Special train transports back in time for WW1 U Boat surrender commemoration weekend

Published on: Friday, 9 November 2018
Last updated: Friday, 9 November 2018

People in Essex will be transported back to World War 1 and the surrender of German U Boats in Harwich, on Saturday 17 November.

The town is holding a special themed weekend with lots of special events such as talks, exhibitions and re-enactments to mark the moment 168 German U Boats surfaced off the Harwich shore at the end of the war.

A highlight is the special ‘U Boat train’ which will run from Manningtree to Harwich, where passengers can hear wartime songs and meet a sailor from the Royal Navy in 1918 who will tell them all about the surrender of the U Boats after the armistice on November 11th 1918.

The special trains have been organised by the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and will be decorated for the event.

Community Rail Officer, Terri Ryland, said, “People heading towards the commemoration events in Harwich are advised to travel on one of these trains for an immersive experience which will transport them back one hundred years, bringing the era back to life.”

Greater Anglia’s Community Partnerships Manager, Paul Haynes, said, “We are pleased to work with the Community Rail Partnership in putting on these special trains for this really important community event.”

The trains depart from Manningtree station at 10am and 11am on Saturday 17th November.

Tickets are just £5 return per adult and £3 return for children, under 5s go free.

They are only available online at www.esscrp.org.uk/tickets