105 Years on Historic Cavell Van Returns to Dover for Remembrance Event
Sacrifices of War
Photo Credit Copyright KESR reproduced with permission:
Poppy Image - Photo by Elliott Waters (Left to Right): Colin Duncan, K&ESR volunteer who was involved when the van arrived on the railway and is now an on-train guide; Norman Brice, former K&ESR Chairman and original Project Manager of the Cavell Van restoration; Derrick Bilsby current K&ESR Chairman; Elliott Waters, K&ESR volunteer and Project Manager who got the van to Dover
The service took place in Cruise Terminal 1
Photo: Andy Jones Photography / South Eastern Railway (Reproduced with permission)
A historic railway van that is a poignant symbol of the sacrifices of war, formed the centrepiece of a special Remembrance service at Dover.
As part of Rail 200, the Cavell Van's return to Dover is a fitting reminder of not only the railway's role in transforming Britain, but also in honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The van holds a unique place in British history as it was involved in the repatriation of three First World War heroes. Firstly, in May 1919 it carried the body of British nurse Edith Cavell from Dover to London, after she was executed by German firing squad for assisting in the escape of over 200 Allied soldiers. From that point onwards, railway workers referred to all vans of this type as "Cavell vans".
Two months later, in July 1919, the van transported the body of civilian merchant mariner Captain Charles Fryatt, who was executed by the Germans in 1916. But the van's most significant journey came just over a year later when, on 10th November, it carried the body of the Unknown Warrior from Dover to Victoria Station, standing vigil overnight before ceremonial interment at Westminster Abbey on 11 November 1920.
The Cavell Van is now a permanent museum space, containing a replica of the Unknown Warrior's oak wood coffin which has metalwork created by the grandson of the original craftsman who worked on the commission in 1920.
Following the service, the Cavell Van is remaining on display in Cruise Terminal 1 for the next two weekends before returning to its long-term home at Bodiam Station. The extended stay will enable more people to see it and learn about its significant history from volunteers from the Col Stephens Railway Museum and the K&ESR.
Visits to see the van are free but are only available by booking a timed ticket online at https://Cavellvan-Dover.eventbrite.co.uk Viewings are scheduled between 10am and 4pm on the following six dates: Friday 7 November; Saturday 8 November; Sunday 9 November; Friday 14 November; Saturday 15 November and Sunday 16 November.
Chris Jackson, Curator of the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, said:
"We are privileged to look after this historic vehicle under the auspices of the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, and to make it available to visitors as a place for quite reflection.
"We are extremely grateful to Southeastern and the Port of Dover for the opportunity to take the van back to the port for the Remembrance season in this anniversary year when we are also marking Railway 200."
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About the Kent & East Sussex Railway: The Kent & East Sussex Railway is a renowned heritage railway based in Tenterden, Kent, UK and operates as an educational charity. Built by Holman F Stephens, it was the first light passenger railway in Britain in the early 20th century and is today one of Britain's most loved and original heritage lines.
With a rich history spanning over 120 years, the K&ESR offers visitors an authentic steam and diesel-powered railway experience through 10½ miles of Wealden countryside in the beautiful Rother Valley, a designated National Landscape (formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the railway prides itself on preserving railway heritage, operating a diverse range of locomotives, and providing a unique glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. A regular award winner, the K&ESR gained a coveted Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award in both 2024 and 2025, placing it among the top 10% of listings of places to visit around the world on Tripadvisor. It was also voted Best Family Experience in Kent by the public in the 2025 Muddy Stilettos Awards.
