Free bus travel for military personnel visiting Shrouds of the Somme in Exeter

Stagecoach South West has announced today that it will be offering free bus travel to Armed Forces personnel to honour the 19240 Shrouds of the Somme commemoration.

On Saturday 2nd July, the same day as the 19240 Shrouds of the Somme commemoration opening and exactly one week after Armed Forces Day 2016, Stagecoach South West will be offering Armed Forces personnel free bus travel on the production of military I.D.

Armed Forces personnel can use their free bus travel for Saturday 2nd July only and, if they wish, travel by bus to the 19240 Shrouds of the Somme art project in Northernhay Gardens.

The exhibition represents the 19,240 soldiers who died during the first day of battle in 1916. Each soldier will be represented by a 12 inch figure, wrapped and bound in hand stitched shroud and arranged in rows on the ground. Rob Heard, the artist, has been working on the project for over two years and all profits will go to The Exeter Foundation who will distribute among local and military charities.

Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: “We are proud to announce that we will be offering Armed Forces personnel free bus travel on Saturday 2nd July. We thought this was very fitting as the Shrouds of the Somme exhibition only comes one week after Armed Forces Day. As a company, we want to honour those men who fought and laid down their lives in that battle and show our gratitude to those who have served and those who are still serving in the armed forces.”

Last year, Stagecoach signed a corporate covenant to support the country’s Armed Forces. The voluntary Ministry of Defence written covenant recognises the contribution made by service personnel, reservists, veterans and military families to the UK and the value they bring to businesses across the country.

The pledge – which was signed by Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths – commits the Group to upholding the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant which include treating all members of the Armed Forces Community with fairness and respect, and supporting personnel and their families at all times.