Redesigned for 2019, the commemorative vehicle features two photographs of real war heroes who contributed to Britain’s victory in World War II 

Bus operator Stagecoach is to once again roll out its ‘poppy bus’ onto the streets of Merseyside ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Redesigned for 2019, the commemorative vehicle features two photographs of real war heroes who contributed to Britain’s victory in World War II, and highlights the male and female efforts at home and on the front throughout the World Wars.

Stagecoach Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire’s striking remembrance bus has been an annual feature since 2017, when the company announced its partnership with The Royal British Legion.

The images were both chosen from the Imperial War Museum’s archive photo collection. Created by graphic designer, Chris Sankey, the bus design and photographs used are intended to celebrate and honour the sacrifices and bravery shown by ordinary people during war time.

The first image depicts soldiers in the trenches at The Battle of Crete, 1941 – the scene of the largest German airborne operation of World War II. The battle was the first time the Allies had advance notice of a major German offensive due to intercepted Enigma transmissions. The Battle of Crete is also famous due to the remarkable bravery shown by the Cretan civilian resistance.

The second photograph being showcased on the Remembrance Bus features Irene Stacey from Bristol at her workbench in a UK factory. The image signifies the vital home effort led by British women who supported the front line by taking jobs in transport, engineering, mills and factories to keep the country moving throughout the war.

Rob Jones, managing director at Stagecoach MCSL said: “We are incredibly proud to be marking Remembrance Sunday and honouring the brave men and women who served at home and abroad to defend the freedoms of Britain and our allies.

“Our new bus design is a tribute of recognition and appreciation for the unparalleled sacrifices made by the men fighting on the front line and the women leading the support effort back in the UK.

“Many of our team across the region have joined us from careers in the forces and our partnership with The Royal British Legion is incredibly important to us. Their work in supporting and caring for our veterans and Serving personnel is unparalleled, and it is only right that we support them in this important endeavour.”

In 2015, Stagecoach Group signed the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in support of the Armed Forces Community.