First Essex will debut a Remembrance Day livery on one of its Colchester-based double-deckers on Thursday 11 November. It will remain in service “for years to come” in honour of both the town’s military history and the former servicemen and servicewomen that are employed by the group.
On Friday 12 November, the operator will use the bus to provide transport for VIP guests from the Royal British Legion and armed forces representatives on a tour that will visit historic Colchester landmarks in the company of a First World War solder re-enactor dressed in authentic uniform.
After that, it will enter service from late morning on a route that passes Colchester Garrison. The bus will provide free travel until 1300hrs and the re-enactor will give passengers the chance to “ask questions, hear his stories and share in some of the wartime experiences.”
Says First Essex Marketing Manager Sheena Karim: “This is such an important time for many people to remember family, friends and others who have been lost in military service.
“We have a number of ex-service personnel within First, and Colchester is a town steeped in military history. The Remembrance bus has been designed to recognise these links and pay tribute.”