Australian Singles

Lot 2670       Australian Singles

Estimate $200
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $500

IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL (GVIR) ALEXANDER CUMMING. Impressed. Very fine.

ISM: LG 15 February 1946.'Alexander Cumming, Engine Driver Tasmanian Government Railways.' Together with 9ct gold Fob with 'AC' monogram on obverse and inscribed on reverse 'Awarded to Driver Cummings for prompt action in averting a possible railway catastrophe 15.4.14.'; and newspaper clipping extract from the Hobart Mercury of 16 April 1914: 'Train Accident at Penguin - Collision with Bullock Team - A Lucky Escape. Penguin, April 15: A sensational train accident happened here this afternoon. The afternoon train was just crossing the road leading to the wharf when it ran into a truck drawn by ten bullocks, the property of James Wing, Ironcliff. The usual whistle signal was given, and heard by many, but was apparently not heard by the bullock driver, who, however, knew that the train was about due, so was making all possible haste. Neither the driver of the train nor the teamster could see round the high rocky curve at this spot, and, with the whistle blowing for crossing, the engine struck the truck between the wheels, throwing the pole bullocks down, and the back of the truck into the creek. Fortunately the bullocks were not under the cow-catcher, or the engine must have gone into the creek off the bridge. The forecarriage of the truck reared up, and caught the clack valve on the left side of the engine, tearing it away. Consequently an amazing cloud of steam escaped through the side of the boiler, but there was enough left to take the engine into a siding in the station, where it now stands. A special train came along half an hour later, and took the passenger train on to Launceston, forty minutes late. The front of the bullock truck was badly damaged, and one of the pole bullocks was severely injured: but it was a lucky escape all round. This crossing is very dangerous, and should be guarded with gates. A Garratt engine came along about 4 o'clock and took on the driver and stoker of the wrecked engine, and a string of empty carriages.'