I still had a hankering for the railway, particularly the signalling side, and in 1949 I managed to get on the Western Region of British Railways at Reading, helped by a good word from a relief signalman who I had become friendly with and who had, in the course of our friendship, taught me the principles of railway signalling. I was only allowed into the signalling school after having served six weeks as a porter on the station platform, no doubt to give me an insight into what railway working was all about. My work as porter consisted mainly of loading trolleys, lowering them down on a large lift, which was not for public use, then pulling the trolley along the tunnel underneath platforms, then up again to the appropriate platform. I remember on one occasion being reprimanded by other members of staff as I had been working too hard! Sometimes, when a lady required assistance with a pram I would help her down via a parcels lift, under the platforms and up to the platform she required. I felt a bit guilty when accepting a small tip. After I had completed the six weeks as porter I went on the signalling school at Reading station. The lessons were given by a signalling inspector and were very thorough and good. As well as studying in the classroom we were able to visit signal cabins, under supervision, to get first hand knowledge on the practical side. After completing the course and by now having a good knowledge of the 'rule book', I passed the written examination.
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