Black History Steam Train Tour

NB Original date of 16th August postponed to 18th October

An exciting steam train trip on an original 1950s engine/carriages with historical commentary from a African/Caribbean perspective!

This unique trip is in memory of the Windrush pioneers who came to Britain after the war and the Black aircrew of World War 2 who came from Africa, the West Indies and the USA.

• This nostalgic tour goes along the same ship/rail route the 'Windrush generation' passengers took. It will go through the countryside the Battle of Britain raged over when Black pilots flew their Hurricanes, Spitfires, Lancasters and Mosquitos against far right forces in Europe
• We will also highlight the incredible 'Red Tails'/Tuskeegee Airmen, the best US fighter pilots of WW2 who were based in Suffolk but also flew in Italy.
• The trip will go from London to the Hampshire and back and involve a stop on the way to get off and take photos of the vintage train and specially dressed passengers
• On the way we will hear amazing stories of 1940s Black aircrew and hear testimony from train passengers of the 1950s.

Basic itinerary below,

This special trip is arranged in association with Pilots of the Caribbean

Pilots of the Caribbean, believe in the power of iconic symbols to connect us to a larger, meaningful history.

In 2013, Terry Jervis created the Pilots Of The Caribbean brand, curating an award-winning exhibition in collaboration with the RAF Museum and Black Cultural Archives.

Their fine art piece , known as commemorative medals and sometimes referred to as coins, are crafted to honour the legacy of Caribbean RAF pilots. Their limited availability, craftsmanship, and historical significance make them highly prized collectables.

The coins are made from gold/silver and the remains of the original Merlin Rolls Royce engines that powered the planes flown by Caribbean aircrew. The metal art is produced under a Royal Warrant by Worcester Medal Service Ltd.

Jervis also negotiated an unprecedented deal whereby Rolls Royce and Bentley collaborated to make a unique Limited Edition car which embeds the coins in the vehicle. More details will be revealed on the day and at subsequent lectures.

See example of the coin art below

First Coin

Pilots of the CaribbeanMona Baptiste & RAF crew on HMT Windrush (L)B-17 Flying Fortress & Lancaster Bomber (R)

Second Coin

Tuskegee AirmenLena Horne & “Red Tails” crew (L)Spitfire & Mustang P-51D (R)

To secure your opportunity to own these limited-edition historical pieces, you must first complete a confirmed registration. Once registered, you will be among the first to receive an exclusive offer to purchase and support some very important charities.

Steam train trip basic agenda

Saturday 18th October Black history steam train tour. 200 years of train travel since 1825

9.45 meet at Waterloo for photos and equipment collection

10am special escort to BHW carriage

Depart Waterloo on electric train

Travel through South Downs area of outstanding natural beauty with Black history of railways en route

11.15 transfer to Steam Train, photo opportunities, half hour ride

First disembarkation: watch train turn around, old fashioned train station, café, talk on Black fighter pilots and Windrush

Back on steam train for 10 minute ride to next old fashioned station.

Second disembarkation: walk around, visit train memorabilia museum, windrush luggage, classic train engines, photo stop, picnic area, miniature railway

3.00pm back on the steam train for twenty minute ride to then transfer to electric train arriving back in London by 5pm

Full details meet point and exact details will be released to paid passengers.