November is the season of remembrance and across the country fund raising efforts are taking place to support the work of the Royal British Legion (RBL). The work of the RBL is, as we enter another period of economic difficulty, as important as ever.
This time of year is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of our forebears who gave their lives in war, fighting with the colours or in the execution of their duties on the Home Front. At least 162 officers or former officers were killed in the two World Wars. Their names are included in memorials across the railway network and in the places they fell beyond the seas. A plaque marking the sacrifice of these officers in the Great War was erected in 2009 in Ypres and BTPHG maintain, research and update a Roll of Honour.
BTP officers are part of the police contingent on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph and officers of the constituent forces have marked the armistice since the arrival of the Unknown Warrior at Victoria Station in 1920.
BTP and its predecessor forces has always welcomed ex-service personnel, many of whom served in the conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. We are grateful for the contribution of all who have worked to protect our country from its enemies.
BTPHG will continue to ensure that the names of the those who made the ultimate sacrifice are not forgotten. We will remember them.
When you go home, tell them of us and say,
For your tomorrows these gave their today.
(Edmonds, 1919)
Phil Trendall, Chair