Full Breakdown
Remembering the Paragon ’27: Hull Rail Disaster
10/22/2025, 8:51:42 AM
Overview of the Hull Rail Disaster
On February 14, 1927, a tragic rail disaster occurred at Hull Paragon railway station when a train carrying children and commuters from Withernsea collided head-on with an outbound train heading to Scarborough. This collision was caused by a signaling error that placed both trains on the same track. The impact resulted in the first carriage of the Withernsea train telescoping into the other train, leading to the immediate deaths of eight individuals, with four more succumbing to their injuries in the following days.
Richard M. Jones and His Mission
Bridlington historian and author Richard M. Jones has dedicated his efforts to documenting this forgotten tragedy through his latest book, *Paragon ’27 – The Hull Rail Disaster*. This publication marks the 28th book authored by Jones, who has spent several years gathering information, conducting interviews, and compiling photographs related to the disaster. The book is set to be released in paperback, hardback, and Kindle formats on November 3, 2023.
Jones previously featured the disaster in his 2021 book, *Britain’s Lost Tragedies Uncovered*. He was inspired to create a comprehensive account of the event after discussions with a train driver friend highlighted the need for proper documentation. In addition to the book, Jones has been instrumental in establishing a new memorial at Hull Paragon station, which honors the victims of the disaster. This memorial was unveiled on the 98th anniversary of the event by Richard Kitching, the grandson of one of the victims.
The Impact of the Disaster
The Hull rail disaster not only claimed lives but also left a lasting impact on the community. Several individuals involved in the incident, including one of the train drivers, hailed from Bridlington. The historical significance of the disaster has often been overlooked, with previous memorials removed due to construction activities. Jones's efforts aim to ensure that the stories of the victims and the heroes who responded to the tragedy are not forgotten.
Official Statements & Responses
Richard M. Jones expressed the importance of sharing this history, stating, “This has been a fascinating journey into a slice of Hull and railway history that has never before had the story properly told.” He emphasized the contributions of local heroes who assisted in evacuating casualties and extracting survivors from the wreckage.
Criticism & Opposition
While the book and memorial have been well-received, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of historical records and the need for further research into similar forgotten tragedies. Critics may argue that more attention should be given to preserving the memory of such events to prevent them from fading into obscurity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Richard said: “In 2021 I featured this disaster in my book, Britain’s Lost Tragedies Uncovered.” — Richard M. Jones, Author
- “I am highlighting the heroes of Hull who broke the wall nearby in order to evacuate casualties and those who stopped at nothing to extract injured survivors from the wreckage of the train carriage.” — Richard M. Jones, Author
- “I wanted everybody who has emailed me about this to receive a copy of this email just to know how grateful I am for their support and help during the last few years.” — Richard M. Jones, Author
The publication of *Paragon ’27 – The Hull Rail Disaster* serves as a crucial step in remembering and honoring those affected by this historical tragedy.
