Number Taker

[HUNTER1940]

Good Afternoon All

My grandfather's occupation is listed as 'number taker' on the National Union of Railwaymen records from 1917.

Please could someone tell me what work was carried out by a number taker?

Many thanks.

Best Wishes

Jayne

 

[eastwestdivide]

They took the numbers of wagons etc to report back to the admin system and eventually Railway Clearing House - see the book extract at
https://books.google.co.uk/books?id...=onepage&q=number taker rail employee&f=false

And then there were the number takers, an obscure group - barely 500 strong - who had to stand at junctions across the country noting the movements of every wagon and carriage, reporting back to the Railway Clearing House in London so that the clerks could balance the companies' competing claims. Paid trainspotters, if you like.

 

[HUNTER1940]

Thanks very much for your reply.

Best Wishes

Jayne