Transport for London (TfL) will commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a series of tributes and fundraising activities across the capital’s transport network next week.
From Monday 5 May to Sunday 11 May, five silent memorials featuring life-sized silhouettes of the “Unknown Tommy” and “Unknown Woman in War” will be on display at Baker Street, Balham, Bethnal Green, Charing Cross and Tower Hill Underground stations. The figures have been commissioned by Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) and placed near memorial plaques in stations that were significantly affected during the Second World War.
On Thursday 8 May, a two-minute silence will be held at midday across the TfL network. At the same time, London’s Transport Commissioner Andy Lord, along with a representative from the London Transport Old Comrades Association and TfL veterans, will lay a wreath at Charing Cross Underground station—where seven people lost their lives during a bombing in 1940.
Andy Lord said: “Every year we are very proud to support fundraising efforts for veterans, serving personnel and their families. This is a particularly special year as it marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and we’re proud to support the British Legion Industries memorials and British Legion’s fundraising efforts. We hope that all our activity for the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War will encourage customers to donate and to take a moment to reflect on the support played by transport staff during the war, as well as those who served and were lost while serving our country.”
‘The Unknown Tommy and Unknown Woman In War figures being produced in RBLI’s social enterprise, where 70% are the team are veterans or living with disabilities.’ Credit: RBLI
The Royal British Legion will also be collecting donations in stations throughout the day. Lucy Inskip, Director of the Poppy Appeal at the Royal British Legion, said: “We’re always grateful for the support given by Transport for London during the Poppy Appeal and all year round. The Royal British Legion is proud to put Second World War veterans at the heart of the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Donations raised on this day will ensure the RBL can continue supporting this special generation and all those who have served since.”
Lisa Farmer OBE, Chief Executive of RBLI, added: “Acknowledging sacrifice is an important aspect of remembering those who have served, and VE Day offers a perfect opportunity for that. We hope that the Unknown Tommy and Unknown Woman in War serve as a means to inspire reflection to all those who will see them on the TfL network.”
Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “It’s right that TfL is marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe in this way, with five wreath-laying and silent memorial services taking place across the capital.”
TfL advises those planning to attend VE Day events, particularly in central London, to plan ahead using the TfL Go app or Journey Planner, as the transport network is expected to be busier than usual.
Never miss another news story, subscribe to Harrow Online for FREE!