TransPennine Express have teamed up with the Royal British Legion to launch a specially decorated train which honours two Manchester men.

The two men, Ernest Sykes and Wilfred Wood, were awarded the Victoria Cross after serving in the First World War.

Both men went on to working on the railways after their time working on the front line.

TransPennine Express‘ Fleet Director, Paul Staples, launched the train at Manchester Picadilly. The Royal British Legion joined in, as well as members of the Manchester Regiment. Enest and Wilfred, along with their family as attended.

Ernest Sykes and Wilfred Wood

Ernest Sykes, from Mossley, was awarded the medal for his actions on April 9 1917, for “most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty” – under heavy fire he rescued four wounded men. He then went back to bandage up those who were too badly wounded to be moved. Ernest survived the war, and went on to work at Mossley railway station where a plaque was erected in his honour in 2004.

Wilfred Wood, from Stockport, was awarded the medal for his actions on October 28 1918, for “most conspicuous bravery and initiative…causing 300 enemy to surrender”. After the war Wilfred worked on the railway as a fireman, locomotive driver, and supervisor. A Locomotive was named after him in 1922.

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