The Queen boarded the Armistice Day poppy train at Chippenham – headed for a national remembrance service in London.
Her Majesty left her home in Reybridge, near Lacock, shortly before 9am. A convoy of vehicles, including Met Police bikes and local roads policing units escorted her to the station.
Locals watched on as The Queen was driven through Bridge Centre Roundabout. Police dogs and armed officers were on hand to ensure she boarded her train safely.
Her Majesty then travelled to London Paddington to attend Great Western Railway’s Poppies to Paddington operation for Armistice Day.
The Queen laid a wreath of poppies at the war memorial at Platform 1 of Paddington station before meeting The Military Wives Choir, as well as reservists and veterans from recent conflicts working in the railway industry.
Also present was the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, plus representatives from across the entire rail industry.
Poppies to Paddington began during the November 2020 lockdown and has since become a key annual event across the GWR network to honour those lost in past and present conflicts.
In partnership with The Veterans Charity, wreaths were placed on early-morning train services from over 60 stations, arriving at Paddington for the Remembrance Day service. This year, more than 250 wreaths were laid at the war memorial on Platform 1.
This year’s ceremony marked 80 years since the end of the Second World War and remembered the role of the railway in conflict over the past 200 years – from its first military use in the Crimean War to Sir Nicholas Winton’s Kindertransport in 1939 to the support given to veterans and reservists working in the industry today.
Friday 27 September also marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway with the official launch of the first steam-hauled passenger journey on a public railway. This one journey led to millions, with the railway playing a significant role in the evolution of the modern world.
Secretary of State for Transport and Swindon MP, Heidi Alexander, said: “Today we stand together to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, united in gratitude.
“As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we are reminded that our railways played a vital role in that conflict – and continue to serve our nation today – 200 years on from the birth of the modern railway.
“Today feels particularly poignant following the recent events in Huntingdon, where the courage and professionalism shown by our railway colleagues reflects the enduring values of service and care that have long characterised this vital industry.”
GWR Managing Director, Mark Hopwood, said: “We were honoured to have Her Majesty The Queen travel with wreaths on our service from Chippenham, and delighted to welcome her to our sixth year of Poppies to Paddington.
“Born from a simple idea during lockdown, it has grown into a shared act of remembrance, and it’s one that unites our railway family and the communities we serve.
“As we reflect on the bravery of railway men and women during times of war – from Swindon Railway Works building airplanes for the RAF to staff serving at home and abroad – we are reminded that the spirit of service continues today, in colleagues who support the Armed Forces and in the quiet strength shown every day across our network.
“In the wake of last week’s tragic events, it feels more poignant than ever that the railway stands strong alongside the people and communities it serves”.”
Network Rail’s new Chief Executive, Jeremy Westlake, said: “This Armistice Day at Paddington was a powerful reminder of the railway’s enduring role in connecting people – not just across miles, but across moments of history.
“We were privileged to host Her Majesty The Queen and to see veterans from our own industry lead this act of remembrance. Their presence reflects a tradition of service that continues to inspire all of us across the railway today.”
