
Port Talbot RNLI pay’s tribute on Remembrance day
On Armistice day (Monday 11 November) Clive Morris Operations Manager of Port Talbot Lifeboat station met the 7.39am Swansea service at Port Talbot Train station which was onward bound to London Paddington
Clive laid a wreath on behalf of the volunteer crew at Port Talbot, it was a symbolic act to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Poppy wreath was given to GWR representatives as part of the Poppies to Paddington initiative 2024.
RNLI volunteers across the GWR network placed remembrance wreaths on board 10 early morning trains at 90 stations along the route transporting hundreds of poppy wreaths to London. On arrival they were placed at Paddington’s War Memorial located on platform one. At 11am a special remembrance service was held.
As well as the majestic station as a backdrop for this special service marking 80 years since the end of World War 2, more than 22,442 cascading poppy petals were displayed. These petals have been recycled from wreaths collected in previous years and represent the number of personnel under British command who died during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
The Poppies to Paddington event started back in 2020 in collaboration with the Veteran charity and First Great Western Railway. The RNLI's partnership with GWR was launched back in May this year and was marked by the unveiling of RNLI commemorative 200 livery as part of the charity's 200th year of saving lives at sea.
Lifeboat Operations Manager Clive Morris said:
‘It was a privilege to represent Port Talbot Lifeboat Station on this important day. Port Talbot Lifeboat station proudly joins the nation in remembrance and gratitude for all who have served and sacrificed. This gesture is a small yet meaningful way to remember and honour the bravery of those who give their lives in service’
Media Contacts
For more information please contact Kirstee David, volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on [email protected] or or Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith Regional Communications Manager on 07977728315 or [email protected] Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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