Yesterday (Wednesday 5 November), the Cavell Van – a poignant symbol of sacrifice and remembrance – took centre stage at a special Remembrance service at Dover Cruise Terminal 1, the very location from which the Unknown Warrior’s final journey began 105 years ago.
In a collaboration between the Port of Dover, South Eastern Railway, and the Kent & East Sussex Railway, the van was brought back to Dover from its home at Bodiam Station as part of Railway 200, honouring the railway’s role in both transforming Britain and remembering those who gave their lives in war.
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".
Now lovingly restored by K&ESR volunteers, the van serves as a permanent museum exhibit at Bodiam station, featuring a replica of the Unknown Warrior’s oak coffin, with metalwork crafted by the grandson of the original artisan who worked on the 1920 commission.
See the Cavell Van in DoverThe van will remain on display at Cruise Terminal 1 for the next two weekends, with K&ESR and Colonel Stephens Railway Museum volunteers on hand to share its remarkable story.
Open 10am – 4pm
Fri 7 – Sun 9 Nov and Fri 14 – Sun 16 Nov
Admission is free, but timed tickets must be booked online“We’re privileged to care for this historic vehicle,” said Chris Jackson, Curator of the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum. “Returning it to Dover for the Remembrance season is a moving tribute in this Railway 200 anniversary year.”
Photo credit: 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