On the train with Douglas Learmond

As others have already mentioned, Douglas Learmond was not only a first class journalist and a real gentleman, but also an excellent companion, especially when commuting from Tunbridge Wells to London. I first met him after returning from abroad when we still had slam door carriages and separate eight seater compartments. Douglas had his regular friends and a regular compartment to which outsiders were tolerated, albeit with good humour. And we often returned together in the evenings when we were on the air cargo service, where his expert knowledge of commodities and shipping made a more than useful contribution to a new sector for Reuters. Working with him was a pleasure and always stimulating. ■