When newly qualified train driver Lee Doggett arrived for his first shift at Charing Cross Station today (Wednesday March 12), he was following in the footsteps of a railway legend.
Lee’s father, Alan Doggett, began his career in the railway in 1985. The father of two cut his teeth as a guard at Addiscombe railway station before working his way up to be a driver then and then station manager at London Bridge.
However, it was in his role as Service Delivery Manager, leading a team of metro-area drivers, that Alan left a lasting impact.
Known for his tireless support, sharp wit, and dedication to his colleagues, Alan was an inspiration to many. His influence shaped a generation of railway workers, and he remains fondly remembered by drivers across the Southeastern network today.
Alan passed away in 2017 and his colleagues came together to name the 376001 train in his honour- a tribute to the man who meant so much to the railway community.
Today, when Lee, 40, arrived at platform 3 to begin his first solo journey as a qualified driver, the dad of three found his father’s train waiting for him.
Lee Doggett said: "To take my first journey as a qualified driver on the very train named after my dad… it’s something I never expected, and it means the world to me.
Getting 376001 to Charing Cross in time for Lee’s first shift involved rotating stock, which the stock planners were happy to assist with after Driver Manager Damian Fisher got in touch to request their help in arranging for the unit to come to the station in time for Lee’s first shift.
Damian said: "Alan was a true railway legend, and he meant so much to so many of us.
“He understood that the railway isn’t just about trains, tracks, stations, or signals—it’s about people. Both the passengers we serve and the colleagues we work alongside.
“Alan helped me in early on in my career, and it’s an honour to pay that forward now to help Lee begin his own journey.
“That’s why seeing Lee qualify as a driver and take the controls of the train that carries his father’s name is an incredibly special moment."
Lee was joined on his journey by his family, including his sister Sheryl Doggett, who also works for Southeastern.
Sheryl said: "Dad loved the railway and cared deeply about his work and the people he worked with. I think that passion inspired both Lee and I to follow in his footsteps.
“Seeing Lee pass his driver assessment and take this step in his career is really special—I know Dad would be so proud."
This year Southeastern is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway and the people that lived and work on it. To find out more, visit: What is Railway 200? | Southeastern Railway News
