The historic Cavell Van, the railway carriage that transported Britain’s Unknown Warrior and other wartime heroes, has made an emotional return to Dover as part of Railway 200 commemorations. More than 300 people attended a special Remembrance event at Dover’s Cruise Terminal 1 to mark 105 years since the van’s role in the repatriation of the Unknown Warrior.

The ceremony, jointly organised by Southeastern, the Port of Dover and the Kent & East Sussex Railway, took place inside the former Dover Western Docks/Marine station, now Cruise Terminal 1. The Cavell Van, built in 1919 by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway at Ashford Works, became a national symbol of sacrifice after being used to bring home three notable figures following the First World War.

Its first solemn duty came in May 1919, when it carried the body of Edith Cavell from Dover to London. The British nurse, executed by German forces in 1915 for helping Allied soldiers escape occupied Belgium, became a lasting symbol of courage. Two months later, in July 1919, the van transported Captain Charles Fryatt, a merchant sailor executed after attempting to defend his ship from a German submarine in 1916.

The van’s most significant journey followed on 10 November 1920, when it brought the Unknown Warrior from Dover to London Victoria. The soldier lay in state before burial at Westminster Abbey the next day, representing the thousands who died in the First World War with no known grave. That moment cemented the vehicle’s place in national memory, and vans of its type became known as “Cavell vans”.

This year’s event coincides with Railway 200, celebrating two centuries since the Stockton and Darlington Railway opened in 1825. The Cavell Van’s return from its home at the Kent & East Sussex Railway serves as a tribute not only to those it carried but also to the railway’s enduring role in national life.

Southeastern Managing Director Steve White said:

“To see the Cavell Van return to Dover after 105 years has been a truly emotional experience. This railway van was used in one of most poignant moments in our railway heritage – it carried home the body of the Unknown Warrior in 1920 who represented those who died in the war and have no known grave. As we mark Railway 200, it's important we remember that railways have always been about more than just moving people and goods; they've played a vital role in our nation's most significant moments. We are honoured to have worked with our partners to bring this piece of living history back to where it’s remarkable journey began, and to ensure that the sacrifices of Nurse Edith Cavell, Captain Charles Fryatt, and the Unknown Warrior are never forgotten.”

Diederik Smet, Placemaking, Events and Partnerships Manager at the Port of Dover, added:

“The Port is proud to have the Cavell Van on display in the exact location where it began its historic journeys to Westminster Abbey over 100 years ago. We will open the doors of Cruise Terminal 1 on select days from this Friday (7th) until 16th November and are honoured to share this special opportunity with the local community.”

Chris Jackson, curator at the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum, said:

“We are privileged to look after this historic vehicle under the auspices of the Colonel Stephens Railway Museum at the Kent & East Sussex Railway, and to make it available to visitors as a place for quiet reflection. We are extremely grateful to Southeastern and the Port of Dover for the opportunity to take the van back to the port for the Remembrance season in this anniversary year when we are marking Railway 200.”

After its ceremonial duties, the van continued in service with successive railway companies until 1991, before being preserved the following year by the Kent & East Sussex Railway. A full restoration, supported by Heritage Lottery funding, was completed in 2010. Today it houses a replica of the Unknown Warrior’s coffin, featuring metalwork crafted by the grandson of one of the original artisans, and is usually displayed at Bodiam Station.

Image: Southeastern