LNER unveils new Remembrance train honouring Armed Forces

A new LNER Azuma train has been unveiled, named Remember, to honour the service and sacrifice of military personnel, including Lance Corporal James Wilkinson and his military working dog, Tam.

Lance Corporal James Wilkinson James Wilkinson and his military dog Tam. (Image: Submitted)

Lance Corporal Wilkinson, who grew up in Nunburnholme, near Pocklington, and went to Woldgate School, served with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device during his third deployment to Afghanistan in June 2011.

Chelsea Pensioners Arthur Currie, Steve Allen, Brian Rolfe pictured admiring the LNER Remembrance train. (Image: Oliver Dixon)

He was on patrol with Tam, a yellow Labrador trained to detect explosives. Amid the chaos, Tam remained by his handler’s side, barking persistently and helping to alert nearby soldiers to James’s location.

Their swift actions, combined with emergency medical treatment, helped save his life.

Lance Corporal James Wilkinson served with the Royal Army Veterinary Corp and was injured while serving in Afghanistan. (Image: Submitted)

The new Azuma train livery was unveiled on Monday, November 2 at Newcastle Central Station following a Remembrance service.

The LNER Azuma Remember proudly carrying stories of courage and sacrifice. (Image: Oliver Dixon)

The design was developed by LNER’s Armed Forces colleague network, Reveille, with support from the Ministry of Defence and the Imperial War Museums.

It features images of veterans from the First and Second World Wars as well as more recent conflicts.

Although James' injuries ended his military career, he showed remarkable determination in rebuilding his future.

Together with his partner Rebecca, he later established Operation K9, with a state of the art Canine Hydrotherapy and Rehabilitation centre in Sherburn, North Yorkshire, and Beverley, continuing to work with dogs and drawing on the experience gained during his service.

The LNER Azuma Remember proudly carrying stories of courage and sacrifice. (Image: Oliver Dixon)

Tam went on to enjoy a well-earned retirement after a distinguished career that included operational deployments across several theatres. 

James 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.” 

Soldier James Wilkinson on patrol in Afghanistan in 2009, with Jamie the Springer Spaniel. (Image: Submitted)

James was joined at the unveiling by his family, including parents Walter Wilkinson and Christine Reeson-Walden, and his brother Charlie.

James Wilkinson, left, with his brother Charlie, a Driver Team Manager for LNER and a veteran, at the LNER Remembrance service at Newcastle Station where the Azuma Remember livery was unveiled. (Image: Submitted)

Christine said: "It was an emotional day. There were lots of pictures of soldiers killed in action. 

"We are lucky James is still alive. He was wounded by an IED at six o-clock in the morning. His dog stayed with him until help came. Army dogs are just wonderful.

"This train is really special and it will be driving through York."

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."

Also featured is Private Alfred Keech, of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who survived the First World War but was later killed during a German air raid on York in 1942.

His grandson, David Keech, works for LNER.

The LNER Azuma Remember was unveiled during a special Remembrance occasion in Newcastle on Monday, November 2. (Image: Submitted)

The train also tells the story of five soldiers - Riflemen Joseph Murphy, William Aldridge, Daniel Simpson, James Backhouse and Corporal Jonathan Horne  - from the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles.

They all died in Helmand Province in 2009 after an improvised explosive device detonated.   

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."