A war hero was honoured today (11 July) on the concourse of a railway station that was saved by his actions during World War 2.
Richard Jones, a Bridlington historian and author researched the story of a railway worker whose actions undoubtedly saved dozens of lives and Bridlington Railway station.
Richard, along, with Northern – the train operator, and the Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership today honoured courageous ticket collector Ernest Barker with a poignant ceremony and the unveiling of a prestigious plaque.
On July 11, 1941, an unexpected raid by a German bomber caused devastation on Hilderthorpe Road which resulted in the loss of five lives at a bus stop, and just a few hundred yards away, another bomb struck Bridlington railway station yard, resulting in a fire on a train carrying large amounts of ammunition.
Thanks to the work of Richard, the plaque unveiling ceremony took place 82 years to the day of the dramatic event.
Tuesday 11 July, 2023 saw the official unveiling ceremony of a blue plaque at Bridlington Railway Station and visitors witnessed the historic ceremony.
Explained Richard: “Most people would have thought of leaving the station, yet Ernest ran towards the danger and fought the blaze while his colleagues worked on other fires nearby.
“Thanks to his bravery, the train did not explode and the fire was extinguished, saving many lives.
“Ernest became one of the first people in the country to receive the George Medal on January 24, 1941, yet his grave in Bridlington Cemetery makes no mention of his heroic act or the medal.
Richard added: “That train could have blown up and killed Ernest and many others at any second, yet his selfless act of courage prevented a huge disaster. It is clear that Ernest’s act of bravery often goes unrecognised and overshadowed by the more celebrated Bridlington resident Thomas Alderson, an air raid warden who, on three occasions, led rescue teams and entered dangerous buildings to save trapped civilians.”
Local historian Richard Jones has now seen Ernest’s incredible bravery recognised with the unveiling of the blue plaque.
