It is with great sadness that the Branch has been informed of the passing of our ex-Branch Chaplain Bruce Porter. Bruce joined Newton Abbot Branch in early 2005, having transferred from a London Branch, and became Branch Chaplain that year until he retired in 2024. 

Bruce had previously served as Chaplain, at different times, to three hospitals and led Baptist churches in London. He had no experience of the Armed Services or RBL. His first task was to the lead the branch commemoration service of Decoration Day. A short service of Remembrance held at Wolborough Cemetery.  He soon made a point of meeting all the Branch Officers and familiarising himself with the workings of the RBL and the Branch. He officiated at all the Remembrance Day, Armistice Day and Decoration Day services for the following 20 years even though he suffered ill health during the latter years he insisted. 

Bruce was a dedicated Chaplain who freely gave of his time to serve Newton Abbot Branch. He made himself available to members when needed. He had tremendous respect for the Branch Officers and all those volunteers who worked hard to make the branch a success.

After his retirement Bruce wrote a short booklet of his life in the Legion. The final sentence reads ‘It has been a joy for me to serve the Newton Abbot Branch of the Royal British Legion’. Rev Bruce Porter you will be sadly missed by so many people. You were the epitome of a Legionnaire who truly believed in our motto ‘Service not Self’.

May you Rest in Peace; your duty done.