Bishopstone: WWII Railway Memorial, UK Rail History, Community Impact

Bishopstone Remembers: Unveiling a Memorial to the First Railway Casualty of WWII

On Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, exactly 85 years after a tragic event, a poignant memorial was unveiled at Bishopstone station in Sussex. This unveiling commemorated Southern train driver Charles Henry Pattenden, who tragically lost his life on July 3, 1940, when a German Luftwaffe aircraft attacked his train. The event, held in the beautifully restored station building, saw the unveiling of a commemorative plaque installed by the Friends of Bishopstone Station (FOBS). This article details the attack, the meticulous research that uncovered the story, the impact on the railway community, and the enduring legacy of a railway hero. The plaque serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime and a tribute to the men and women who kept the railways running.

Unearthing the Truth: The FOBS Investigation

The unveiling of the plaque was the culmination of extensive research undertaken by the FOBS. In January 2025, FOBS director Graham Moore initiated a public appeal for information to learn more about the 1940 attack. His efforts bore fruit when Ivor Pattenden, Charles Pattenden’s grandson, responded to the appeal, and provided valuable family insight to FOBS. This sparked a collaborative effort between the FOBS and the Pattenden family to reconstruct the events of that fateful day. The group’s research, including detailed timelines of events leading up to the attack, has helped in piecing together the story of the attack on the passenger train. The FOBS produced a detailed booklet which showcases their findings and brings into the forefront the heroic efforts of the railway staff. This research offers a complete account of the historical event.

The Attack on the 5:37 PM: A Moment Frozen in Time

On the day of the attack, the 5:37 pm steam train departed from Seaford Station, on its way to Horsted Keynes. The train, pulled by a D1 tank engine, No. 2244, had just passed Bishopstone station when it was targeted by a German Dornier bomber. Witnesses reported the aircraft opened fire with machine guns. Passengers, likely accustomed to the local 5:30pm raids, took cover on the carriage floors as bullets pierced the train’s carriages. The aircraft then dropped six bombs in the Oyster Ponds area. Though the train wasn’t directly hit, the force of the blast caused significant damage, shattering windows and splintering the wooden framework. Driver Charles Pattenden sustained a fatal injury from splinters, and Guard Edward Batchelor was seriously injured. Fireman Frank Cox, miraculously, was uninjured.

The Human Cost: A Legacy of Remembrance

The attack resulted in the first death of a train driver in World War II. Charles Pattenden, aged 59, was laid to rest in Tonbridge Wells. His family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attended the plaque unveiling to remember his sacrifice. The community gathered at Bishopstone station to pay their respects and remember the brave railway staff who kept the trains running during such difficult times. One-year-old Ron Terrill, who would later become a railway engineman, survived the attack and is still alive. Ivor Pattenden expressed gratitude for the FOBS’s research, stating how it helped fill gaps in the family’s history and honour his grandfather’s memory.

Restoration and Reflection: The Station’s Role

The unveiling ceremony took place in Bishopstone station’s restored art-deco booking hall, which has become a focal point for the community. Rob Whitehead, community engagement manager at Southern, which manages Bishopstone station, noted the importance of preserving railway heritage, especially during the 200th anniversary of the railway. The Friends of Bishopstone Station and the Southern staff have fostered a connection between the local history and the current community. The plaque, now installed in the station, serves as a lasting tribute and remembrance of the fallen, reminding all who pass through of the sacrifices made to maintain essential services during wartime.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the plaque at Bishopstone Station is more than just a memorial; it’s a testament to the resilience of the railway community and the importance of remembering the past. The meticulous research by the FOBS has brought to light a previously obscure chapter of railway history, illustrating the courage of railway workers during wartime. The story of Charles Pattenden and the attack on the 5:37 pm from Seaford encapsulates the broader narrative of wartime Britain, the sacrifices made by ordinary people, and the enduring spirit of the railway. The event has underscored the essential role of community engagement in preserving historical memory and connecting present generations with their past. As the railway continues to evolve, this memorial serves as a timeless reminder of its history and the individuals who helped shape it.