Calling

all RAIL readers - we need your help in tracking down a mystery visitor who left a message in the visitors’ book at the church in Nettlestead (Saint Mary the Virgin) near Maidstone.

The message reads: “06/04/17 - Beautiful church, come to pay respects to Terrance Cronk - I was a Railway Fireman and assisted on the Hither Green Train Disaster. KR”.

Yvonne Cronk, from Nettlestead, has written to Stop & Examine seeking more information. She explains: “Terry Cronk is my brother who lost his life in this disaster on November 5 1967 - 50th anniversary this year, so I think ‘KR’ realises this and obviously knew where my brother lived.

“The only connection I can think is that ‘KR’ knew my father who worked as a guard all his life. My father was Douglas ‘Dougie’ Cronk. Many of my uncles and grandfather worked for British Rail.”

Forty-nine people lost their lives and 78 people were injured in the Hither Green crash in 1967, when a Hastings-London Charing Cross train derailed near the Hither Green maintenance depot.

Eleven of the 12 coaches derailed and four were turned on their sides. A broken rail was found to be the cause of the derailment.

Yvonne adds: “I wondered if you could help in my quest to try and discover who ‘KR’ is and where he is from? There may be a chance ‘KR’ reads your magazine, or another reader may recognise him.” So can anyone help? Let us know at rail@

bauermedia. co.uk, and we’ll pass on any information to Yvonne.