Her Majesty The Queen travelled from Chippenham train station to London Paddington on Armistice Day to take part in Great Western Railway’s Poppies to Paddington initiative.

At Paddington, The Queen laid a wreath at the war memorial on Platform 1 before meeting members of The Military Wives Choir, alongside reservists and veterans from recent conflicts who work in the railway industry. The Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, and representatives from across the rail sector were also present.

Now in its sixth year, Poppies to Paddington began during the November 2020 lockdown and has since become an annual event honouring those lost in past and present conflicts. Wreaths from over 60 stations were carried on early-morning services to Paddington for the Remembrance Day service, with more than 250 wreaths laid at the Platform 1 war memorial this year.

At Chippenham station, pupils from Monkton Park Primary School had the surprise of meeting The Queen as they presented a crocheted poppy wreath they had carefully crafted over recent weeks. Among them was 11-year-old Isabelle Slade, who said:

“I was so proud to be involved today, to meet the Queen and to see our crocheted wreath travel to Paddington by train. It was an experience I won't forget. It has meant a lot crocheting the poppy petals because they represent the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country to give us our freedom.”

TransWilts Community Partnership Manager Sophie Martin, who proposed the crocheted poppy idea to the school, added:

“These children have learned a new skill and really enjoyed themselves, while also learning about the importance of Remembrance. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”

This year’s event also marked 80 years since the end of the Second World War, reflecting on the railway’s role in conflicts over the past 200 years—from its first military use in the Crimean War to Sir Nicholas Winton’s Kindertransport in 1939, and continuing support for veterans and reservists working in the industry today. The national commemoration also coincided with the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway, officially launched on 27 September with the first steam-hauled passenger journey.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, 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 Chief Executive Jeremy Westlake added:

“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.”

Image: Great Western Railway