Avanti West Coast joined the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland to create and transport a wreath to London on its specially decorated train ahead of Remembrance Day.
The unique tribute, created by Cheshire East Poppy Appeal and the intercity operator, has seen veterans, reservists, and volunteers assemble a poppy wreath as it traveled by rail from Glasgow to London.
To mark the occasion, Avanti West Coast worked with the train supplier, Alstom, to wrap the cab ends of Pendolino 390151 with a design featuring poppies – the symbol of Remembrance.
The Pendolino, which is named ‘Unknown Soldier’ made the poignant journey from Scotland to London passing through Penrith at 9:25 on Friday morning – the train stopped at 13 stations along the route where veterans who work for Avanti West Coast and Royal British Legion (RBL) supporters will greet the train and present posies of poppies.
The initiative is designed to highlight the railway’s connection to the military and encourage donations to the Poppy Appeal, which provide vital support to serving and exserving personnel and their families.
Before its departure from Glasgow Central at 08:00, the plain wreath was decorated with its first tribute by a veteran from Avanti West Coast. A bagpiper sent off the Pendolino service from the platform.
Representatives from the RBL’s Poppy Appeal, who have been fundraising on the west coast, are travelling on the train to help deliver the tribute to the stations where posies will be added.
Armed Forces personnel past and present who have connection to the railway or the charity, as well as representatives from industry partners including Alstom and British Transport Police joined the train during its journey to London – travelling in a carriage adorned with poppies.
A small welcome party, including representatives from Network Rail, greeted the train at London Euston before the wreath - representing tributes from colleagues and RBL supporters along the West Coast Main Line - was carried to the station’s memorial as part of a procession.
The wreath was then laid as part of a small service hosted by a local chaplain – marking the beginning of the station’s Remembrance events. A replica wreath will be laid at the cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
Dean Duthie, Engineering and Infrastructure Director at Avanti West Coast, who served in the military for eight years, said: “We’re proud to be joining the Royal British Legion and industry partners to recognise the railway’s connection with the Armed Forces. Bringing together veterans, serving personnel and communities local to our route through this poignant initiative is especially pertinent as the UK marks 200 years of the modern railway. This Pendolino will also act as a lasting and moving reminder of remembrance across the West Coast.
“I’m incredibly proud of our employees, including Armed Forces personnel past and present, for their efforts to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed, while raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.”
Poppy Appeal Manager, Vicky Lawson, from the Royal British Legion said: "The Poppy Express is a journey of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude - a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our democratic freedoms and way of life. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of passengers, partners, and colleagues at Avanti West Coast who make this special service possible. For over 100 years, remembrance has been part of the fabric of society - it continues to unite people across all backgrounds, communities and generations, and this journey allows us to celebrate the enduring spirit of remembrance that unites communities across the nation."
Siobhan Lennine, Project Manager at Alstom’s Glasgow Traincare Centre, said: "My time in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) instilled in me discipline, resilience and a deep respect for teamwork – qualities that continue to shape how I lead projects at Alstom today. The mindset of service and pride in doing things right is so mething I carry with me every day.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to be part of Avanti West Coast’s Poppy Train tribute for Remembrance Day,” added Siobhan who is also part of Alstom’s Armed Forces Network.
“The gesture of collecting posies at each station to form a wreath between Glasgow and London is a beautiful symbol of unity and remembrance – showing how every community along the route plays a role in honouring those who served. It’s also a poignant reminder of the railway’s historic connection to the Armed Forces. I’m proud to be part of a company that recognises and supports veterans through initiatives like Alstom’s Armed Forces Network. These groups provide a vital space for connection and support, and reinforce that our experiences are valued – not just within Alstom and Avanti West Coast, but across the wider rail industry”, she added.
Amanda Webster-Uz, Head of Euston Station Operations at Network Rail, said: “Euston station has a proud tradition of honouring the Armed Forces, and we’re privileged to play a role in this year’s Remembrance tribute. Welcoming Avanti West Coast’s Poppy Train and attending the memorial is a poignant moment for our team. It’s an opportunity for us to reflect, pay our respects, and support the Royal British Legion’s vital work. We’re proud that Euston station can be the final stop on this symbolic journey, bringing together tributes from the length of the West Coast Main Line."
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