With Remembrance Day only a few days away, the Royal Navy has helped to transport wreaths made in Cornwall as far as Plymouth. 

Due to engineering works taking place across Cornwall, The Veterans Charity was unable to begin its Routes to Remembrance scheme this year, where poppies are taken from across Cornwall by train to London on Armistice Day.

Instead, the charity asked if a Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 helicopter which was on a routine training flight might transport the wreaths to Plymouth to be loaded onto a train and taken to London. 

Falmouth Packet: Helston mayor, Miles Kenchington joined by West Cornwall MP and others with wreaths. Helston mayor, Miles Kenchington joined by West Cornwall MP and others with wreaths. (Image: Royal Navy/LPhot Baz Swainsbury)Representatives from across west Cornwall held a short service at Royal Navy Air Station, Culdrose on Monday (November 6) to load the wreaths on a waiting helicopter.

The commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose Captain Stuart Irwin said: “An aircraft on a training sortie was available so we were delighted to step in on this occasion and help with this annual event. Remembering those who have lost their lives in the defence of our country is important to us here at RNAS Culdrose.”

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The wreaths were flown to the Royal Citadel in Plymouth and then transported to the city’s railway station, ready to begin their journey to London for Saturday, November 11. 

Falmouth Packet: The helicopter carrying the wreaths takes off from RNAS Culdrose on Monday (November 6) The helicopter carrying the wreaths takes off from RNAS Culdrose on Monday (November 6) (Image: Royal Navy/LPhot Baz Swainsbury)Taking part were Royal Navy personnel alongside West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas, the mayors of Penzance and Helston, representatives from the NHS and Great Western Railway as well as veterans from all three services of the Armed Forces who are members of The Veterans Charity.

Danny Greeno, the CEO of The Veterans Charity, said: “We are very proud to have wonderful support from GWR for this Remembrance initiative which is now in its fourth year.

"Poppies To Paddington will once again be hugely poignant, paying respects to the fallen. Thanks to great support from the military and railway communities, wreaths are still able to complete their journey from across the South-West to Paddington to form the backdrop to the annual Remembrance service on Platform 1." 

“Bringing communities, service personnel and Veterans together to remember in this special way is so important to ensure the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten. Our sincere thanks to everyone who is helping to make this happen, especially to GWR and RNAS Culdrose.” 

Falmouth Packet: A short service was given at RNAS Culdrose before the wreaths were loaded onto the Merlin A short service was given at RNAS Culdrose before the wreaths were loaded onto the Merlin (Image: Royal Navy/LPhot Baz Swainsbury)On Sunday, November 12 personnel from RNAS Culdrose will parade through Helston to honour those who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world.

The parade will step off from Trengrouse Way Car Park at 10.30am led by Helston Town Band followed by members of the Armed Forces. It will then make its way down Meneage Street and through Coinagehall before forming at the Monument to lay wreaths.