Poppies to Paddington: RNLI Veterans Join Nation’s Remembrance

RNLI Joins GWR’s Poppies to Paddington to Honour the Fallen

RNLI staff and volunteers from the south west, south Wales, and the south east have paid their respects to the nation’s fallen as part of this year’s Poppies to Paddington event, organised by Great Western Railway (GWR) in partnership with The Veterans Charity. This fifth annual event commemorates Remembrance Day, bringing wreaths from communities across the GWR network to London for a special service.

Poppy Wreaths Travel from RNLI Communities Across the Network

As part of this year’s operation, ten GWR trains carried hundreds of wreaths, prepared by RNLI communities, to Paddington station. The wreaths were placed at the station’s war memorial on Platform 1, a symbolic location for the remembrance service that began at 10:45 am.

Veteran RNLI Volunteers Represent the South West

Two RNLI military veterans, Simon Jeffery, Coxswain at Plymouth RNLI, and Tony Rendle, mechanic at Penlee RNLI, travelled with the wreaths and attended the service at Paddington. This gesture highlights the enduring connection between the RNLI and those who have served in the armed forces.

Images shared in this article feature Tony Rendle with the memorial at Paddington, capturing the solemnity of the day and the dedication of RNLI volunteers who helped bring this tribute from Penzance and other communities to London.

The RNLI’s role in Poppies to Paddington showcases its commitment to remembrance and honours the legacy of those who have served and sacrificed for the country.

Photo Credit: Phil Monckton