Proudly Carrying Stories Of Courage And Sacrifice - LNER Unveils 'Remember'

Named 'Remember' the train design was inspired by Reveille, the LNER Armed Forces colleague network. Developed with the support of the Ministry of Defence and the input of curators at the Imperial War Museums, the design draws upon the personal experiences, insights and family connections of Reveille members.  

Featuring images of veterans from the World Wars and more modern conflict, 'Remember’ reflects the service of people from different cultures and backgrounds and is intended to be a moving tribute to their bravery and commitment. 

Speaking about the livery, James Downey, LNER Finance Director and Executive Sponsor of Reveille, said: "Remember has been specially created by LNER to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served over the generations. LNER has a long and rich history of supporting the armed forces and earlier this year we were honoured to be awarded Gold status in the 2026 Defence Employee Recognition Scheme.  

“As Remember travels along the East Coast Main Line, it will carry these stories through our communities, showing that Remembrance is not confined to a single day – but lives on through our eternal gratitude.” 

Katie Adamson, Co-chair of the Reveille network, said: “This very special livery reflects the importance we place on the service and sacrifice of those who defend our freedom. Many of those featured on the train have connections to either LNER colleagues or the communities along our route, so it's deeply personal. We’re incredibly thankful to the families of the service men and women featured, who have allowed us to carry their images and stories, ensuring their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.” 

Private Alfred Keech, who served with the Northumberland Fusiliers during the First World War, is among the veterans featured on ‘Remember’. Following his service, Alfred settled in York with his wife Beatrice and seven children. Tragically, despite surviving the First World War, Alfred lost his life in a German air raid on York in 1942. His grandson, David, works for LNER as an On Train Delivery Manager.  

The train also carries the moving story of the friendship of five soldiers who served together in 2nd Battalion, the Rifles. Riflemen Joseph Murphy, William Aldridge, Daniel Simpson, James Backhouse and Corporal Jonathan Horne were all deployed to Sangin in Helmand Province in 2009. In July 2009, an improvised explosive device detonated, killing all five men. ‘Remember’ proudly carries their pictures as a tribute to their courage, selflessness and their friendship. 

Laura Clouting, Senior Curator at Imperial War Museums, said: “We are delighted to have worked with LNER on this special livery, which draws upon stories and photographs from IWM’s collections alongside the experiences and family connections of members of the LNER Reveille network. The individuals featured represent personal experiences of service, sacrifice and resilience. As the train travels across the UK, we hope it will encourage reflection upon the ways war profoundly impacts people’s lives.” 

Reflecting on his image and story being featured, Lance Corporal James Wilkinson, who served with the Royal Army Veterinary Corp and was injured while serving in Afghanistan, said: “Seeing the train arrive at Newcastle station this morning was very moving. I was thrilled when my brother Charlie, who is a Driver Team Manager for LNER and a veteran himself, contacted me to say that my picture was going to be featured in the livery design. To have my service recognised has meant a lot and I’m proud to be part of such a special project.” 

The new livery has been applied to Azuma unit 801214.  

All the stories of the veterans featured in the livery design are available on the LNER website (https://www.lner.co.uk/about-us/train-liveries/)