Historic railway van returns to Dover for Special Remembrance event

Over 300 guests gathered at Dover’s Cruise Terminal 1 today for a poignant Remembrance event that saw the historic Cavell Van return to Dover, commemorating 105 years since it took part in the repatriation of the Unknown Warrior.

The railway van, which holds a unique place in British military and railway history, was the centrepiece of the special ceremony jointly organised by South Eastern Railway, Port of Dover and the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

The event took place inside the former Dover Western Docks/Marine railway station, which is now the distinctive Cruise Terminal 1.

A Van That Carried Heroes Home

Built in 1919 by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway at Ashford Works, the Cavell Van was originally designated as Parcels and Miscellaneous Van Number 132. However, it would soon earn its place in history through three extraordinary journeys that brought fallen heroes home to Britain.

In May 1919, the van carried the body of Nurse Edith Cavell from Dover to London. Cavell, a British nurse working in Belgium during the First World War, was executed by German firing squad in October 1915 after helping over 200 Allied soldiers escape occupied Europe. Her death caused international outrage and she became a symbol of courage and sacrifice. Following this journey, all vans of this type became known as "Cavell vans" by railway workers.

Two months later, in July 1919, the van transported Captain Charles Fryatt, a merchant mariner who commanded a Great Eastern Railway ferry. Fryatt was executed by the Germans in 1916 after allegedly attempting to ram a German submarine that tried to detain his civilian vessel.

The van's most significant journey came on 10 November 1920, when it carried the body of the Unknown Warrior from Dover to London Victoria Station, where it stood vigil overnight before the ceremonial interment at Westminster Abbey on 11 November 1920. The Unknown Warrior represented all those who died in the First World War whose bodies were never identified or recovered, providing a focal point for national mourning and remembrance.

Railway 200 Connection

The event's timing coincides with Railway 200, the year-long national celebration marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway and the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825. The Cavell Van's return to Dover, from its long-term home at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, serves as a fitting reminder of the railway's role not just in transforming Britain's economy and society, but also in honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Steve White, Managing Director of South Eastern Railway, said:

"To see the Cavell Van return to Dover after 105 years has been a truly emotional experience. This railway van was used in one of most poignant moments in our railway heritage – it carried home the body of the Unknown Warrior in 1920 who represented those who died in the war and have no known grave. 

“As we mark Railway 200, it's important we remember that railways have always been about more than just moving people and goods; they've played a vital role in our nation's most significant moments.

“We are honoured to have worked with our partners to bring this piece of living history back to where it’s remarkable journey began, and to ensure that the sacrifices of Nurse Edith Cavell, Captain Charles Fryatt, and the Unknown Warrior are never forgotten."

Diederik Smet, Placemaking, Events and Partnerships Manager at the Port of Dover added:

“The Port is proud to have the Cavell Van on display in the exact location where it began its historic journeys to Westminster Abbey over 100 years ago.

“We will open the doors of Cruise Terminal 1 on select days from this Friday (7^th) until 16^th November and are honoured to share this special opportunity with the local community.”

Chris Jackson, Curator of the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, added:

“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 quiet 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 marking Railway 200.” 

A Century of Service

After its ceremonial duties, the van continued in regular service with the South Eastern and Chatham Railway, then the Southern Railway, and finally British Railways, being used as a stores van until its withdrawal in 1991. It was preserved by the Kent and East Sussex Railway in 1992, where it underwent a full restoration completed in 2010 with Heritage Lottery funding.

Today, the Cavell Van serves as a moving museum piece, containing a replica of the Unknown Warrior's oak wood coffin, complete with metalwork created by the grandson of the original craftsman who worked on the commission in 1920. The van is normally based at Bodiam Station on the Kent and East Sussex Railway.

Cavell Van viewing

Following today’s service, the Port of Dover are hosting a series of opportunities for more people to view the Cavell Van and learn more about its history.

Visits are only available by booking a free ticket in advance and on the following dates

• Friday 7th November (10:00-16:00)
• Saturday 8th November (10:00-16:00)
• Sunday 9th November (10:00-16:00)
• Friday 14th November (10:00-16:00)
• Saturday 15th November (10:00-16:00)
• Sunday 16th November (10:00-16:00)

To book your tickets, please visit the Port of Dover Eventbrite page, here: https://Cavellvan-Dover.eventbrite.co.uk