Free rail travel for bereaved families announcement an 'acute' moment for Calvin Bailey

Bereaved military family members can now receive free travel on National Rail services to attend the upcoming Remembrance weekend on 7 and 8 November. 

Announced by the government, this builds on the existing free travel offer for serving personnel and veterans, ensuring travel costs are no longer a barrier for families taking part in remembrance and reflection.

Speaking to BFBS Forces News, Veterans and People Minister Calvin Bailey, who served more than 24 years in the RAF, described it as an acute announcement for himself as a veteran.

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"I know friends and families that will be able to take advantage of this scheme and join me and others here in London to be able to remember those we had held so dearly, who will be remembered amongst friends," he said. 

Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice 

Mikki Brett, the widow of the late Chief Petty Officer Stuart Brett, who served in the Weapons Engineering branch of the Royal Navy and died in service in April 2023, met Mr Bailey last week. 

"It's fantastic news that the in-service bereaved have been recognised for the support given to their loved ones with free train fares to remembrance events this year," she said.

On Saturday 7 November, the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance will take place at the Royal Albert Hall to honour British and Commonwealth service members who have served and sacrificed for their countries. 

This is a ticketed event, and the ticket ballot closed in June.  

On Sunday, the Cenotaph Parade will see around 10,000 veterans and eligible participants march past the Cenotaph national war memorial in Whitehall. 

At 11:00, a two-minute silence will be marked by a gun firing on Horse Guards Road before the parade disperses.

Deeply meaningful gesture 

A spokesperson for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said it welcomed the Department for Transport's decision to extend free travel to bereaved military families during the Remembrance weekend.

"This change ensures that those who have lost loved ones in the service of their nation can travel to pay their respects without facing financial strain," they said. 

"It is a deeply meaningful gesture that properly honours the sacrifices of our forces families, ensuring they can stand together with the nation in remembrance."

Eligible family members have until 16 October to apply for a free ticket through the Defence Medical Welfare Service.

To apply, or for more details, click here.