Red Funnel is offering free ferry travel to serving military personnel and veterans this Remembrance weekend and on Armistice Day, as a gesture of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.
The cross-Solent ferry operator will provide complimentary foot passenger travel on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November, as well as Wednesday 11th November, allowing past and present members of the UK Armed Forces to travel free of charge in either direction.
The offer applies to both Red Funnel’s Red Jet and vehicle ferry services between the Isle of Wight and Southampton.
The initiative follows Red Funnel’s recent partnership with the Royal British Legion, which saw the first boxes of remembrance poppies transported to the Isle of Wight ahead of this year’s commemorations.
On Thursday 22nd October, the poppies made a symbolic journey across the Solent aboard a Red Funnel ferry, with a convoy and water cannon salute marking their arrival on the Island.
The occasion recognised the Island’s longstanding military connections, as well as Red Funnel’s own maritime heritage and links with the Armed Forces.
That history includes the company’s involvement in the evacuation of Dunkirk during the Second World War, giving particular significance to its role in transporting remembrance poppies to the Island.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said:
“Remembrance Sunday is an important opportunity to recognise the commitment, service and sacrifice of those who have served, and those who continue to serve, in our UK Armed Forces.
“We are proud to offer free foot passenger travel across our services as a small gesture of our appreciation and gratitude.”
Those wishing to take advantage of the offer must claim their free tickets in person at a Red Funnel ticket office.
Serving personnel and veterans will need to present a MOD Form 90 ID card, with expired cards accepted for veterans, or a UK Armed Forces Veteran ID Card.
Veterans without either form of identification can instead present a Veterans Railcard or Defence Discount Card.
The complimentary travel offer is available to eligible foot passengers only and applies to journeys in either direction on the specified dates.
Further information can be found at www.redfunnel.co.uk/WeRemember.
