'Poppies to Paddington' pays tribute to Falkland War heroes on Remembrance Day
A Wiltshire widow has laid a wreath at Great Western Railway's memorial
Last updated 11th Nov 2022
The widow of a Falklands hero has laid a wreath at London Paddington's iconic war memorial, as part of the 'Poppies to Paddington' operation on Remembrance Day (Friday 11th November).
Great Western Railway’s third 'Poppies to Paddington' operation has this year paid special tribute to the Falklands conflict.
Sara Jones CBE, who lives in Wilton, is the widow of Falklands hero Lt Col Herbert ‘H’ Jones VC, one of the 255 British military personnel who lost their lives during the conflict.
He was killed charging at Argentine forces during the battle for Goose Green on May 28, 1982. The battle was seen as a pivotal moment in the fight to liberate the Falkland Islands following Argentinian invasion.
He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross – the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system – for his actions.
Mrs Jones told Greatest Hits Radio it's important that we continue to remember those who fought for freedom:
"When you've lost somebody, remembrance is a daily thing"
"But it's nice to feel that on a day like this, you'll remember not only the person you're thinking of but all of the other people who died in battle and have done wonderful things for the country.
"We wouldn't have the freedom we have if we didn't have the people who fought for it.
"We should all try and remember and thank those who gave their lives, and we should be so grateful that there are people who over the years committed themselves to a cause."
In June, Great Western Railway unveiled a special Falklands 40 livery on one of its Class 255 Castle sets.
Power car 43040 was chosen to mark the 40th anniversary, while Class 255 recognises the number of lives lost.
Great Western Railway Business Assurance Director, Joe Graham, said:
“In the summer we were proud 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.
“Now our third Poppies to Paddington operation gives us an opportunity to not only honour the bravery of all those who took part in the conflict, but the sacrifices of all those members of the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty.”
'Poppies to Paddington' was created in 2020 to allow communities within the Great Western Network to honour fallen heroes despite the restrictions in place around Covid-19.
Lt General Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said:
“It is wonderful that Great Western Railway is once again commemorating the service and sacrifice of members of the Armed Forces along their routes through Poppies to Paddington.
“Men and women step forward to serve this nation, in the process putting others before themselves. The annual period of Remembrance, which this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, is when we all honour those who have given so much for our freedom.”