Avanti West Coast has named Pendolino 390103 after Asquith Xavier, a Black guard who fought the railway's ‘colour bar' in the 1960s.
The locomotive's nameplate was officially unveiled on September 28 at London's Euston station. There is already a plaque in Chatham station paying tribute to Asquith, who lived locally, which was unveiled in 2020.
In 1966, after a lengthy battle and with the support of the National Union of Railwaymen (NUR), Asquith became the first Black guard to work from Euston Station, after successfully fighting a decision not to employ him because of his colour.
Back then, it was lawful to refuse to employ an individual on the grounds of their race, but Asquith's case helped to bring about an amendment to the Race Relations Act in 1968, which made it unlawful.
Asquith arrived in the UK from the Caribbean island of Dominica in 1956, and worked at Marylebone station before applying for the job at Euston. Designers at Avanti West Coast consulted with Asquith's family on the train nameplate which captures him at work as a train guard.
Taking part in the unveiling were members of Asquith's family and representatives from the train operator, Network Rail and the RMT union (successor to the NUR).
Asquith's daughter, Maria Magdalena-Xavier, said: “To think about what our father experienced, whilst applying for a promotion as a train guard at Euston Station with the racial discrimination he faced, and now to this day – a train being named after him in his honour and recognising his important campaign, is truly amazing.
“I sincerely hope that the passengers on their train journey will take the time to look up and learn about our father's journey to justice. I also hope that in addition to this, that staff at stations and on board will find the story of Asquith Xavier an inspirational one.”
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “Asquith Xavier's fight against discrimination paved the way for equality across the railways, leading to crucial change across the country and shaping the Race Relations Act.
“His story and determination for fair employment is one that everyone should know, and I'm delighted to see his name adorn this train for passengers up and down the country to see and be inspired by.”
Andy Mellors, Managing Director for Avanti West Coast, said: “To mark Asquith Xavier's achievements like this is a wonderful honour for someone who left an incredible legacy which goes beyond the rail industry. This will be seen around our network and will celebrate his campaign which still has an impact today.”
Simon Bennett, Head of Stations and Passenger Experience for West Coast South at Network Rail, said: “We were delighted to host this train naming event in honour of Asquith Xavier at London Euston station. Along with the plaque installed in the station in 2020, it will be another reminder of Asquith's legacy as we continue with our commitment to being an industry where each individual is valued, respected and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch described the train naming as an “important initiative to remember National Union of Railwaymen member and guard Asquith Xavier.
“I am proud that members of my union's predecessor the National Union of Railwaymen backed Asquith in his fight and the union raised the issue with British Rail which agreed to end institutional racial discrimination at London stations.
“We have come a long way since then and my union stands for equality across society which still needs to be championed by everyone.”
Main image: Asquith's youngest daughter Maria Xavier at Euston alongside the train named after her father
Thank you Avanti West Coast, London Euston, for honouring our father’s legacy.
Maria Magdalena Xavier