The weekend of the 18/19 August was Isle of Man Railways second ‘Island at War’ event, with some new additions and surprises for those travelling on the steam railway. A number of wartime personnel were travelling and interacting with passengers, officers, guards and scouts were on hand to check identification and protect passengers from spies and the capture of a German U-Boat Captain who was attempting to rendezvous with his crew off-shore. Meanwhile back at the stations, the Home Guard were conducting bayonet drills and ‘know your enemy’ workshops, engineers were working on an un-exploded bomb and Port Erin were conducting their own V.E Day celebrations.
 
On Saturday evening, a hanger dance was conducted at a secret location where VIP ticketholders enjoyed contraband wine, Allied Ale and a three course dinner from the NAAFI before dancing the night away to the Manx Swing Band, the evening was brought to an end when the air –raid siren was sounded and civilians were escorted to safety by the Home Guard.
 
Island at War will return next year but keep it under your hat, loose lips sink ships!
 
Now the sandbags and tank traps have been removed, the next event by Isle of Man Railways will be the popular Teddy Bears Picnic. Details of which can be found on www.iombusandrail.info/events.