Great Western Railway pays tribute to those who served in Falklands War

Great Western Railway has marked 40 years since the Falklands War by dedicating a train in honour of those who served in the conflict.

A dedication service took place at Plymouth station on Tuesday 14 June, where a special Falklands 40 livery was unveiled on one of GWR’s Class 255 Castle sets.

Power car 43040 was chosen to mark the 40^th anniversary, while Class 255 recognises the 255 British military personnel who lost their lives in the fight to liberate the islands following Argentinian invasion.

The train vinyl features roundels paying tribute to a conflict waged on land, at sea and in the air.

Guests including veterans from the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 and Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Sue Dann, attended the service, led by John Roe, Railway Mission Chaplain for the South West of England.

GWR Business Assurance Director, Joe Graham, said: “We wanted to pay our own tribute to the courageous men and women who joined the military task force and helped liberate the Falklands Islands in 1982.

“Plymouth and Devonport played a significant part in the conflict and this dedication service allowed us to honour the bravery of all those who took part in the conflict, including those who never returned home and the many more who were wounded.

“We are proud power car 43040 will carry our own Falklands 40 tribute, to be seen by thousands of customers travelling in the west of our network.”  

South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 trustee, Chris Jones, said: “I am delighted to have been asked to unveil this locomotive. My fellow veterans and I will be very proud when we see it operating. We hope that it will serve as a reminder that as a country our actions are brave and honourable and in pursuit of a fairer and more peaceful world.”

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