Town centre bridge renamed after hero steam locomotive driver, John Axon

A bridge in Stockport town centre has been renamed to honour John Axon, the heroic locomotive driver who died trying to stop a runaway train in 1957.

Stockport Council has officially renamed Thomson Street Bridge, built in 2022, as the John Axon GC Bridge in memory of the Stockport locomotive driver.

The renaming ceremony, involving the installation of a blue plaque and a sign for the bridge, took place on September 30, with Lord Hendy, the government’s Rail Minister, John Axon’s family, local councillors, and members of the railway community in attendance.

Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services at Stockport Council, said:

“Renaming Thomson Street Bridge as the John Axon GC Bridge is our way of honouring one of Stockport’s own who acted with extraordinary bravery.

“John Axon’s sacrifice is part of our shared heritage, and we hope this will serve as a lasting reminder of courage in the face of an extreme incident.

“It is fitting that people crossing this bridge every day will see his name and remember what he stood for.”

John Axon was born in Stockport in 1900 and had spent his career on the railways. On 11 February 1957 the steam brake aboard a freight locomotive from Buxton to Warrington failed, just short of Dove Holes.

Axon, instructed his fireman, Ron Scanlon, to jump clear and apply as many wagon brakes as possible. He managed to alert the signalman at Dove Holes and remained with the train, struggling to regain control, as it raced downhill towards Chapel-en-le-Frith South station, where it ran into the back of another freight train.

The impact sadly killed both Axon and Frank Creamer, the guard on the other train. Axon’s actions, however, meant a number of lives were saved and he was posthumously awarded the George Cross in May 1957.

Keith Nash-Whitmore, Chairman of the Crewe to Manchester and South East Manchester CRP, said:

“It is so rewarding that Stockport Council and Network Rail are honouring a real hero in Driver, John Axon. I know the Axon Family are very proud of this acknowledgement.

“John Axon was of course immortalised by the 1958 BBC Broadcast, ‘The Ballad of John Axon‘ written by Ewan MacColl and Stockport celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the broadcast, which brought together the Axon Family with Peggy Segger who was Ewan’s partner and produced the broadcast.

“To now have a permanent memorial to John Axon in the town which he loved is such a fitting tribute.”

Melanie Axon (pictured left), John’s granddaughter, said:

“Our family is deeply honoured that the new bridge will carry our grandfather’s name.  

“His bravery and selflessness have always been a source of pride and inspiration to us, and it means so much to see his legacy remembered in this way.  

“The bridge, which is close to where the family lives to this day, stands as a daily reminder of his courage as and this is incredibly special to us all. 

“We are truly grateful that the community continues to celebrate his memory.”

Lord Hendy, Rail Minister, said:

“It is a real honour for me to be here today to mark John’s life.

“For me and my fellow rail workers, John embodies the spirit of service that makes life on the tracks so rewarding.

“So today, we salute one of our own – a true railway hero.

“His name will live in our memories, and in the story of Britain’s railway, forever.”

The ceremony featured speeches from council leaders, a reading of Axon’s George Cross citation, and an address by Lord Hendy, the Rail Minister, who emphasised the importance of railway history and recognising the contributions of workers like John Axon to public safety and national heritage. Representatives of the railway community also paid tribute to Axon’s enduring legacy.