Thameslink unveils permanent poppy train
The special livery on train 700045 marks the end of World War II.
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A special poppy-themed train has been introduced by Thameslink as a permanent tribute to the Armed Forces. The operator, Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), unveiled the train on London Poppy Day, October 29, at Blackfriars station. The initiative aims to honour serving personnel, veterans, and military families, and to encourage support for the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal.
Symbolism and Support
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The poppy symbol is displayed on both the front and rear of train 700045. This design choice references the year 1945, which marked the end of the Second World War. The unveiling event was attended by members of GTR’s Armed Forces Network, Royal British Legion volunteers, and personnel from the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.
We’re proud to have launched the Thameslink poppy train as a lasting tribute to the Armed Forces communities across our network.
Robert Jordan, RAF veteran and chair of GTR's Armed Forces Network
Robert Jordan, an RAF veteran and chair of GTR's Armed Forces Network, stated that the train serves as a visible reminder of the service and sacrifice of those in the Armed Forces. He encouraged passengers to donate to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
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Broader Commitment to Armed Forces
The poppy train is part of GTR's wider commitment to the Armed Forces community. The company signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022, a pledge to support service leavers in finding employment and to ensure fair treatment in the workplace. GTR established its Armed Forces Network in 2024 with the aim of attracting veterans to the rail industry and providing them with equal opportunities. This network recently initiated a mailbox scheme at Crawley station to offer homeless veterans and blue light workers a secure postal address.
Ryan Mayo, an army veteran and on-board supervisor with Southern, attended the unveiling. He described Remembrance Day as an opportunity to reconnect with fellow veterans and reflect on the commitment of servicemen and women. Mr Mayo joined the army at 16, served for five years, and later joined Southern in 2022 after a career in hospitality.
Questions this report answers
+What is the special train Thameslink has introduced?
Thameslink has unveiled a permanent poppy-themed train to honour the Armed Forces. The train, numbered 700045, features a poppy symbol referencing 1945, the year World War II ended, and was launched on London Poppy Day, October 29, at Blackfriars station.
+Why has Thameslink introduced a poppy train?
The poppy train is a tribute to serving personnel, veterans, and military families, and encourages support for the Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal. It is part of Greater Thameslink Railway's commitment to the Armed Forces community, which includes signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022.
+What does the poppy symbol on the train represent?
The poppy symbol displayed on train 700045 refers to the year 1945, which marked the conclusion of the Second World War. This design serves as a lasting reminder of the service and sacrifice made by members of the Armed Forces.
WE FILE
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