Reg Westaway – Brixham Engine Driver
Reg Westaway was born 9th November 1899, he had two sisters, Phyllis and Freda. He became a Royal Marine based at Chatham Docks during World War 1, enlisting in the Light Infantry division on 7th May 1917.
His railway career started in 1915, when on the 22nd November, he started work as a cleaner at Newton Abbot depot with a starting wage of 2s 2d (11 pence) .
He earned promotion to Fireman on 9th October 1918 and was working in Brixham. Moving workplaces to Newton Abbot in 1919, Cardiff in 1920. Became an Engine Driver at Newton Abbot in 1938, in September, moving to Cardiff.
In 1939, he was at Aberbeeg in Wales and then again at Cardiff in May 1939. Finally moving back to Brixham on 21st October 1940, where he worked on the Brixham branch until his retirement.
Reg married Rose Annie Jones in 1922. When in Brixham, they lived in Drew Street. Reg and Rose had three children, two girls and a boy – sadly the boy passed away at a young age following an accident.
The Brixham Western Guardian reported on Reg’s retirement on 9th March 1961. He retired after 46 years and was presented with his gold watch at Newton Abbot.
Many people who remember the Brixham Branch, also remember Reg Westaway. When leaving Brixham Station, he used to sound the whistle and wave to the children at Furzeham School.
The children at Churston were also greeted with a cheery wave as Reg passed by. He was also known affectionately by Brixham people as ‘ The Count’.
Reg (holding the oil can) poses for the camera with work colleagues.
Reg smiles for the camera while in charge of a works train.