London commuters could spot a special poppy train this November after Thameslink unveiled two branded “Poppy Trains” to show its support for serving and veteran members of the armed forces.
The Thameslink poppy train, launched by operator Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), was unveiled on London Poppy Day, 29 October, at Blackfriars station. It honours serving personnel, veterans, and military families, while also encouraging support for the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal.
Robert Jordan, RAF veteran and chair of GTR’s Armed Forces Network, said: “We’re proud to have launched the Thameslink poppy train as a lasting tribute to the Armed Forces communities across our network. The railway and Armed Forces share a long connection, and this train serves as a visible reminder of the service and sacrifice of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families. As we approach Remembrance Day, we’re encouraging passengers to donate to the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal so they can make a real impact on veterans’ lives and their families.”
The poppy symbol is displayed on both the front and rear of train 700045, a reference to the year 1945 when the Second World War came to an end.
The unveiling event was attended by members of GTR’s Armed Forces Network, Royal British Legion volunteers, and personnel from the 19th Regiment Royal Artillery.
The poppy train is part of GTR’s broader commitment to the Armed Forces community. The operator signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2022, pledging to support service leavers in finding employment and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.
GTR’s Armed Forces Network was established in 2024 to help attract veterans to the rail industry and provide them with equal opportunities. The network recently launched a mailbox scheme at Crawley station, giving homeless veterans and blue light workers a secure postal address to help them reconnect with society.
With Remembrance Day approaching on 11 November, the branded train will be running across the Thameslink network through November — a moving tribute that commuters may spot on their daily journeys, and a reminder of the Poppy Appeal’s work supporting veterans and their families.
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