Neil Griffiths: Fighting for every veteran

As the Royal British Legion prepares to celebrate its 90th birthday, Neil Griffiths takes a look at its sometimes surprising history

EVERY single British Legion branch around the world, from Tomintoul to Tokyo, has its genesis in Edinburgh's St Cuthbert's Church, Lothian Road, when several warring groups united under the leadership of Douglas Haig to form a single organisation for ex-servicemen and women. The date was June 18, 1921. Things were becoming violent. There had been pitched battles between the various factions on Westminster Bridge and Parliament Square. Unity had become essential.

In August, two months later the same group under Earl Haig, inexplicably, founded another British Legion in London and the outrage this created north of the border led to the first re-naming itself the British Legion (Scotland). The Legion's birth was nearly as acrimonious as its gestation. The two organisations have never amalgamated but today work as close allies. Ninety years later the Royal British Legion Scotland has nearly 200 branches and 44,000 members while its London-based sister, the Royal British Legion (TRBL), has 380,000 members in 2800 branches across the globe.

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Unlike the TRBL, the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) is not a grant-making body - that was left to the Earl Haig Fund Poppy Appeal - but has always served both its community and furthered the ex-service cause. It is a grand claim but the RBLS has improved the lot of the individual, the community and, ultimately, the country. It is seen as a unique force for good whose longevity is no accident.

Though the Legion's birth was fiery, born from war and grievance, social clubs were soon established, though the main activity remained the giving of individual advice and campaigning on behalf of the ex-service community. In the years to 1937, 1.5 million claims cases were handled by the RBLS (though most were not Legionnaires). That is to say, nearly every family in Scotland received the Legion's help and it quickly established itself as the main voice for the ex-service population. Pensions advice and tribunal representation continue today and remain free to all ex-service people and their families whether Legionnaires or not.

In recent years the Legion has campaigned successfully on a wide range of issues, including the removal of income tax on war widows' pensions, pardons for those executed in the First World War and compensation for Japanese prisoners of war. That British servicemen and women have been involved in conflicts in every year since 1945 has meant the demands upon ex-service charities have remained very high. And if there is ever a group likely to support them - or send comfort parcels to the troops - it is the RBLS.

Though famous for public events, the RBLS's heart is in the local community where members gather to socialise, for barbecues, dances or coach trips. It is here that the Legion's work is subtlest but most powerful, uniting the community and extending comradeship. If the attributes seem old-fashioned, they are not; they are timeless.

The classic image of Legionnaires with their unmistakable blue and yellow standards is a regular sight at countless acts of remembrance. No national or local wreath-laying ceremony would be complete without Legion representation. This is not just in November in the Capital but at small war memorials around the country on Holocaust Day, Armed Forces Day or on military anniversaries.

It is not possible for a successful organisation to flourish by standing still and the Legion is no exception. Membership is mostly social, with regular entertainment, normally involving dancing and music accompanied by good food, drink and laughter. Members can enjoy national golf, shooting, fishing or domino competitions or join the newly created biker club, the Riders. It is thought that the Legion's pipe bands have done more than any other to develop piping among young Scots while the national beating retreat of the RBLS massed pipes and drums at Edinburgh Castle's Esplanade remains one of the country's great sights and sounds.

Though the qualities that established the Legion still remain (service to the community, charity, commemoration and the duty to remind the public as to the debt of honour to the fallen), the organisation has never been frightened of change.

The Legion reminds us that we are not alone; we have responsibilities and they can be met more easily if we do it together. And it can be fun that way too. The 90th anniversary calls for plenty of celebration. Happy Birthday Royal British Legion Scotland!

Neil Griffiths works for Royal British Legion Scotland

Marking the day

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AS part of their 90th Anniversary, the Royal British Legion Scotland will be taking part in Armed Forces day later on 25 June.

While full details of the event have yet to be announced, the highlights will include a Parade down the Royal Mile of up to 15,000 serving soldiers, veterans and cadets, as well as a Red Arrows display over the Firth of Forth and a series of tours of HMS Portland. A concert is also to be held at the Usher Hall, featuring military bands.