Transport for London (TfL) has partnered with two military charities to pay tribute to servicemen and women ahead of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day) on Thursday 8 May, and to raise donations for serving and ex-serving military personnel.
London’s transport network will be marking VE Day from Monday 5 May with five silent memorials featuring the Unknown Tommy and Unknown Woman in War statues on display at Baker Street, Balham, Bethnal Green, Charing Cross and Tower Hill Tube stations.
The displays, which will run until Sunday 11 May, were commissioned by the Royal British Legion Industries and will be placed by memorial plaques at these five stations, which were particularly impacted during the war, resulting in the tragic loss of life for civilians and transport workers.*
These statues have been designed to help London commemorate and recognise the bravery and sacrifices of men and women in war – both fallen soldiers and those who continue to serve. The “Unknown Women in War” statue commemorates the contributions of women who served during wartime, both in military and civilian roles.
On Thursday 8 May, a two-minute silence will be observed across London’s transport network at midday and London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, along with a member of the London Transport Old Comrades Association and TfL veterans, will lay a wreath at Charing Cross Underground station. The station was bombed in 1940 and seven people who were sheltering in the station tragically died.
Royal British Legion (RBL) volunteers will also come together on the same day to collect donations across London’s transport network for VE Day
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. These events will serve to remember and honour brave men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting the country during the Second World War.
“As we continue to build a better London for all, the Mayor and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our nation’s Armed Forces community and their families. We are forever in their debt.”
