Road Locomotive Society

The enhancement of education and research into the past history of all types of self propelling steam engines


Death of Les Burberry

Just in case members have not heard and not wanting to leave any stone unturned I am sad to report that Les Burberry passed away peacefully earlier this week after a long fight with illness. Les has been an RLS member since June 1967 and will be known to many of you as the RLS historic photographic officer, a role he held from 1979 for over 40 years until ill health forced him to step down several years ago.

Les had looked after the collection and written many articles as well as providing a huge amount of encyclopaedic knowledge over the years to many members to support articles for the journal, owners researching their engines and those looking for photographs.  Anyone who made a reasonable request to Les would not only have received a photograph but names of people, associates, and new leads for their research – a complete back story to the image.  Some who have made unreasonable requests have met his “Churchillian wit”!

Les was an accomplished engineer and model engineer as well as an engine owner and part owner of several other engines and vehicles over the years and his interests spanned both road, rail and fairground. Les was a regular at Derek Marder’s yard and will be sorely missed by us all.

Les had been invited to be President of the RLS on several occasions but has always felt unable to accept due to his ill health.  He was recognised for his dedicated service with an Honorary Membership of the Society in 2018.

In these difficult times of “Lockdown” it will not be possible to attend his funeral but we hope that after this crisis has subsided, we can gather to remember him and commemorate his life.

R.I.P Les.

Andy Smith RLS Chairman