Railway colleagues, cadets and veterans gathered at Dover Western Docks this week for Southeastern’s annual Remembrance Service, honouring those who lost their lives in conflict and all who have served in the Armed Forces.
Organised by Southeastern’s Armed Forces Network, the event on Wednesday, 4 November was attended by cadets from the Duke of York’s Royal Military School and members of the British Torch of Remembrance Delegation of Ex-Servicemen and Women. Wreaths were laid at the Railwaymen’s Memorial.
Southeastern is supporting the Armed Forces community travelling to Remembrance events this weekend. Serving personnel and eligible veterans can travel free, and the national scheme has been extended this year to eligible bereaved family members with a Bereaved Travel for Remembrance 2026 complimentary ticket.
Kim Hollands, Chair of Southeastern’s Armed Forces Network, said:
“This service was an important moment for everyone across our railway to pause and remember those who lost their lives in conflict and all those who have served.
“Dover has a particularly strong connection with our railway and military history, so it is fitting that colleagues, veterans, cadets and our partners at the Port of Dover can come together here each year.
“I’m proud of our Armed Forces Network for continuing this important tradition, and I’d like to thank everyone who joined us.”
The drumhead service, a military custom in which drums are piled to form a temporary altar for prayers and remembrance, also included an address by Steve White, Managing Director at South Eastern Railway, and Doug Bannister, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover.
Above the altar this year was a cascade of crocheted poppies created by the Canterbury Branch of the Royal British Legion, which will go on display at Canterbury West station.
Southeastern recently received the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, recognising its support for veterans, Reservists, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Support includes up to 10 days’ additional paid leave each year for Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, as well as guaranteed interviews for veterans who meet the minimum criteria for certain roles.
