affording assistance to those injured appear to have been adequate in every direction". Qualified medical assistance had arrived within 25 minutes, possibly via Greenbank Hospital and the Fire Brigade were also in attendance. Conclusions The investigating officer from the Board of Trade was Colonel J.W. Pringle of the Royal Engineers. Pringle concluded that responsibility for this accident lay with Driver R.J. Bell, the driver of the parcels train, who passed signals at danger. His lack of knowledge regarding signalling and his lack of experience at Darlington Station Yard being the probable cause of the accident. The report did however praise his quick thinking in releasing the brake, this may have prevented further injury and damage. Driver McNulty of the excursion train could do nothing to prevent the collision and was fully exonerated, as were the Darlington signalmen. The report also criticised:- Fireman J.J.McCormack – Pringle did not accept his statement that he knew nothing about signals or the authority they gave a driver, since he had passed his examination for driving in January 1928. Assistant Shunter Morland – The shunter had seen the drivers error and had failed to act despite having the power to do so. Had Shunter Morland taken the initiative the accident might have been prevented. The report also lays some of the blame with the railway company, namely London and North Eastern Railways for :- Lack of driver training: The report states that something more that a signature in a "Road Book" is needed when it comes to establishing driver understanding. It adds that this is of particular importance to younger drivers with less experience, and also that the matter has been raised in the past. Signalling at Darlington Platform East: The report states that certain terms used at Darlington South may not match the description in the General Rule Book. It goes on to say that LNER are unwilling at present to alter this practice and also suggests the use of 3-aspect signalling. That the accident could have been prevented by the use of Automatic Train Control. Staff involved Signalman J.T.Robson, Platform East Signal Box Signalman Thomas Walls, Darlington South Junction Signal Box Signalman James Garrett, Darlington South Junction Signal Box Assistant Shunter Michael Morland, Darlington Station Yard Stationmaster Beeby Station Foreman William Morley, Darlington Station Driver D.McNulty, Driver Excursion Train Fireman V.R.Bryant, Fireman Excursion Train Passenger Guard F.Hadwin, Guard Excursion Train Driver R.J.Bell, Driver