All aboard "The Royal British Legion"
20 April 2010
'The Royal British Legion' will soon be racing across the West Country after a train was named in the charity's honour by train operator First Great Western.
The Legion's National President, Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely KCB MC, dedicated the train at a ceremony held on Monday 19 April 2010 in front of the war memorial on platform 1 at Paddington station.
Expressing his appreciation for the newly named train Sir John commented: "It is an absolute honour to have a train named after The Royal British Legion. We were delighted when First Great Western first approached us with the idea and it's fantastic to now see our name on the side of the power car.
"This initiative demonstrates how much support there is for the Armed Forces and recognises the Legion's work. My hope is that as the train passes through stations, towns and the countryside, it will remind people of why the Legion exists and of the Armed Forces community we're here to help."
Senior officers from the Legion and First Great Western attended the ceremony presented by FirstGroup's Chief Executive, Sir Moir Lockhead.
Following the ceremony Sir Moir said: "Since 1921, The Royal British Legion has supported and upheld the welfare and memory of our men and women who fought for Queen and country in the two World Wars and the conflicts since then, as well as those who are still fighting today.
"We are proud to be associated with such a worthy organisation and to be able to recognise the contribution of these people through the naming of a First Great Western train."
'The Royal British Legion' will shortly enter service and join First Great Western's fleet of trains delivering passengers down to Cornwall, across to Wales and everywhere in between.
For media enquires please contact:
Becky Warren, Public Relations Officer
The Royal British Legion
T: 020 3207 2239 E: rwarren@britishlegion.org.uk
