New Steam Memorial Engine ‘The Unknown Warrior’ to be exhibited at The Great Dorset Steam Fair

The LMS-Patriot Project, the charitable group who are building a new steam memorial engine ‘The Unknown Warrior’ will be exhibiting the partially complete locomotive at The Great Dorset Steam Fair from 27th – 31st August.

This year marks 100 years since the outbreak of The Great War in 1914. To commemorate this anniversary, The Great Dorset Steam Fair will have a number of special exhibitions, including steam engines, trucks, motorcycles, cars and military vehicles that were used in the war effort in Britain and France.  Central to the centenary anniversary exhibition, will be the new steam locomotive ‘The Unknown Warrior’ which is currently under construction. 

David Bradshaw, Chairman of The LMS-Patriot Project said, “We are delighted to be invited to exhibit ‘The Unknown Warrior’ at The Great Dorset Steam Fair. Being able to show the latest progress of the new steam locomotive to visitors of The Great Dorset Steam Fair during the 100th anniversary commemorations this year is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by so many individuals during this terrible conflict. If we can continue our current rate of progress we will have ‘The Unknown Warrior’ in steam for 2018 to commemorate centenary of the end of The Great War”.

‘The Unknown Warrior’ is the first all new standard gauge British built steam locomotive to be entirely built in Britain since 1960, and will commemorate the fallen from all conflicts since 1914. The new Royal British legion Endorsed National Memorial engine is on target to be completed for 2018 to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, which brought about the end of hostilities, if sufficient funds can be raised.

Well over half of the £1.5 million needed to complete ‘The Unknown Warrior’ has been raised so far, mostly by public donations. The LMS-Patriot Project will be showing the new locomotive to the visitors at The Great Dorset Steam Fair, which attracts over 350,000 visitors, with the aim of seeking further support. 

‘The Unknown Warrior’ is being transported to The Great Dorset Steam fair from its Llangollen construction base on a low loader by specialist haulage contractor Allelys Heavy Haulage.

Further information about The LMS-Patriot Project is available from: lms-patriot.org.uk

Further information about The Great Dorset Steam Fair is available from: gdsf.co.uk