South Western Railway, alongside Network Rail, has marked 210 years since the Battle of Waterloo.

They partnered with Waterloo Uncovered, a veteran wellbeing and archaeological charity, and the Household Cavalry Museum to celebrate Waterloo Day at London Waterloo.

The battle led by the Duke of Wellington was fought in 1815 and saw Napoleon Bonaparte defeated by British and allied forces.

The battle has given its name to Waterloo Bridge, Waterloo Bridge Station and London Waterloo.

Trooper Davis, a trumpeter for the Life Guards regiment in the Household Cavalry, began the celebrations with a bugle call. He was joined by Trooper Barlow and Chelsea Pensioners dressed in scarlet coats.

Customers travelling through the station were transported back in time through reenactors, mock excavations, a dress-up station and could hear the story of the battle.

Waterloo Uncovered presented an interactive archaeological experience where customers could uncover skeleton replicas, as a throwback to the original excavations of the battlefield.

The moving story of John Edwards, a 16-year-old Life Guard who sounded the charge at Waterloo, was told by the Household Cavalry Museum.

A new Waterloo Walk Guide was also created by South Western Railway, where people can go on a self-guided walk from London Waterloo to Hyde Park Corner, which features landmarks and museums along the way.

“SWR has a longstanding and close relationship with the Armed Forces. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, and veterans make a huge contribution to our railway, including many SWR colleagues in our Armed Forces Network.  

“As Britain’s busiest station, it’s fitting that we begin our Railway 200 celebrations at London Waterloo station by marking the anniversary of its historic namesake, the Battle of Waterloo.

“As we work towards achieving the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, this partnership with Waterloo Uncovered and the Household Cavalry Museum is another example of our ongoing collaboration with military organisations.”

Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director at South Western Railway