The Locomotive Engineers Journal for February 1926
Truly a Hero
We frequently pick up the newspapers and read that the brave engineer stuck to his post of duty, saving the passengers’ lives, without thought of self, and many of us wonder whether he could get off or did not have the time, but in the following story that does not occur, since this hero that thought does not occur, since this hero a brother member of Division 355 at Calgary, Alberta, Canada, left his engine to save lives. His act of heroism was duly recognized in the form of a banquet and subsequent dance on November 23, 1925, and the Odd Fellows Temple at Calgary, when Division 355, assisted by G.I.A. Division 469, entertained about three hundred members and friends in honour of Brother J.S. Partridge who runs on the Canadian Pacific. This meeting was one of the most successful social affairs and proves conclusively that are Canadian members believe in a good time.
As we understand the lay of the land in the vicinity of this act heroism, there is what is known as a high and low line, and brother Partridge was running an engine hauling a fast freight East from Field, B.C. to Alyth yard, in Calgary Alberta. We will let Brother H . Fitzgerald Chairman of the meeting, tell the story, as follows:
“After Brother Partridge’s train had travelled almost 8 miles he heard rocks and stones repeatedly striking his engine and the cars. This was an unmistakable forewarning of the big rock slide which had already started on its downward course of devastation and destruction. Brother Partridge displayed a great presence of mind and unlimited courage, jumped off of his steam locomotive and ran down the mountain side to Yoho a distance of about a quarter of a mile. Reaching there he awoke the sleeping section men and the station agent, who saw their homes demolished and buried beneath the avalanche. These people did not even have time to save any of their belongings, but were thankful to have escaped with their lives. Brother Partridge continued on down the pathless mountain side, which was obstructed by large boulders, rocks, trees, and brush, finding his way in some apparently supernatural manner through the black darkness of the night the darkness made more complete by the thick, heavy smoke from the many bushfires in the district – the slide thundering and comes rumbling behind him, and he finally reached Cathedral, where he stopped another train which would probably have been wrecked by the slide by the slide.
“Brother Partridge risked his own life and was the means of saving the lives of seven of his fellow employees and surely fulfilled the words of the great Master Creator love had no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend.
The chairman of the meeting laid stress on the motive which prompted the gathering of such a large number of fellow employees, in that it was not for the the purpose of spending a few hours pleasantly together or for the want of something else to do but the meeting was called for one purpose only – that of doing honour to Brother Partridge and show him much his heroism was appreciated.
Brother Fitzgerald is not so much a believer in post-mortem recognition of bravery and ability as he is of speaking kind and approving words so the ears can hear them. Heroism recognize during the life of a hero has a much greater and more far-reaching effect than monuments erected after one is dead, even though it is recognized that they also have a use in the life of a nation.
The Humane Society of Calgary were represented as this meeting and presented Brother Partridge with a letter of appreciation from the society. Fireman’s Sandstone City Lodge No. 365, was well represented and Brother J. Lowden, the chairman in a few well-chosen words, paid a sincere tribute of praise from his Lodge to Brother Partridge whom they all know and honour for what has been done.
Sister Alott of the G.I.A. (Grand International Auxiliary) Division 469 expressed her division’s appreciation for the heroes bravery and called upon her members to rise, which they did, singing their rally song.
The Canadian Pacific Railway was represented by Mr. Fraine Superintendent, Mr. Scott Master Mechanic, Mr. Thomas Trainmaster and, Messrs Hayward and Jackson Locomotive Foremen all making short and appropriate speeches.
The most distinguished guest of the evening, excepting of course, the hero was Judge Tweedle, of Alberta and his speech was the keynote. Among many interesting things he said to his audience, was the fact that he was greatly pleased in noting Brother Partridge’s employers, the Humane Society,and leading newspapers of the of the United States and now by his fellow employees.
On behalf of Division 355 Brother W.J. Coleman, it’s Chief Engineer, presented the gold chain and diamond studded locket, upon which the following words were inscribed “To J.S. Partridge, from Division 355, B. of L.E., for heroism displayed at Yoho, B.C., I look at August 5, 1925. “The emergency arose, the man was there.”
Brother Partridge replied in a few words, expressing his thanks to all present for the honour down to him.
Refreshments were then served by ladies of the G.I.A. Division 469, after which dancing was indulged in until the early hours of the morning. A very humorous atmosphere of the morning. A very humorous atmosphere forgiving was created by the Kitchen Cabinet Silver Bad of the G.I.A. Division 169 ably led by Prof. Sitdownski (Sister Allott). The band marched and at the commencement of the evening’s program to the strains of “Oh Canada” many selections were giving the commitment and were encored Altogether, a very pleasant evening was spent, do, in no small measure, to the G.I.A. (Grand International Auxiliary) The Ladies whose musical abilities were a surprise of the evening. Since two dancing was engrossed in her until the early hours of the morning.
There is a siding East of the Spiral Tunnels it was renamed “Partridge”
Seth Partridge, Locomotive Engineer, on the right, goes over his train orders with his Locomotive Fireman.
CPR station at Yoho Mile 130 Laggan, Subdivision after the rockslide on August 5, 1925
East mile board at Partridge 1960s, with Westbound passenger train.