Authors
TIM HILLIER-GRAVESIn their book 'Gresley's Silver Link' the authors analysed the evolution of the A4s Gresley's and their service up to Gresley's death in 1941. This book takes this compelling story from the early years of the war up to their demise in the 1960s After four years of service pulling the LNER's most prestigious trains the A4s took on a more utilitarian role and for six years worked hard to support Britain's war effort. From this they emerged bowed, but unbeaten, although in an extremely jaded condition. Once restored they took up where they had left off in 1939 and did exceptional service for the rest of their days. With the help of previously unpublished material the authors analyse the second phase of the A4s careers, first as LNER engines, then, from 1948, under British Railways management. Without a diesel or electric fleet of engines to replace them they entered a second golden age of fast running in the '50s. Then in the 'Swinging Sixties' they faced, as some thought, a premature end as part of a much delayed modernisation programme. Until withdrawn from service they continued to astound their footplate crew and performed exceptionally well, even when maintenance standards had slipped and their condition had deteriorated. They were thoroughbreds and have become a fitting memorial to the master engineers who produced and sustained them for 30 years or more. AUTHOR: Ronald Hillier was born in North London in 1922. When only 18 he volunteered for service with the Army and saw much action in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He landed in France on D Day plus 2, then, after a short period in hospital, returned to the battlefield to be involved in the drive across Europe to Germany. He was in the forward units that discovered Bergen-Belsen and returned a few weeks later to help burn it down with a flame thrower equipped Bren Gun Carrier. After 'demob' he returned to live in London and worked at the at Explosives Research and Development Establishment at Waltham Abbey as a chemist. He retired in 1984 and died shortly afterwards. From childhood to the end of his life he undertook detailed research into railway and military history, leaving his extensive collection to his nephew. It is this material, and an outline he left, that forms the basis of this book. Tim Hillier-Graves was born in North London in 1951. After university he served with the Royal Navy where he became a specialist in weapon development projects, specifically missiles and heavyweight torpedoes. Later in his career he focussed on Human Resource Management and outsourcing to industry, then as an Assistant Director took on responsibility of housing for military personnel. He retired in 2011 to focus more fully on writing. 25 colour, 225 b/w illustrations
