A MAN who played a leading role in many rail crash investigations is to travel on his final train journey on Monday.

Major Anthony Gwyn Burton King’s coffin is being carried on a special train on the West Somerset Railway ahead of his funeral.

Major King, of Bicknoller, died on December 20 at the age of 83.

He was a widower and leaves a step daughter, Jane Robinson.

In his younger days he was a highly experienced inspector of railways and chairman of many inquiries, winning the OBE and being granted the Freedom of the City of London during his illustrious career.

He was involved in the investigations into train accidents in King’s Cross, Southall and Putney.

Major King’s father was born in Taunton and he returned to Somerset on his retirement a number of years ago.

The West Somerset Railway is laying on a special train to carry his coffin from Bishops Lydeard to Williton before his funeral followed by burial at Bicknoller Church at 11am on Monday – the funeral arrangements are being made by the Co-op.

Deborah Brown, who knew Major King well, said: “He was a wonderful person, always warm and friendly to everyone in the village, a real gentleman.

“In his younger days he played rugby and enjoyed walking, although he lost his mobility in later life.”