The Household Cavalry Mounted Regimental Band perform under the clock at Waterloo Station.
Commuters encountered hundreds of serving military personnel in major railway stations today as sailors, soldiers and aviators volunteered their time to support the Royal British Legions London Poppy Day.
On one of the only days in the year when uniformed personnel engage directly with the public, serving personnel could be found roaming concourses with veterans and engaging with London professionals at tens of Network Rail and Tube stations.
Among those raising vital donations to fund support for veterans, serving personnel and their families was Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who joined a tri-service contingent of volunteers at Waterloo that was comprised of Royal Marines, soldiers from 32 Regiment Royal Artillery and Royal Air Force personnel from RAF Odiham and RAF Brize Norton.
Meanwhile, across the Capital, Defence Ministers Andrew Murrison and James Cartlidge joined collectors at Kings Cross and Victoria stations respectively.
The city-wide volunteering effort at more than 70 locations comes a week ahead of Armistice Day, when the nation pays tribute to the brave men and women who served and sacrificed to restore peace and prosperity to the UK. Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2023.
Military personnel and veterans attending services of remembrance will be able to travel to and from the events by train for free this coming weekend.
The offer will benefit people travelling to and from services anywhere in Britain on Remembrance Sunday on 12 November.
Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train companies, said the offer is open to serving military personnel in uniform or who show a current Ministry of Defence-issued identity card.
RDG chief executive Jacqueline Starr said: “Many of our great railway stations have memorials to the thousands of rail workers who gave their lives in the two world wars of the last century.
“During this period of reflection and remembrance, the rail industry is proud to help the service personnel of today – and those that have fought in more recent conflicts – travel to ceremonies up and down Britain as the nation gathers to remember those who have died serving our country.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Remembrance Sunday is an important day of reflection across the country, honouring all of those who served our country with bravery and endeavour.
“It’s right that our veterans and serving military personnel will have free rail travel to and from remembrance services across Great Britain.
“We remember the past sacrifices, but also think of – and thank – those who continue to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life.”