Steam engine naming ceremony to mark Royal British Legion centenary

In attendance were eight standard bearers from Sheringham, Holt, Wymondham, Shipdham, Aylsham, Norwich, Dereham, and Northrepps. (Image: David Pritchard)

The event was held at Sheringham’s heritage station on the North Norfolk Railway (NNR), and was attended by the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Michael Gurney.

High Sheriff of Norfolk Michael Gurney (left) and RBL Norfolk county president General Jonathan ‘Jacko’ Page (right) (Image: David Pritchard)

Also in attendance was RBL Norfolk county president General Jonathan ‘Jacko’ Page, as well as eight standard bearers from Sheringham, Holt, Wymondham, Shipdham, Aylsham, Norwich, Dereham, and Northrepps.

The train was given a new honorary name: The Earl Haig (Image: David Pritchard)

The steam engine, called 'The Royal Norfolk Regiment', was given the honorary name of ‘The Earl Haig’, in reference to Field Marshall Douglas Haig, a founding member of the then British Legion.

After the naming ceremony, the steam engine ran from Sheringham to Holt. (Image: David Pritchard)

The train then ran as the NNR’s midday cream tea service from Sheringham to Holt.

Eight standard bearers from across Norfolk were in attendance at the event on Sunday. (Image: David Pritchard)

The North Norfolk Railway, also known as the Poppy Line, has been working with the Royal British Legion for several years as a place ex-military are welcomed to volunteer to use the skills learned while serving in the Armed Forces

Eight RBL standard bearers attended the event on Sunday at the North Norfolk Railway's Sheringham station (Image: David Pritchard)