Saving The Flying Dutchman

In 1876 John died while saving the express train, the Flying Dutchman, from disaster. It was a split second decision that would, not only change the lives of his friends and family, but also bring up questions in Parliament.I wasn't able to include this in the show but here's a poem written about John Chiddy at the time.MEMORY OF JOHN CHIDDY. With roar of whirlwind wheels The flashing train flies by No shock the traveller feelsHe hears cry Nor starts, nor holds his breath, Nor wonders, nor looks back ; He saw not what dire Death Couched iv his track. But one man saw and stayed not, One man sprang forth to save, And for their lives who prayed not His own life gave. The train bore on In thunder The travellers on their way: Beneath them, clov'n asunder, Their saviour lay. more his life-drops wet The iron pathway's side : The iron folk forget For whom he died.Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams - Thursday 07 December 1876THIS PODCASTThis podcast has been specially edited from a Bradley Stoke Radio show in Bristol, England. If you liked it please leave a rating and maybe a comment and if you’d like to support the show with a donation, however small, you can go to Ko-Fi.comSome more great news for you, if you were interested in buying merchandise featuring the show’s logo, then pop over to Teepublic.com, you’ll find lots of things to choose from.So, thankyou for listening and until next time guys, take care and look after each other.-CONTACT ME…Email: [email protected]: @BackTrackerUKInstagram: @backtrackerukTwitter: @BackTrackerUK-SOURCESShepton Mallet Journal - Friday 07 April 1876Reading Mercury - Saturday 22 April 1876Bristol ArchivesAncestryFind My PastKingswood Museum-Sound Effects by zapsplat.comIntro music by The Model Folk © THE BACKTRACKER HISTORY SHOW 2021