Restored memorial for 1902 tragedy unveiled (From Bucks Free Press)

Restored memorial for 1902 tragedy unveiled

2:49pm Wednesday 8th September 2010 in

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FAMILY members of a High Wycombe man killed in one of the district's worst ever industrial accidents were present to watch the unveiling of a revamped memorial.

Wycombe District Council chairman Bill Bendyshe-Brown laid a wreath at the base of the newly restored public memorial in memory of the six men who died during the collapse of a railway tunnel on September 6, 1902.

Judy Welfare, the great great niece of Harry Morton, the only man from High Wycombe who died in the tragedy, was the guest of honour at Tuesday's unveiling.

The 59-year-old said: “It's quite moving to be here and I feel very proud that my ancestor, who gave his life trying to move the town on, has been recognised.

“They have done an amazing job to restore the memorial, when you consider the problems everyone and every council has with money, it's wonderful.”

Cllr Bendyshe-Brown with Judy Welfare.

The council earmarked about £3,600 for the restoration of the Wycombe Cemetery relic after cemetery staff felt the dilapidated memorial was not a worthy tribute.

The nine foot high stone half cross has been cleaned, while a stone kerb complete with a new plaque has also been created around the outside of the monument.

Cllr Bendyshe-Brown said: "I'm pleased to see the memorial restored to its former glory and proud that in the same spirit of the people here 100 years ago, we can acknowledge the lives lost bringing such a vital communications link to the town.”

Almost 2,000 people worked on the 1902 project to link Wycombe with London, as the only rail access to the capital at that time was via a branch line from Bourne End.

The 500m tunnel was required to burrow underneath White House Farm in White House Lane, Loudwater, when it collapsed unexpectedly during an evening shift.

The funeral for five of the six men took place on September 9, 1902. Harry Morton's funeral was held two days later.