The dedication and sacrifice of soldiers, sailors and RAF servicemen and women from Nottingham is to be recognised by the city’s tram network.
At a special ceremony today, Remembrance Day, November 11, one of the network’s new Citadis trams has been named ‘Local Armed Forces Heroes’ in tribute to servicemen and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and more recent conflicts.
Lt Col David Dawber who is based at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, together with serving sailors from HMS Sherwood, soldiers from the Mercian Regiment and 170 (Infrastructure Support) Group Royal Engineers and RAF personnel, were amongst those attending the short unveiling ceremony at the Toton Lane park and ride stop.
NET’s Head of Operations, Mike Mabey – one of a number of former servicemen and women who now work on the tram network – said he was delighted that Nottingham’s military heroes were being recognised.
“When the public were asked to nominate names for our fleet of new trams, we received numerous suggestions on behalf of local people who had lost their lives in recent conflicts. The names of Great War heroes, including Captain Albert Ball VC, were also suggested.
“The city has a rich heritage when it comes to military service, so we felt that it would be fitting to honour all our local armed services heroes by naming this tram.”
The name was unveiled by Nottingham’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Jackie Morris and she said: “I’m proud that our local armed forces are being recognised by having a tram named after them, particularly on a day when we reflect and remember those who have sacrificed so much to keep our country safe.
“The names of many worthy local servicemen and women were put forward during the nominations process. I’m pleased that we have been able to honour them all.
“During The Great War, Nottingham’s original tram service would have been used to take many men across the city to train stations, where they would have travelled on to their units, so it’s a fitting tribute that one of Nottingham’s new tram’s will now travel across the city as a reminder of the sacrifice our local armed forces have made, and continue to make, to protect us.”