A special commemoration is to take place at the Midland Railway – Butterley on the 12th May 2018 to mark the centenary of the death of Sapper Alfred Frederick Amos.

Sapper Amos was based at Butterley Station prior to joining the Royal Engineers, where he would continue his railway skills as part of his service on the Western Front until he was unfortunately killed during a German offensive.

Following detailed research, a number of his relatives have been tracked down and is expected that they will be present for his commemoration. A small memorial to him will be unveiled at the station and then there will be a two-minute silence on the platform at 11 am, marked by locomotive whistles.

The train services will be dedicated to his memory and locomotives for the day will carry a wreath of poppies.

Sapper Amos was a member of the 109th Railway Company of the Royal Engineer. Prior to this, he was a Midland Railway Company employee based at Butterley Station, where he worked as a Labourer in the Way and Works Department. Although 2833 former employees gave their lives at war, Sapper Amos was the only one to be based at Butterley Station.

What did the officials say?

Event co-ordinator, Anne Deeth, said

“We too must remember the sacrifices made during the First World War and by remembering Sapper Amos on the centenary of his death we are not only honouring him but also other men of the Midland Railway who also gave their lives.  We are delighted that members of the Amos family are planning on joining us.”

• Visit the Midland Railway – Butterley website
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