On Tuesday 10 May 2016, 64 London taxis transported 98 war veterans plus volunteers and paramedics to the town of Ypres in Belgium.
The convoy of taxis left Dover late morning and arrived in Ypres mid-afternoon, with the Belgian police kindly stopping the traffic in honour of our veterans on the road into Ypres: https://instagram.com/p/BFP2pRaPFql/
There were Belgian news crews on site and Taxi Charity Committee member, Graham Pike, was interviewed by WTV News: http://www.focus-wtv.be/video/nieuws-wtv-10-mei#
The veterans, as usual, got a lot of attention, as did our taxi cabs!
In the evening, veterans and volunteers enjoyed an evening meal at Cloth Hall.
On Wednesday 11 May, following a late breakfast, the veterans were escorted to the Passchendaele Museum and Tyne Cot War Cemetery.
On Wednesday evening, the veterans and volunteer drivers were invited to attend the nightly 8pm service at The Menin Gate. Veterans and members of the Taxi Charity committee laid wreaths in honour of the fallen. Also in attendance was the British Ambassador to Belgium, Alison Rose, who had these kind words to say about the Taxi Charity:
"I am so grateful to the Taxi Charity for organising this year's visit to Ypres for veterans and war disabled.
"64 London black cabs have brought 98 veterans to Flanders Fields in Belgium to remember all those who died here in World War 1 and World War 2.
"It was my privilege to join the veterans, the cab drivers and the organisers yesterday evening at the daily commemoration under the Menin Gate, organised so faithfully by the people of Ieper. And today Ieper Barracks will host a military parade in honour of their visitors.
"Thank you, Taxi Charity for all you do to support those who have served and for helping us to remember those who did not come back."
On Thursday 12 May, the last day of the trip, the veterans were invited to the Belgian Military Barracks near Ypres for a parade and demonstration followed by lunch.
Luitenant-kolonel stafbrevethouder Carlos Vermeulen said:
"It was a real pleasure for us to host your magnificent organisation which is something unique in the world!
"I passed your message to all of my soldiers who were yesterday also very honoured and thrilled to receive our distinguished guests.
"I wish you and the London Taxi Benevolent Association all the best for the future."
And here's a panoramic photo taken of all the taxis parked up at the barracks. Zoom in!
These are just a few of the photos taken over the three days. The full set is available on our Flickr channel: https://www.flickr.com/photos/taxicharity/albums/72157668000693291
All photography by Jo Ward and Dick Goodwin.