Greater Anglia has unveiled a special livery on a regional train dedicated to fallen veterans in armed conflicts, and all those who give so much in service of their country, ahead of Remembrance Day.
The livery has been launched during the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal which will see poppies on sale at a number of Greater Anglia stations across the rail network in East Anglia.
The livery, which has been applied to a Stadler-built ‘class 755’ regional bi-mode train (number 755414), includes the words ‘Lest We Forget’ surrounded by poppies, towards both ends and on both sides of the four-carriage train.
The livery will remain on the train year-round as it operates services between Ipswich and Felixstowe, Lowestoft, Cambridge, and Peterborough; between Norwich and Cambridge/Stansted Airport, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Sheringham; and between Marks Tey and Sudbury.
The new livery also includes more poppies towards the front of the train and was launched at a special ceremony at Norwich station. Local retired veterans and representatives from the Royal British Legion joined Greater Anglia staff members, many of whom are former military personnel.
Martin Beable, Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, said: “This special livery is dedicated to veterans and recognises their service and sacrifice, along with all those who give so much in service of their country.
“The train will pass through communities across East Anglia to honour those who have fallen in armed conflicts, and we are proud to unveil this livery alongside local veterans and representatives from the Royal British Legion.”
Two other Greater Anglia trains are due to receive the special livery – an intercity Class 745 electric train and a suburban Class 720 electric train – so it will be seen right across the Greater Anglia network.
The inspiration behind the poppy train livery came from a Greater Anglia driver, Stephen Drake.
From 2003 to 2013, Stephen was heavily involved in his local Royal British Legion branch in Great Wakering near Southend. Stephen presented the concept of a poppy train livery to a Greater Anglia ideas panel in early 2024 and he has been instrumental in its delivery.
Stephen Drake, a Greater Anglia driver based at Ilford, said: “The livery is beautiful and is a sincere tribute to everyone who has lost their lives in armed conflicts around the world.
“I had family members in both the RAF and Army, and I am truly proud that my idea has now resulted in this special livery that will be seen by people right across our network.”
The poppy trains are being launched during the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Poppy collectors will be collecting donations for the appeal at major Greater Anglia stations including Norwich, Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Chelmsford, and Colchester. Other station collections will be announced in due course. Collection pots will also be available at some local stations.
The Royal British Legion’s Director of the Poppy Appeal, Lucy Inskip, said: “The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal 2024 highlights the mental scars that can be left for some from their experiences in military service.
“From risking their lives in warzones to the struggle of upheaval for family members and children and being away from loved ones, the mental health needs of the Armed Forces community are complex.
“Seeing members of the public wear a poppy means so much to our Armed Forces community and donations raised help the Royal British Legion to continue its vital work.
“Every day, ex-serving personnel who suffer from the demands and pressures of having served their country come to the RBL for expert advice and practical support. From recovery to finances and camaraderie, your poppy will help the RBL to support the Armed Forces community.”
Greater Anglia has also confirmed that it will be among the train companies that will offer military personnel and veterans free travel to key Remembrance events during the nation’s annual commemorations.
Details of the free travel are available via the Rail Delivery Group website.
