File:‘Hudson’ 0-6-0WTs, supplied by R. Hudson Ltd, but built by Hudswell, Clarke of Leeds.jpg

Deutsch: Transporting the small steam locomotives engines of the War Department Light Railways was a simple matter, as shown in this picture. The first steam locomotives for WDLR use in France were the ‘Hudson’ 0-6-0WTs, supplied by R. Hudson Ltd, but actually built by Hudswell, Clarke of Leeds as sub-contractors. WDLR 101 is HC 1112/1916, and WDLR 103 is HC 1114/1916. No’s 101-04 were completed apparently as early as October 1914, but it is not known, what happened to them subsequently. This photograph shows No’s 101 and 103 (which weighed only a little under 7 tons each in working order), clearly in brand-new condition, on a standard gauge wagon at the Gare D'Audruicq on 27th June 1916, presumably having been shipped via Calais. They were on their way to the Somme, where they were in use during the battle over the next few months. Note the wooden packing under the pipes on the boiler on 103, and that the water filler on 103 has been removed. The whistles (above the cab roof) have also been removed. Both have been lined out, and appear to be a light green colour, unlike the black livery which might have been expected.