Nameplate LORD DOWDING
Battle of Britain class locomotive 34052 nameplate “LORD DOWDING” on loan to RAF Bentley Priory in 1990 for an exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of Battle of Britain. A copy of the nameplate was made and the theft only discovered in 2006 when the owner requested the original to be returned. Following the subsequent RAF Police enquiry, the nameplate was last recorded as being seen in 1992. The theft has been was reported to New Scotland Yard. The other nameplate was stolen while the locomotive was still in service. 34052 was the last Battle of Britain class to run on British Rail, 9 July 1967, marking the end of steam on Southern Region, replaced by diesels the following day.
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Lord Dowding names new engines of "Battle of Britain" class