The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
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Butter Train Derailment
The loss of a small wartime luxury can be seen on the faces of Clayton people following the derailment of a butter train.
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Overview
This very short and distinctive film captures a local story in Clayton during the Second World War. From a distance, the camera showcases the carnage that has been caused by the butter train derailment as small figures forlornly examine the mechanical wreck that litters the line. However, we assume success is just around the corner as they employ machinery to aid their mammoth task.
Butter was one of the first foods to be rationed by the British government during the Second World War on 8th January 1940. The consumption of bacon and sugar was also restricted on the same date. The butter allowance steadily decreased during the war, and by April 1945 Britons were only allowed 57g (2oz) of butter per person each week. Needless to say, the derailment of the butter train in 1943 will have had a significant impact on rationing in the Clayton area.
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