A bridge in the heart of Stockport has been renamed after a 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 John Axon, a heroic Stockport locomotive driver who was awarded the George Cross posthumously following his death in 1957.
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.
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.
This impact killed both Axon and Frank Creamer, the guard on the other train. Axon’s actions meant a number of lives were saved and he was posthumously awarded the George Cross in May 1957.
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.”
Melanie Axon, 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.
