William Kirtley (railway engineer)

William Kirtley (1841 – 1919) was a prominent locomotive engineer in the United Kingdom, best known for his work as Locomotive Superintendent of the London, Chatham and Dover Railway (LCDR) from 1874 to 1898.

Born in Bath, Somerset, Kirtley served an apprenticeship at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows before joining the Midland Railway in 1864. He gained experience working under his uncle, Matthew Kirtley, the Locomotive Superintendent of the Midland.

In 1874, William Kirtley was appointed Locomotive Superintendent of the LCDR, succeeding William Martley. During his tenure, Kirtley was responsible for designing and introducing a range of new locomotive classes, including the notable "M3" 0-4-4 tank engines and the "O" class 0-6-0 goods engines. These locomotives were designed to improve the reliability and efficiency of the LCDR's services. He also oversaw improvements to the LCDR's workshops at Longhedge Works.

Kirtley retired from the LCDR in 1898, replaced by Harry Wainwright. His designs continued to operate on the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) following the merger of the LCDR and the South Eastern Railway in 1899. Many of his locomotives remained in service for several decades after his retirement, a testament to their sound design and construction. He died in 1919.