Today, on Armistice Day, a moving tribute unfolded across Britain's railway network as hundreds of poppy wreaths made their way to London Paddington Station aboard special Great Western Railway trains, to a service of reflection attended by Her Majesty The Queen, honouring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts past and present.
Poppy wreaths aboard a Great Western Railway train.
Poppy wreaths are loaded onto the trains.
Wreaths on display at London Paddington Station.
Her Majesty The Queen lays a wreath at London Paddington War Memorial.
Her Majesty The Queen bows her head after laying a wreath at the London Paddington War Memorial.
Colonel Simon Worth salutes during the Remembrance Service at London Paddington War Memorial.
A tradition born from challenging times
'Poppies to Paddington' began six years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic, when Great Western Railway collaborated with The Veterans Charity. When traditional remembrance ceremonies faced uncertainty, this initiative ensured that honouring our fallen heroes would "stay on track" despite the challenges the nation faced.
The event is, says The Veterans Charity, "A moving reminder that remembrance is not just a moment in time but a journey of respect, unity, and enduring love for those who served."
A network united in remembrance
The wreaths travelled from every corner of the Great Western Railway network, carried from communities across the South West and South Wales. They were escorted by a diverse group of representatives, including serving military personnel, veterans, cadets, local dignitaries, and members of the Royal British Legion and forces charities.
Each wreath carries the gratitude of communities along the route, representing towns and villages connected by the railway lines that once carried soldiers to war and, for many, brought them home again.
Laying wreaths at the War Memorial
Led by Her Majesty The Queen, each wreath was placed at Paddington's War Memorial – a bronze statue depicting a World War One soldier in his greatcoat, reading a letter from home. This poignant image reminds us of the human connections that sustained those who served, linking the front lines with loved ones waiting at home.
Among those joining the journey was Colonel Simon Worth of the Royal Tank Regiment, who boarded the train at Swindon, Wiltshire. He honoured the 'tankies' and soldiers who trained on Salisbury Plain and fought and died in various conflicts throughout history.
It was a huge honour for me to represent the Royal Tank Regiment and the Army today at this hugely important event and to reflect on those who have gone before us."
Colonel Worth said:
“It was a huge honour for me to represent the Royal Tank Regiment and the Army today at this hugely important event and to reflect on those who have gone before us - both those in military uniform and the railway workers who made such a critical contribution to the national war effort.
“In particular, it was a great privilege to repeat a similar journey to that taken by the first tanks heading to France in the First World War.
“This event provides a genuinely poignant reminder of the importance of rail, and indeed armour, to the nation both in the battles we fought in the 20th century and the wars we might fight in the future.”
Railways and warfare: 200 years of connection
This year's commemoration holds special significance as Britain celebrates the 200th anniversary of its railways. The event also marks 170 years since the first dedicated military railway was built during the Crimean War, highlighting the long and vital relationship between railways and military operations.
During wartime, railways and their workers played crucial roles in moving troops, equipment, and supplies. This connection to the Tank Corps, now the Royal Tank Regiment, began in World War One when tanks were first used in battle at the Somme on 15 September 1916.
These early tanks were transported to French ports on flatbed wagons, craned onto special boats, and reloaded onto French railways. As tanks grew larger and heavier, innovative roll-on/roll-off train ferries were developed, allowing tanks to remain on their wagons during sea crossings.
Remembering together
Poppies to Paddington demonstrates how communities across Britain continue to honour those who served. From World War One and World War Two to recent conflicts, the annual journey brings people together in shared remembrance.
The trains carried not just wreaths, but the collective memory and gratitude of a nation that will never forget.
