Mr D started work with British Rail in 1985, working for the Permanent Way Department in Oxford and Kidlington. His first signalling position in 1988 was at Banbury South Signal Box. From there he progressed to Banbury North Signal Box, then to a Relief Post covering Banbury North and Aynho Signal Boxes. Mr D moved to Oxford panel in 1990, finally moving to Reading PSB in November 1992.