Roughly a week is given for the employees of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) to put their efforts on the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. GTR employees, along with Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express members, honor the efforts of the current and ex military members while also fundraising.
Collection Across Key Stations
This week, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., veterans can be found at key stations such as Brighton, London Bridge, St Pancras, and Gatwick, collecting donations for the Poppy Appeal. GTR aims to surpass last year’s impressive total of £26,000 to support the Royal British Legion, an organization dedicated to supporting British Armed Forces personnel and their families.
Remembering the Fallen
The efforts are deeply personal for many of the veterans involved. Jason Brooker, Head of Environment at GTR and a former Royal Marine, reflects on the deep significance of Remembrance Day. For him, it’s a time to honor not only those who fell during active service but also those who have been affected by the invisible wounds of war, with many veterans suffering from mental health struggles long after they leave the forces.
A Family Legacy of Service
Train Maintainer Harry Rothband, based at the Hornsey Depot in London, is another GTR staff member involved in the collection. His commitment to the cause stems from his grandfather, Lieutenant-Colonel Geoffrey W. Rothband, a veteran who fought in World War II. Harry continues his grandfather’s legacy by volunteering for the Royal British Legion and collecting for the Poppy Appeal, a promise he made to honor the courage and sacrifice of his family’s wartime experiences.
Poem to be Played Over PA Systems
On Remembrance Day, GTR will mark the occasion with a short, poignant poem that will be broadcast over the public address systems at Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express stations at 10:54 a.m. The poem will serve as a reminder to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by service members throughout history.
The significance of this year’s Remembrance Day is heightened by two notable anniversaries: 200 years of rail history and 80 years since the conclusion of World War II. GTR’s Armed Forces Network, a support group for current and former military personnel within the company, will play a key role in the commemorations.
A Special Wreath Laying Ceremony
Sam Facey, GTR’s Safety, Health, and Security Director, will represent the Armed Forces Network at the wreath-laying ceremony at King’s Cross Station. In her role, she will pay tribute to those who served during wartime, reflecting on the crucial role the railway played in supporting military efforts and providing vital connections during times of hardship.
Free Travel for Veterans and Serving Personnel
As part of the commemoration, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express will offer free travel for veterans and serving military personnel on Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9. This offer includes free return travel to any London station on the Sunday. Additionally, for those attending Services of Remembrance outside London, return travel will be available on Sunday, November 9.
Military personnel and veterans can avail of this travel benefit by presenting proof of service. Accepted forms of identification include the Ministry of Defence identity card, Ministry of Defence-issued Veterans ID card, veteran’s rail card, veteran’s Oyster card, or military pension proof.
Support for ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’
In addition to the free travel offers, GTR has also contributed to supporting children who have lost parents in military service. The company has issued 100 rail vouchers for children and accompanying adults invited to attend the ‘Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ remembrance service at the Royal Albert Hall. This charity is dedicated to helping children who have lost a parent in service, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need during difficult times.
Guidelines for Travelers
Conclusion
The Remembrance Day events and Poppy Appeal collections held by GTR also focus on helping veterans to assist each other by raising money for those impacted by the service and sacrifice. This year’s events focus on the history of the railway, on top of the active need to assist those in the military and veterans which makes it that much more special.
In the case of Poppy Appeal, GTR employees assist in the efforts of the legion and ensure military service members sacrifices will be remembered on each and every day, and not only on Remembrance Day.
