Direct Rail Services (DRS) has named one of their locomotives The Poppy to commemorate the Royal British Legion’s centenary year, Remembrance Day, and in honour of all of those in our armed forces.

DRS is the rail division of Nuclear Transport Solutions, and many DRS employees are former forces personnel.

On Saturday 30 October, Class 68 locomotive 68033 was named The Poppy in a ceremony at Euston Station, with veterans from across the country in attendance.

NTS recently received a Gold Award from the coveted Armed Forces Covenant’s Employer Recognition Scheme.

The scheme acknowledges employers who have shown outstanding support for the military community and the Armed Forces Covenant. Gold awards are awarded to those employers showing the highest level of commitment to the scheme.

DRS has made six 00-gauge models of The Poppy and the train’s headboard available for auction through a sealed bidding system.

To bid for either the headboard or loco, participants should visit the DRS website for information. All money received will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

Seth Kybird, NTS CEO, said “We’re hugely proud of all of our former services colleagues and the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring to NTS.”

“Everyone feels passionately about supporting our armed forces and helping to raise vital funds for such a fantastic charity as the Royal British Legion.”

“Many of my colleagues take time off during the appeal to volunteer for the appeal and ensure we all remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms we all enjoy.”

DRS Driver David Poynter added “I’m really proud of everyone who’s worked to get this locomotive named, it means a lot to me, just to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who serves and has served over the years.”

“It’s a great privilege to be the first person the drive The Poppy and I hope it will keep the message of Remembrance Day in people’s minds long after 11 November.”

Jane Ayres, Royal British Legion Community Fundraising Manager for London said: “We’re delighted to see the naming of this locomotive in the Royal British Legion’s Centenary year. Since the poppy was first worn as an act of remembrance 100 years ago, it has become a symbol of support for our armed forces past and present. We are grateful to NTS and their employees for their continued dedication to our annual Poppy Appeal, as we continue our vital work in supporting the armed forces community because this year every poppy counts.”

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