South Yorkshire Times August 30, 1947

For Iraq

Mr Harry Williamson (40), son of Mr and Mrs C Williamson, of 121 Queen St, Swinton, will be leaving Swinton in the near future to take up a post as locomotive inspector on the Iraqi State Railways. He was selected from 29 applicants.

Stationed at Cambridge depot as an engine driver, Mr Williamson has worked on the LNE railway for 25 years. He started work at Mexborough and has since been to 24 depots.

Mr Williamson served in the Royal Engineers for six years. He was demobilised in 1946, then a sergeant major. He was in charge of the first continental leave train which ran from Rouen to Calais. Mr Williamson entered Hanover with American soldiers and forward reconnaissance and so far as he knows, was the first English soldier to enter that city. After hostilities ceased Mr Williams was Chief Locomotive Inspector attached to No 2 Regional Railway Control Team in Hanover.

One of Mr Williamson’s treasures is a cigarette casket presented to him by the wagon department Hanover, and made from wood taken from the train of Lord Montgomery.

He is a member of Swinton Cricket Club and formerly played for Swinton. He was a pioneer of adult education in Swinton, and did organising work in the Isle of Ely. Mr Williamson was formerly a member of Swinton scouts.