Freightliner has announced that have named one of their Class 66 locomotives in recognition of the Royal British Legion’s Thank You 100 movement.

No. 66413 has been named ‘Lest We Forget’ and will be used around the UK on heavy goods trains.

The naming ceremony took place at Freightliner‘s terminal in Southampton and was attended by more than 50 guests, which included the Mayor of Southampton.

Following a remembrance service, the nameplate, which also features The Royal British Legion’s Thank You logo, was unveiled by the winners of the staff loco naming competition.

What did the officials say?

Adam Cunliffe, CCO of G&W’s UK/Europe companies, said:

“The Royal British Legion’s Thank You movement provides a perfect opportunity to recognise and remember the crucial role the rail industry had to play during World War 1. Trains transported troops, rations, coal, water, horses and artillery across Britain and Europe in a way never previously seen. Over 100,000 railway workers enlisted when the war broke out. By the end of the war, tragically 20,000 had lost their lives. We should never forget the ultimate sacrifice they made.”

Catherine Davies, Head of Remembrance at The Royal British Legion, said

“We owe the World War 1 generation a huge debt of gratitude for helping to shape the world as we know it today. Not only the 1.2 million British and Commonwealth Armed Forces who lost their lives on the battlefield, but also those who kept the home front going. Our ‘Thank You’ movement recognises all who played their part at home. We are grateful to those who ran the railway in the First World War and who helped keep the country moving during such difficult times.”

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