A licensee was at the heart of the rescue operation launched after the tragic train crash in Berkshire last weekend.
Ian Callaway of the Winning Hand in Ufton Nervet, played a central role in the rescue effort as the pub became the only place big enough to offer safe haven for victims of the crash.
Another nearby pub, the Spring Inn a mile away in Sulhamstead, became a media centre in the desperate rush to let relatives and friends know more about what was going on.
The First Great Western train had derailed after colliding with a car on a level crossing in the early evening last Saturday as it travelled from Paddington to Plymouth.
The collision left seven people dead, and 71 injured but as it had occurred in a rural area there were limited resources to offer immediate care. The pub is situated a quarter of a mile away from the crash site so the Winning Hand (pictured) quickly became a base for the injured.
Mr Callaway said he witnessed a conveyor belt of wounded passengers from 6pm right up to 10.30pm as paramedics gave treatment before taking people to hospital.
"It was very disturbing," said Mr Callaway.
"We could see the walking wounded being supported as they crossed the field and when they got here they were very quiet, apparently because of the shock.
"We had more room to offer than anyone else so we became the natural base for the paramedics and we were obviously pleased to be able to help. I think we made a difference because we've had people thank us after the event.
"Since the crash it has been very quiet here. We had to close for the day on the Sunday because the road was closed. Although we're open again now we've found people are avoiding the area."
Nicole Targett, a spokeswoman for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue, said: "We were involved with the rescue at the scene of the accident and thank the pubs in the area for the help they provided.
"Ufton Nervet is a very rural area so it proved essential to have these sites where victims and media could go."