The GER Class S56 was a class of 0-6-0T steams designed by James Holden for the GER. Together with some rebuilt examples of GER Class R24, they passed to the LNER at the grouping in 1923, and received the LNER classification J69.
The Class S56 were a development of the Class R24, being almost identical, apart from higher boiler pressure and larger water tanks. Twenty were built in 1904 at Stratford Works. All twenty passed to the LNER in 1923. Some were sold to the War Department.
At nationalisation in 1948, the remainder passed to British Railways, who added 60000 to their number. Post-war withdrawals started in 1958, and by 1962 all had been retired. One has been preserved.