Exmouth RNLI take part in Poppies to Paddington on Remembrance Day

Exmouth RNLI had the honour and privilege to take part in Poppies to Paddington, an initiative organised by GWR in partnership with The Veterans Charity to mark Remembrance Day 2024

Several Exmouth RNLI volunteer crew, made the early morning trip into Exeter to meet the 7.51 am train to Paddington. They formed up and a senior station crew member presented their station’s wreath to the welcoming committee to be added to the RNLI’s collection.

Hundreds of wreaths from RNLI communities across the network were carried by 10 GWR trains to be laid at Paddington station’s war memorial on Platform 1 ahead of a special service of remembrance starting at 10.45.am

The wreath was created by supporters at the Kingsteignton Knitters and Natters club and Exmouth RNLI are very grateful for their donation.

Exmouth RNLI has a long-standing tradition and close connection with the armed forces and have many ex-service men and women within the crew so it meant a lot to be able to honour this in the RNLIs 200th year.

Mike Gall, Exmouth RNLI Launch Authority said:

‘With some thirty-seven years’ uniformed service behind me and with experience of the sad loss of friends and colleagues during those years, I was delighted to lead the small team of RNLI volunteers who ensured the respectful departure of our London bound RNLI wreath from Exeter St David’s station this morning; individually and collectively reaffirming that we ‘Will remember them’.’

Chris Sims, Exmouth RNLI voluntary crew said:

‘It was an honour to support the GWR Poppies to Paddington this morning having family members no longer with us who have served in our Armed Forces including my grandfather who served through Europe and Africa during WWII and came home safely. We will remember them and all who sacrificed their lives, and it is important that we always do, especially this year on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the battle of Normandy.’

The RNLI’s partnership with GWR was launched this year as part of the charity’s 200th anniversary and was marked by the unveiling of a commemorative RNLI 200 livery on a GWR train in May.

The RNLI’s participation holds special significance as its connection to the armed forces and acts of bravery during wartime are woven into the charity’s history. Lifeboat crews continued to save lives throughout both World Wars, and many of today’s volunteers and staff are either current or ex-service personnel.

During the First World War, many young lifeboat crew members left their stations to fight, causing the average age of the lifeboat crews left at home to increase to over 50. During the war years (1914-18), RNLI lifeboats launched 1,808 times, saving 5,332 lives.

In 1939, lifeboat volunteers were called away again to war. Nevertheless, by the end of the Second World War in 1945, RNLI crews had saved 6,376 lives around the coasts of Britain and Ireland.

The RNLI’s ongoing commitment to supporting those who serve in the armed forces was made official when the charity signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, reaffirming the charity’s dedication to providing a welcoming community for ex-service personnel looking to continue serving the public in a different capacity.