to fireman in 1921. He was married in the town of March in 1926. In 1942 he became a driver for the London & North Eastern Railway (which had been created in 1923 by the amalgamation of the GER with other railways).

George Cross

On 2 June 1944, Gimbert was involved in a serious railway accident at Soham in Cambridgeshire, whilst driving an ammunition train. For their part in the events of that day, both he and his fireman colleague, James Nightall, were awarded the George Cross, the latter posthumously.

Gimbert was also awarded the Order of Industrial Heroism, a private civil award given by the Daily Herald newspaper, and the LNER's silver medal for Courage and Resource.

On 28 September 1981 two British Rail Class 47 locomotives were named in honour of the two railwaymen: No. 47577 was named "Benjamin Gimbert, GC" and No. 47579 "James Nightall, GC". The nameplate "Benjamin Gimbert GC" was transferred to 47 574 in July 1987 at Stratford depot. It remained on this locomotive for 10 years. On 2 June 2004 new "Benjamin Gimbert GC" nameplates were applied to Class 66 077 at Whitemoor yard (March). Also the Norfolk Green bus company named Optare Solo 617 (MX55WCV) after Gimbert.