Around 1956 a desperate National Serviceman could be seen tearing through this great station. His objective was the train to London otherwise it was the lockup at Woolwich should he eventually arrive late. That National Serviceman was me having just finished my embarkation leave, my hobnailed boots barely touched the metal stairs as I raced over the bridge to catch the train about to leave the platform. The train was the Talisman - and very posh it was too. Not for the likes of me I was assured by the pompous ticket man on board. My 10/- meal voucher would not have bought me a soup. Nevertheless, I was not thrown off and I made to the barracks in time.