GWR honours 40th anniversary of Falklands conflict
GREAT WESTERN Railway has dedicated one of its Class 255 ‘Castle’ HST power cars to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the 10-week Falklands War in 1982. A dedication service took place at Plymouth station on June 14, where a special ‘Falklands 40’ livery was unveiled on newly-named 43040 Berry Pomeroy Castle. The ceremony was held on the same date that Argentinian troops surrendered 40 years earlier, bringing the war to an end.
The power car was specifically chosen as the last two digits of its fleet number are appropriate to the 40th anniversary, while the Class 255 description used by GWR for its short-formed ‘Castle’ HST fleet also recognises the 255 British military personnel who lost their lives in the fight to liberate the islands following Argentinian invasion in April 1982.
The commemorative livery features roundels on the bodysides of the power car, paying tribute to the conflict which was waged on land, at sea, and in the air.
Guests including veterans from the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Sue Dann, attended the service led by John Roe, Railway Mission Chaplain for the South West of England.
GWR business assurance director Joe Graham said: “We wanted to pay our own tribute to the courageous men and women who joined the military task force and helped liberate the Falklands Islands in 1982.
“Plymouth and Devonport played a significant part in the conflict, and this dedication service allowed us to honour the bravery of all those involved, including those who never returned home and the many more who were wounded.
“We are proud that power car 43040 will carry our own ‘Falklands 40’ tribute, to be seen by thousands of customers travelling in the west of our network.”