The Cavell Van - to be featured on a forthcoming TV programme

Built at Ashford Works in 1919 by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway, Van No. 132 was initially a unique prototype passenger luggage wagon. However, railway workers quickly dubbed it the "Cavell Van" (or "Special Van"). This moniker was earned after it was used to repatriate the bodies of Nurse Edith Cavell and Captain Charles Fryatt, two British civilians executed during the First World War.

In November 1920, the van became the emotional centrepiece of national mourning when it carried the remains of the Unknown Warrior. It stood in a solemn, overnight vigil with the fallen soldier on 10–11 November before his final ceremonial burial at Westminster Abbey. 

Channel 4 is broadcasting a series of TV programmes, Dover 24/7 – Britain’s Busiest Port, with the first programme broadcast on Monday, 22nd June. The programme featuring the Cavell van will be broadcast as the final episode of Series 2 on Monday, 10th August.