As the lifeblood of the First World War, the railway network in Britain became more essential than ever before, as it transported men and supplies back and forth from the front on a staggering scale. Railways were fundamental to the war effort: if they were ever to break down, the grand war machine would collapse along with them. Great War Railwaymen celebrates the incredible technological and strategic achievement of this system, as well as the hardworking people behind the scenes who operated it.   With a foreword by Michael Portillo, this book offers not only a loving account of the immense dedication and bravery of the thousands who ran the war railways, but also over 120 fascinating photos from the renowned collections of the Imperial War Museums and the National Railways Museum.