Narrow Gauge at War

World War I was 'the War to end all Wars'. Mass production of armaments and the mobilization of millions of men profoundly altered the nature of war, and created a demand for transportation that only the light railway could satisfy. Two thousand miles of 60 cm gauge track were laid down, and over 1,500 locomotives, from builders in Britain and the USA, were supplied to the British and Dominion forces. It was the two-foot gauge railways 'Finest Hour', and the Official War Photographers were there to record it. The men of the Light Railway Operating Companies were portrayed as they worked to build and maintain the railways, transport rations, supplies and ammunitions to the front, convey the wounded to safety, service the locomotives......and rerail them following the inevitable accidents. Using these photographs - and those from private collections - the author presents a portrait, in words and pictures, of the light railways in service on the British, Canadian, Australian and American front. Supporting text includes outline history of tactical light railways, notes on locomotive development, and detailed works number and running number lists of the main locomotive classes. Many WDLR locomotives saw post-war service in Britain, France, Australia, India, etc. Over fifty survive even today, and a list is provided showing their current location. This book will appeal to all devotees of the narrow gauge scene, railway modellers, and those interested in this important aspect of the Great War.