The year began with severe weather, notably on 27th January when many lines were blocked by blizzard conditions; this left several parts of the railway inaccessible for a fortnight, notably on the exposed sections of the north line with the area south of Ballasalla similarly effected.

The railway was effected by a large number of employees joining up to the armed forces for the war effort, and there was additional traffic in transportation of R.A.F. personnel though winter workings were sparsley supported at the off-peak times.

Employees, including those of the Road Services arm of the company, were conscripted into the Local Defence Volunteers (later to become the Home Guard) and with secrerary and manager A.M. Sheard as their commander they went on to form "D" Company of the 1st Manx Home Guard.

The naval based at H.M.S. Urley was established a short distance from the station, bringing with it much additional revenue, with similar bases being provided in Peel and Douglas.  All running in boards were removed at this time in common with stations across the country, in the event of invasion.