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Proper recognition of Military Railway Service (MRS) personnel during wartime has never been given proper attention in the public eye, and one BLE member wants to do something about it.
These M-3 Medium Tanks of the 69th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, are being transported from their home base near Rock Hill, S.C., on Nov. 3, 1941. (Photo by U.S. Army Signal Corps.)
Retired BLE Division 518 Member Forrest Briggs has been working with Greystone Communications and the History Channel to produce a television documentary on the subject. In addition, he would like to organize a gathering of retired MRS personnel.
"While military history records the fact that MRS units transported some 90 percent of the men and material in all wars of U.S. involvement until Vietnam, their monumental achievements have gone unnoticed," said Brother Briggs, who served in the 712th Railway Operating Battalion in Korea.
During World War II, railroads moved 90 percent of all military freight and 97 percent of all military passengers in the United States.
Briggs reports he has had substantial success with the History Channel as they produced a "Trains at War" documentary as part of their "Trains Unlimited" series.
The military railroad crews suffered under extreme conditions during wartime, Briggs said.
"Many battalions were commended in the form of unit citations for 'meritorious' service," he said. "This consisted of working 24 hour days to a point of sheer exhaustion and running trains at night in unfamiliar territory under blackout conditions with little or no protective armor or firepower. This, coupled with the helpless terror of enemy aircraft bombing and strafing tactics, ground shell fire, mined tunnels and bridges, along with the constant threat of partisan sabotage.
"There are also accounts of crews repelling guerrilla attacks with combat infantry methods in extreme cases. In doing so, the skill and courage displayed by the MRS saved many precarious battle situations notably the Battle of the Bulge with up front logistical support, meanwhile providing hospital train evacuation service for wounded personnel which cannot be overstated."
On the heels of his success with the History Channel, Briggs now seeks input from others with MRS experience who seek to organize a reunion.
"I would like to submit an idea for a social gathering in honor of all former MRS personnel whose services are historically relegated to the past due to the changing military technology," Briggs said. "In this respect, one grand MRS reunion would be an appropriate gesture and greatly appreciated by those dwindling members who are, too, passing into history."
To contact Brother Briggs, parties interested in an MRS reunion should write: 12115 19th St. S.E. G-103, Everett, WA 98208.
WWII Canadian troops prepare to board this Canadian National train in Eastern Canada. (CNR photo.)
A woodburning locomotive is used to haul freight and arms during the Civil War. The 13-inch cannon to the left was named "The Dictator" and was used by the Federal Artilery during the closing months of the war. The gun was so heavy it weighed 17,000 pounds that it was necessary to mount it on a railroad car for easy movement. "The Dictator" fired a 200 pound shell with 20 pounds of gun powder. (Association of American Railroads photo.)
This steam engine waits for the all clear in Laon, France. In the background is a building bombed by Allied planes while the city was in German hands during WWII. (Photo by U.S. Army Signal Corps.)
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