Cornish poppies travel to London in touching Remembrance tradition

CORNISH poppies highlighting the work of unrecognised soldiuers made their way to the capital this morning as part of a special annual tradition.

Thousands of soldiers whose sacrifices in the First World War went unrecognised for generations were at the heart of Great Western Railway’s (GWR) annual Poppies to Paddington operation on Armistice Day.

The seventh Poppies to Paddington operation marked 110 years since the Battle of the Somme, one of the bloodiest campaigns in military history, and recognised the contribution of soldiers from across the Commonwealth, including thousands of those who served in the British Indian Army whose service and sacrifice have only recently been formally acknowledged.

Working with Network Rail and in partnership with The Veterans Charity, hundreds of wreaths were carried to London Paddington on services from across the GWR network, where they were laid at the iconic War Memorial on Platform 1.

Members of the Armed Forces, veterans, railway colleagues and special guests observed a two-minute silence to honour those lost in past and present conflicts.

GWR managing director, Mark Hopwood CBE, said: “Poppies to Paddington is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many people, from across our communities and around the world, in the service of others.

“This year we wanted to further shine a light on those whose contributions to the First World War went unrecognised for generations. The discovery of thousands of previously forgotten soldiers is a poignant reminder that Remembrance must reflect everyone who served and sacrificed their lives.

“We are proud that the railway has once again brought people together for this important Act of Remembrance, honouring the fallen and recognising the continuing contribution of our Armed Forces community.”