SERVING military personnel and veterans can get free rail travel during this year’s Remembrance commemorations.
Those attending Services of Remembrance across the country on November 9 will be able to travel by train for free.
This includes travel to any London Terminal station on November 8 or 9, with return travel permitted on Sunday 9 November only.
For Services of Remembrance taking place outside London, free return travel will be available on November 9 only.
The offer is open to serving military personnel in uniform or carrying a current MOD90 Ministry of Defence-issued identity card, and to veterans with a Veterans Railcard, Veterans Oyster card, MOD-issued Veterans ID or other appropriate proof of service.
Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and chief executive at Rail Delivery Group, said: “As we celebrate 200 years of rail, it is only right that the industry reflects on the vital role it played in our nation’s war efforts.
“The railway has always been closely connected to Remembrance, with so many rail workers themselves having given their lives during the World Wars.
“Today, we are proud to continue that connection by helping serving personnel, veterans, and volunteers attend the services and events that mean so much to them.”
As part of this year’s bicentenary of rail, National Rail is also marking the 80th anniversary of VE day, highlighting the vital role that the railway played in the war effort for soldiers and civilians alike, mobilising troops, transporting supplies, and sustaining the country during times of conflict.
Railway stations have also played a vital role. For example, during the First World War, Preston Station became a lifeline for millions of servicemen, with volunteers running a 24-hour buffet that offered food, shelter and comfort for those departing to and returning from battle.
In the Second World War, London Paddington served as a key evacuation hub, where thousands of children—including those arriving through Kindertransport, a rescue effort for Jewish children fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe—passed through its platforms in search of safety.
Lucy Inskip, director of Poppy Appeal at The Royal British Legion said: “We would like to thank the UK’s rail companies for continuing to honour Remembrance by offering free rail travel to veterans and serving personnel each year.
“We’re also grateful that they continue to offer their support for London Poppy Day by allowing our volunteers to do their vital work at no additional personal cost.”
Free travel will also be available for Royal British Legion volunteers and collectors travelling to and from London Poppy Day on October 30.
Free travel is valid on October 30 plus one day either side of the London Poppy Day event to any London Terminal, with presentation of a Royal British Legion-issued collector’s ID card.
