Alresford, Hampshire: The historic ‘Canadian Pacific’, a 1940s steam train that played a crucial role in transporting soldiers and supplies to England’s south coast during World War Two, has officially returned to service. On Wednesday, the locomotive embarked on its inaugural journey, carrying volunteers who spent 14 years restoring it, as well as descendants of those who originally built it.
With smoke billowing from its chimney, the Canadian Pacific set off from the market town of Alresford in southeast England, traveling to nearby Alton. The event marked the completion of a meticulous restoration project that began in 2011, bringing the train back to life for future generations to experience.
Among the volunteers was 78-year-old retiree Stephen Wilson, who believes his late mother may have been among the many women involved in constructing the locomotive in 1941 while men were away at war.
“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, and seeing it… (is) just brilliant,” Wilson said with a beaming smile as he stood beside the green locomotive.
The Canadian Pacific was originally named after the Canadian Pacific shipping lines, which played a vital role during the war by transporting military and civilian supplies across the Atlantic to Britain. Many of these vessels faced destruction or damage due to Nazi attacks.
Blanche Chaisty, 68, another passenger on the historic journey, expressed her pride in knowing that both her mother and grandmother had contributed to building the train.
Also Read | Canada Condemns China for Executing Four Canadians on Drug Charges
“It’s a bit surreal,” Chaisty said. “I don’t quite know how to feel… it’s wonderful.”
Following World War Two, the locomotive was repurposed for regular passenger services, often carrying holidaymakers to and from the coast. After being retired from service in 2008, it has now been restored for tourist excursions on the heritage Watercress Line.
Also Read | Russia’s Weekly Inflation Drops to Lowest Level in 2025
Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Robert Fry, was among the dignitaries aboard the train for its inaugural trip.
“The railway for us is very symbolic of a united Canada at a time when we are talking a lot about our country and protecting our sovereignty,” Fry told Reuters, referencing recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about annexing Canada.
