London Waterloo station played a major role this morning, Saturday, 6th May, in transporting over 5,000 Armed Forces personnel to London where they would be playing an active role in the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla.

In the biggest movement of military personnel by the rail industry since Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral in 1965, and in a partnership between South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail, nine special trains transported members of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, and Commonwealth forces to London Waterloo station.

Members of the Royal Navy, Army and Commonwealth forces travelled on seven South Western Railway trains while the Royal Airforce travelled on two trains privately chartered from West Coast Railways.

After arriving at Platforms 13 to 19 between 06:12 and 07.31, where they were greeted by colleagues from Network Rail and South Western Railway including Claire Mann, South Western Railway’s managing director and Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Wessex route director.

Also greeting them was a special station PA announcement recorded by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla that is being played in stations across the country this weekend.

After leaving Waterloo station, the armed forces marched over Westminster Bridge to assemble in designated areas before setting off to join the Coronation procession where they will lead two processions accompanying Their Majesties to and from Westminster Abbey for the Coronation service.

Waterloo, along with other stations, has been decorated with commemorative banners and bunting to mark the Coronation. Members of station teams will welcome passengers and give out complimentary memorabilia including handheld flags, children’s activity books, cakes, and pin badges.

Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed over 5,000 Armed Forces personnel to London Waterloo this morning in what is the biggest movement of military personnel by the rail industry since 1965.

“The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort is of huge national significance and we’re very proud of the role we are playing, not only in helping transport the Armed Forces but also the many thousands of customers who are travelling by train to London to take part and celebrate this occasion.

“I would like to thank the many colleagues who are working exceptionally hard to ensure our customers experience smooth and pleasant journeys and I would like to wish customers an enjoyable and memorable Coronation weekend.”

Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway, said: “We are proud to support the Armed Forces in their ceremonial duties for what will be an unforgettable day for the whole country.

“I’m very grateful for the hard work and support of all of my colleagues who have made these special trains possible, and the additional services we are providing to Windsor & Eton Riverside for the Coronation Concert tomorrow.

“On behalf of all colleagues at South Western Railway, I wish everyone a happy Coronation weekend.”

Lt Col Belinda Forsythe, Deputy Chief of Staff, London District, who has overseen the logistical element of the military operation said: “The Coronation is a momentous occasion and it’s with immense pride that UK and Commonwealth Armed Forces are taking in the largest military ceremonial operation of its kind for a generation.

“For the thousands of soldiers, sailors and aviators from the UK and across the Commonwealth to arrive in London together by train before marching off to take part in this historic ceremony was a unique and special moment and my thanks go to all involved in making it happen.”