WORLD WAR TWO
RAILWAY STUDY GROUP

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Prospectus 
Group founded 1989 

Railways in World War 2
The railways of many countries played a vital part in the conduct of World War Two. This was not only in such dramatic episodes as the Dunkirk evacuation and the huge logistic build-up for the invasion of Northern Europe on the Allied side, but also in the use of the railways of occupied Europe by the German forces and in occupied Asia by the Japanese.

In the UK
In the United Kingdom, they played their part in the ordinary day-to-day movements of troops and munitions, and aided the daily flow of civilians to and from their war work in mines, shipyards, factories and docks. From 1940 onwards, the UK railways also had to work under increasing difficulties due to bomb damage and at the same time had to cope with the demands made on them by the ever-growing numbers of Allied troops arriving in Britain.

Purpose of the group
The wartime railway scene has not been extensively studied by serious railway historians until fairly recently, but since the foundation of the World War Two Railway Study Group (WW2RSG for short) the situation has changed for the better. The purpose of the Group is to collect, exchange and whenever possible, to publish factual information on the operation of the railways of the combatant nations during World War Two, and similar relevant material from the years before and afterwards.

Bulletin
The Group publishes a Bulletin every two months, distributed free to members. It has a regular question-and-answer feature for the use of members seeking information on specific wartime railway topics: book reviews: notes on museums and exhibitions, and articles contributed by members giving the results of their own researches. The recollections of members old enough to remember railways during the war years are always keenly sought by the Bulletin's editor.

Library
The Group has a small but growing Library of books, plans and maps, most of which can be borrowed by members through the post.

Member's activities have resulted in the accumulation of valuable information:-

• A database of WW2 railway photos

• The listing of preserved railway artefacts dating from the war years

• A bibliography of books relating wholly or with substantial references to railways in WW2

• An archive collection of wartime photographs.

AGM
The principal event of the year is the Annual General Meeting, to which members are encouraged to bring photographs, maps and plans for exhibition and discussion. Models are also welcome, for the Group includes specialist modelling among its objects.

Membership
Membership is open to all interested persons over 16. The annual subscription (January - December) is £13-50, £10 for UK pensioners, with a surcharge of £2-00 for postage outside Europe.

Membership enquiries:- 
Tony Cane
E-mail:
tcane@ww2rsg.u-net.com