In Salisbury, a rededicated locomotive now pays tribute to the Royal Artillery, highlighting its enduring connection to Britain’s railways and commemorating 200 years of modern railway history. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

In Salisbury, a rededicated locomotive now pays tribute to the Royal Artillery, highlighting its enduring connection to Britain’s railways and commemorating 200 years of modern railway history
Source, photo: www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Network Rail, South Western Railway (SWR), and the Ministry of Defence organized the ceremony at Salisbury station near the Royal Artillery’s Larkhill headquarters. The event followed a full restoration of the historic engine.

Don’t miss…MBTA Track Inspection Fraud Prompts Federal Charges Against Five Workers

Battery members, Honor Guard troops, and Royal Artillery veterans joined railway officials for the unveiling. Senior military personnel boarded the locomotive in Warminster and received formal salutes upon arrival.

The Dean of Salisbury Cathedral offered a ceremonial blessing, adding a spiritual note before guests traveled on a special journey through Southampton and Eastleigh.

Locomotive Rededication Celebrates Armed Forces Support

This tribute comes during the nationwide Railway 200 celebration, marking the bicentennial of the Stockton and Darlington Railway’s 1825 debut. The ceremony reflects the military’s historic role in rail development.

Network Rail signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2017 and holds a Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Around 10% of its workforce comes from a military background, reinforcing this strong bond.

SWR also supports military personnel, holding a Silver Award and pursuing the Gold. The company operates an active Armed Forces Network and last year partnered with Scotty’s Little Soldiers, aiding bereaved military families.

Restored Locomotive Symbolizes Rail and Military Unity

Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Gregory praised the restored engine’s craftsmanship, calling it a lasting memorial to the Gunner family. He emphasized its role as a powerful symbol during the Railway 200 year.

Phil Swallow, LSL board member, expressed pride in operating the rededicated engine. He hopes its presence reminds the public of the sacrifices made by artillery soldiers throughout Britain’s railway history.

These tributes show how the railway continues to honour military service while celebrating its rich past and transformative future.

Source, photo: www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…SacRT to Suspend Green Line Through 2026 for Railyards Station

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit