Death of former President
Former branch President Brigadier Michael Hunter died on 11 November 1981. He was 68. After retiring as Military Attaché in 1968, he served from 1969 to 1976 as Colonel of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment.
Falklands War
Argentinian troops attacked and occupied the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic on 2 April 1982, invading South Georgia the next day. The UK assembled a taskforce of 127 ships and 42 jets to free the islands. The conflict lasted 74 days and the Argentines surrendered on 14 June. The war cost 255 British lives, as well as three islanders, while 649 Argentinians were killed, nearly half in the sinking of the cruiser General Belgrano on 2 May.
Farewell Harry
The branch lost one of its stalwarts, Harry Moffatt, who passed away on 11 May 1983. He was 64. After a funeral service at Holy Trinity in Ixelles, Harry was laid to rest at Etterbeek Cemetery in Wezembeek-Oppem. Normandy veteran Harry took part in the Liberation of Brussels in 1944 and settled in Belgium after his marriage to Marika (see above). After running a laundry business with his wife in Etterbeek for many years, in May 1968 Harry joined the Westminster Foreign Bank, reporting to fellow branch member Hugh Oxley.
Sir Allan Adair received a special welcome
(Nationaal Archief)
40th anniversary of Liberation
Vice-President Bert Harris and a strong representation from the branch attended a ceremony on 4 September 1984 at the Anglo-Belgian Memorial in Place Poelaert to mark the 40th anniversary of the Liberation. The Welsh Guards and Grenadier Guards paraded in the Grand Place, where they were inspected by 24-year-old Prince (now King) Philippe. The Pipes and Drums of the Scots Guards performed regimental music. A televised military music pageant took place in the evening. There was a special welcome for 86-year-old Major General Sir Allan Adair, former commander of the Guards Armoured Division which liberated the city. He entered the Grand Place to cheering, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Sir John Miller and veterans of the Welsh Guards. NATO Secretary General Lord Carrington, Ambassador Sir Edward Jackson and Brussels Mayor Hervé Brouhon were among the VIPs present.
In the phone book
The branch meeting on 10 September 1984 was informed that a telephone was now installed in the branch club-house at 153 Avenue Eugène Plasky, Schaerbeek. The phone number was 736 8529. Vice-President Gordon Staple kindly offered to meet the installation cost. A letter from National Chair General Sir Patrick Howard-Dobson thanked the branch for its hospitality during his recent visit to Brussels.
New President
Colonel Colin Eaton OBE, the new Defence Attaché, was unanimously elected as President on 20 September 1985, succeeding Colonel Ken Marchant. Sadly, his tenure was very brief. Chair Douglas Cooper informed the committee on 2 December 1985 that he had received news of the sudden and unexpected death of Colonel Eaton. The members stood in silent tribute.
Price of success
The annual Poppy Dance at the Brussels Europa Hotel on 23 November 1985 was deemed a great success, but the Chair regretted that publicity about it in Le Soir had resulted in a demand for 5,000 Belgian francs (€125) from the Société des Auteurs Belges/Belgische Auteurs Maatschappij (SABAM). He suggested that newspaper publicity should be avoided in future.
Keep music live
The branch organised a Spring Dance at the Brussels Europa Hotel on 26 April 1986. The newsletter confirmed that live music would be provided by Mathieu Vanhess, noting that the latter was not a disc jockey. Tickets cost 650 Belgian francs including a buffet but excluding drinks.
Loyal greetings
Vice-President Bert Harris proposed that the branch send loyal greetings to HM Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her 60th official birthday on 14 June 1986. (The late Queen's actual birthday was on 21 April, but it is customary for British sovereigns whose birthday falls in colder months to have an official birthday in the summer in the hope of good weather for their birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour).
Len MBE
Long-serving member Len Oddie was made an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to the British community in Brussels in the Queen's Birthday Honours on 14 June 1986.
Death of A.T. Lorge
Former branch secretary and treasurer Angèle ‘Teddy’ Lorge passed away in Uccle on 14 October 1986, a week before her 79th birthday.
‘Home’ improvements
Committee member Serge Dauchat informed members on 3 November 1986 that he had secured a heater for the club-house from a former Army comrade for 6,000 Belgian francs (€150), plus fitting costs. The club had recently acquired 15 chairs from the same source for 400 Belgian francs (€10) each, as well as a new counter for the bar – a gift from Mr Dauchat. The committee agreed to buy an engraved plaque to recognise his generosity. Roger Galère also provided a second-hand fan for the window in the bar and a small heater for the ladies’ lavatory (both free of charge).
They served
Addressing the committee on 14 September 1987, Chair Douglas Cooper spoke of the sad loss of three members who had contributed much to the branch. George Lapthorn, a member for nearly 40 years, was Honorary Treasurer from 1976-86. “His service to the Legion and Brussels branch was an example to everyone,” said the Chair. Simone Nossent (died 16 August 1987), wife of Honorary Registrar Marcel Nossent, had provided “enthusiastic support in all our activities”. John Latz, an ex-paratrooper, veteran of the Battle of Arnhem and member for the past four years, had only recently retired. Their funerals were well attended by members and friends from the branch.
Poppy Appeal record
The Poppy Appeal in November 1987 set a new record, with 187,000 Belgian francs collected – some 50,000 BEF more than the previous year.
Strictly reserved
The branch hosted a “special party evening” at the club-house on 26 February 1988 to celebrate the leap year. A note from Chair Douglas Cooper underlined that the bash was “strictly reserved for General Committee members and their wives”.
Escapers return to Gibraltar
Member Lieutenant-Colonel Aviateur Léon Rubin was among 100 Belgian air force veterans who visited Gibraltar from 24-28 May 1988 to celebrate their daring escapes from occupied Europe, via the Rock, nearly half a century before. The veterans were waved off from Melsbroek by British Air Attaché Wing Commander John Landeryou and greeted on arrival by Air Commodore Brian ‘Dink’ Lemon, Air Officer Commanding Gibraltar. The RAF Escaping Society (RAFES) unveiled a plaque at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with the words: “The gates of Gibraltar were the gateway to freedom.”
Among those present were Governor of Gibraltar Air Chief Marshal Sir Peter Terry with Micheline (‘Michou’) Dumon and her sister Andrée (Nadine) Dumon of the Comète Line resistance network, who helped allied soldiers and airmen escape from Belgium during the Second World War.
The veterans then flew to RAF Brize Norton and on to London for a reception hosted by Roger Freeman, Under Secretary of State for the Armed Forces. RAFES President Air Chief Marshal Sir Lewis Hodges, a former SOE pilot who flew future French Presidents Vincent Auriol and François Mitterrand to Britain during the war, Squadron Leader Edward Hearn DFC, branch member and Chair of RAFES in Belgium, as well as Sir Edward Jackson, former Ambassador to Belgium, attended the event. The London leg of the reunion also included a reception at the Belgian Embassy hosted by Ambassador Jean-Paul Van Bellinghen and ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, St Clement Danes Church and at the Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede, which commemorates over 20,000 men and women, including 44 Belgians, who were lost during operations in the Second World War and have no known graves.
Léon Rubin described the 1988 reunion in Colonel Guy Weber’s book Le rendez-vous de Gibraltar. Guy Weber escaped to Britain himself, served in the Brigade Piron, in Katanga-Congo, as an adviser to General Lyman Lemnitzer, Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, and as aide-de-camp to Léopold III and Princess Lilian.
Léon Rubin and wife Rayky on their wedding day
The cover of Guy Weber's book
RAFES emblem
President back
Former branch President and Defence Attaché Colonel John F. Kenyon joined members to commemorate Armistice Day on 11 November 1988.
Colonel John F. Kenyon
Poppy Dance 1988
Bobby Canarius and his Orchestra provided the music for the annual Poppy Dance at the Brussels Europa Hotel on 19 November 1988, with a magnificent floor show from the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of the Lowlanders Band. Tickets were 12,000 Belgian francs – higher than previously because the committee decided to have a hot meal served to tables instead of the usual buffet.
Death of Albert Guerisse
Major-General Count Albert Guerisse, alias Pat O’Leary, died in Waterloo on 26 March 1989, aged 77. He ran the O’Leary Escape Line, helping more than 600 Allied servicemen reach Britain during the Second World War. His exploits were recognised with the award of the George Cross – the citation recalled his “exceptional work organising the escape of Allied officers and men from France; for his refusal under torture to betray his comrades when he was captured by the Gestapo; and for his great moral and physical encouragement of his fellow prisoners in various concentration camps”. He retired as Director-General of the Medical Service of the Belgian Forces. His wife, Sylvia Cooper-Smith, died in 1985 and he was survived by their son, also named Patrick, who followed him into the medical profession and was President of the Fraternelle des Agents Parachutistes in Ixelles.
Falklands veteran
Lieutenant Commander Allen Hardcastle was a visitor to the club-house on 13 October 1989. During the Falklands War he was a Lieutenant Engineer on HMS Glamorgan, which was hit by an Exocet missile on 12 June 1982, leaving 14 dead and many wounded.
Colonel’s at home
President Colonel Kerry Woodrow and his wife Sue held a social evening for supporters of the branch club at their home in Avenue Franklin Roosevelt on 20 October 1989. In a message to members, Chair Douglas Cooper announced that subscriptions for 1989-90 would rise by 50 Belgian francs to 400 BEF.
Eric BEM
Standard Bearer Eric Johnson was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) in HM Queen Elizabeth II’s 1990 New Year Honours List in recognition of his services to British interests in Belgium. He was presented with the medal on 9 March by Ambassador Robin O’Neill during an investiture in Brussels.
Eric Johnson BEM
Death of Vice-President
Former branch Vice-President and Normandy veteran Gordon D. Staple MBE TD passed away on 25 May 1990. He was 85.
Gordon D. Staple's medals (Margaret Staple)
Poppy Dance 1990
The annual poppy dance was held at the Brussels Europa Hotel on 17 November 1990. President Kerry Woodrow congratulated Entertainments Officer Douglas Harrison and Master of Ceremonies W. Warner for their hard work in producing an enjoyable evening. According to the branch minutes, some members thought that the evening was becoming too expensive in its present format. The event raised 5,486 BEF (€136).
Gulf War
The Gulf War, also known as “Operation Desert Storm”, was launched on 17 January 1991 in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait. Britain deployed more than 53,000 personnel in a US-led coalition, which liberated liberated Kuwait. The conflict, which ended with a ceasefire on 28 February, claimed 47 British lives.
Committee 1991
A new committee was elected at the AGM held at the club premises on 7 January 1991. President: Col K. Woodrow. Vice-President: A.F.J. Harris OBE, Chair: Col E. W. Nicoll CBE LVO; Vice-Chair: H.T. More; Treasurer: P.T. Allen; Benevolent Care officer: Mrs Y. Sayer; Membership Officer: Mrs D. Cooper; Entertainments Officer: D.S. Harrison; Standard Bearer: E. Johnson BEM; Liaison Officer: W. Woodward. The position of Secretary was later accepted by Len Oddie.
Eric the decorator
The committee minutes for the meeting on 2 July 1991 note that Chair Douglas Cooper presented Standard Bearer Eric Johnson with an RBL shield in appreciation of his hard work in redecorating the basement of the club-house. Eric in turn presented the Chair with a framed photograph of the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales, which was immediately hung in the new meeting room.
70th anniversary
Members including Standard Bearer Eric Johnson took part in a celebration to mark the RBL’s 70th anniversary at the British Communication Zone (BR Comm Z) in the village of Emblem, near Lier. on 22 July 1991. The Rev. P.T. Clemett, British Communication Zone Chaplain, and the Rev. Canon Chad Coussmaker, Antwerp branch Chaplain, led an outdoor drumhead service. Ambassador Robert O’Neill and Brigadier Nigel Mogg (later President of the Watlington branch of the RBL) took the salute. The Band of the 5th Battalion The Light Infantry gave a concert.
Admiral Richard Scott Thomas
VIP evening with Admiral
The committee hosted a VIP evening on 27 September 1991. Guests included Ambassador Robert O’Neill and Admiral Richard Scott Thomas KCB KCO OBE, the UK Military Representative to NATO. An uncle of actresses Kristin Scott Thomas and Serena Scott Thomas, he later served as Black Rod in Britain’s House of Lords. Léon Weustenraad, Mayor of Schaerbeek, Colonel Kerry Woodrow, and the Chairs of Ostend and Antwerp branches, also attended.
Thank you, Kerry
Ahead of his return to the UK, President Colonel Kerry Woodrow stepped down in October 1991. On behalf of the branch, Chair Colonel Earle Nicoll presented a vase to Kerry and his wife Sue. Defence Attaché Colonel Mike Craster of the 1st Grenadiers succeeded Kerry.
New President Colonel Mike Craster
Union Flag
Informed by Secretary Len Oddie about the lack of a Union Flag for funerals, the committee meeting on 5 November 1991 agreed to buy one at a cost of £51. Members wishing to use the flag, to be kept locked at the club-house, would be asked to sign a chit.
Gold Badge for Douglas
Douglas Harrison was presented with the RBL Gold Badge on 30 March 1992 in recognition of his 18 years of service to the branch. Vice-President Bert Harris thanked him for carrying out his work “with the utmost courtesy and loyalty to one and all”. At the same meeting, Mr Harrison said it was proving difficult to secure a band for the Annual Poppy Dance and suggested the possibility of a disco. Alf Woodward, the new club manager, said the price of beer had increased.
President Bert
Bert Harris was unanimously elected as branch President at the AGM on 25 January 1993 after Colonel Mike Craster had to relinquish the post due to increased workload. The remaining committee members were re-elected.
HQ ‘too expensive’
An extraordinary general meeting was called on 5 April 1993 to discuss the future of the club-house in Schaerbeek. It emerged that the annual rent and running costs had been subsidised for nearly a decade, with the committee’s agreement, to the tune of 400,000 Belgian francs (€10,000). Chair Colonel Earle Nicoll felt that this breached Legion rules. It was agreed that the committee look for alternative, less expensive premises.
Embassy to the rescue
Former President Mike Craster offered the branch use of the conference room at the British Embassy at 85 rue d’Arlon for its meeting on 13 September 1993, following the end of its lease on the club-house in July. Colonel Craster also agreed to temporarily store RBL property in the Embassy’s basement. The branch rented a new venue for social activities at 13 rue du Cultes.
Bert’s last journey
The branch was greatly saddened to learn of the death of President Albert "Bert" Harris OBE on 9 January 1994. A staunch member of the committee for more than 40 years, he also served as Chair and Vice-President. He passed away in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert.
Committee 1994
A new committee was elected at the AGM on 31 January 1994, with Colonel Earle "Nick" Nicoll elected President, Harry More as Chair, Reg Whitburn as Vice-Chair and Claire Whitfield as a new member. Len Oddie (Secretary), Peter Allen (Treasurer) and other committee members were re-elected.
New appointments
The AGM on 8 February 1994 saw Len Oddie elected Vice-Chair, succeeding Reg Whitburn. John Chotteau was elected Treasurer, succeeding Peter Allen, who stepped down after 10 years in the role. Freddie Townsend was elected branch Secretary, succeeding Len.
BAOR disbanded
The British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) was disbanded on 31 March 1994 and replaced by British Forces Germany. At its peak, 80,000 British troops were part of BAOR in the mid-1950s. In 1967, the force was reduced in strength to 53,000 soldiers and by 1994, with the end of the Cold War, troop numbers halved. Following the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, British units in Germany began to be phased out, with the last military base handed back to the German Bundeswehr in February 2020.
Paul Sinnott
The funeral of long-standing member Paul Sinnott took place at St Albert’s Church (rue Victor Hugo) on 6 April 1994.
Appeal success
In a letter to HQ on 18 April 1994, Treasurer Peter Allen reported on the success of the 1993 Poppy Appeal in Brussels. The collection raised 300,538 Belgian francs (then equivalent to nearly 7,500 euros), well above the previous year’s total. Mr Allen noted that the entire sum was retained for beneficiaries in Belgium and thanked Vice-Chair Reg Whitburn for organising the local appeal.
Prince Andrew giving a reading at the thanksgiving service
50th anniversary of liberation
The branch took a leading role in the commemorations from 2-4 September 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Brussels. Advised by the civic authorities that ladies were not permitted to sit in the tribune at the Royal Palace and Grand Place, the branch successfully argued for this decision to be reversed after pointing out that four female members served in uniform in the Second World War.
Ambassador Sir John Gray sent a letter congratulating the branch and President Earle Nicoll said he was “extremely pleased” by the public’s warm reaction to the veterans on parade. More than 900 British military personnel, including many from the UK, took part in the commemorations. Prince Andrew, the then Duke of York, represented HM Queen Elizabeth II, reading a lesson at a thanksgiving service at the Protestant Church of Brussels.
Branch members including Standard Bearer Eric Johnson took part in a Liberation parade organised by the commune of Schaerbeek on 3 September.
The heraldic lion's head
Modernising the RBL's image
New logo
The Royal British Legion unveiled a new logo on 4 January 1995 to replace the heraldic lion’s head, with the aim of modernising its image. The Daily Mirror reported that RBL “leaders are worried too many people think its work is nearing an end as veterans of the two world wars pass away. But demands from 18 million veterans of other conflicts are expected to rocket over the next 15 years”.
Notice in Le Soir
Death of Peter Townsend
The branch was saddened to learn of the death of former Vice-President Group Captain Peter Townsend on 19 June 1995. His funeral took place four days later in St Leger-en-Yvelines, the village near Paris where he lived for many years. Townsend’s coffin was draped in the Union Jack and RAF flag. The British Ambassador to France, Sir Christopher Mallaby, represented HM Queen Elizabeth II, and Battle of Britain pilot Air Commodore Sir Archie Winskill represented HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. HRH Princess Margaret was thought to have sent a private message to the Group Captain’s widow, Marie-Luce. Standard bearers from the RBL, the Royal Air Force Association, and French veterans’ associations also attended. Obituaries were published in the UK, Belgium and worldwide.
V-J Day 50 anniversary
Fifty members and partners enjoyed a convivial lunch at the Colmar Royal Restaurant in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert on 19 August 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of Victory over Japan (V-J) Day.
Irish visitor
Chair Harry More, Vice-Chair Len Oddie and committee member Maureen Van Tiggelen welcomed Charles Brady, President of Armagh branch, to Brussels on 1 September 1995. Mr Brady was in Belgium to take part in Irish Day celebrations.
Tank Ceremony
A 10-strong delegation from the branch, headed by Chair Harry More, attended the Tank Ceremony in Antwerp on 3 September 1995, in the presence of Ambassador Sir John Gray and Lady Anthoula Gray.
Dear Old London Town
Member Serge Dauchat penned an article entitled “Dear Old London Town” in the July-September 1995 branch newsletter following a summer visit to the capital with his daughter. Travelling by boat from Ostend, they booked into a two-star hotel in Piccadilly Circus – “just the place to be”, in Serge’s words. Highlights included a guided tour at the Tower of London followed by a drink in the Yeoman’s Mess, the Changing of the Guard and a visit to Madame Tussauds, as well as shopping in Oxford Street.
Bust of Major Watson in Ranville, Normandy
(author)
Major Watson honoured
Major Jack Watson MC, who led the 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Battalion during the Battle of Bure, was guest of honour at the branch dinner held at Maison des Ailes on 18 September 1995. He presented the branch with plaques from the battalion and 6th Airborne Division. A model of the battalion’s regimental aid post in Bure was on display at the dinner. It was formally presented to the Parachute Regiment Museum in Aldershot by Secretary Freddie Townsend later the same month. The annual Pegasus Remembrance Walk between Tellin and Bure commemorates the British victory and raises funds for the branch.
Poppy Dance
The annual Poppy Dance and dinner took place at Hotel Europa in Brussels on 4 November 1995. The dinner was followed by dancing, accompanied by a four-piece band. Tickets for the event, organised by Doug Harrison, cost only 900 Belgian francs thanks to a subsidy from branch funds.
Overseas branches
Addressing the branch AGM on 11 December 1995, National Council Member for Overseas Branches Michael Tidnam highlighted that the RBL now had 70 overseas branches with 11,400 members.
Bill Millin in 1944 (Captain J.L. Evans, War Office)
D-Day piper’s visit
Bill Millin, the Scotsman famous for playing the bagpipes on Sword Beach and Pegasus Bridge while under fire on D-Day, was guest of honour at the branch in January 1996.
Marika RIP
Marika Uytfries, a long-time supporter of the branch and widow of late committee member Harry Moffatt, passed away on 16 March 1996.
Sir John Gray
The branch hosted a farewell dinner at NATO headquarters on 25 June 1996 for Ambassador Sir John Gray to mark his retirement.
No wives, please
Branch veterans paraded at “British Week” in Bastogne on 7 October 1996. Following a reception at the Hôtel de Ville, the veterans were invited to lunch at the Officers’ Mess. Branch minutes note that “wives would have to eat separately in a local restaurant, but it was thought that this would be acceptable”.
Welcome back, Sir
The branch hosted a dinner at NATO headquarters on 14 April 1997 in honour of new Ambassador David Colvin CMG, who previously served as spokesman for the UK Permanent Representation to the European Community in 1977-82.
Veterans for Europe?
Graham Downing, RBL National Chair, met committee members at the British Embassy on 7 July 1997 to outline plans for a “Veterans in Europe” association which the Legion hoped might be eligible for EU funding. Michael Tidnam, National Council Member for Overseas Branches, also sought feedback on the possible formation of a Benelux District. Both proposals received a lukewarm reception. After the meeting, members retired to the Red Herring Club, where Downing awarded life membership for outstanding service to Standard Bearer Eric Johnson and committee member Douglas Harrison.
Diana, Princess of Wales
(Executive Office of the President of the United States)
Death of Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales, died from injuries sustained in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997. Her friend Dodi Fayed and Henri Paul, the driver, were pronounced dead at the scene. Diana’s funeral took place in Westminster Abbey on 6 September. Members took part in memorial services at the Cathedral in Brussels and St Boniface Anglican Church in Antwerp on 13 September.
Veteran re-housed
The committee was pleased to learn that a British ex-serviceman previously living in social housing in Louvain-la-Neuve had, thanks to support from the branch, moved into an RBL home in Ripon, Yorkshire. The news was met with spontaneous applause at the branch meeting on 6 October 1997. “It’s the best thing I’ve heard since joining,” said President Earle Nicoll.
Harry steps down
Harry More surprised the committee on 4 November 1997 by announcing he would be stepping down as Chair after four years at the helm. He also served for four years as Vice-Chair and led the Service Committee. President Colonel Nicoll spoke for all when he said Harry had been “a great chairman, one of the best we’ve had”.
Freddie elected Chair
Freddie Townsend OBE, who served with 30 Assault Unit in Normandy in 1944, was unanimously elected Chair at the AGM on 1 December 1997. Vice-Chair Len Oddie MBE, Treasurer John Chotteau, and committee members Doug Harrison, Harry Shaw MBE, Reg Whitburn, Alf Woodward, Dédée Cooper, Yvonne Sayer, Maureen Van Tiggelen and Claire Whitfield were elected en-bloc, together with a new nominee, Ray Paton. Harry More was presented with a framed certificate in recognition of his outstanding service and appointed Vice-President. Group Captain David Hencken, Honorary President of the RBL in Belgium and Defence Attaché since 1993, retired from the committee. Members were told that Colonel Tim Hall CBE, a former Military Representative at NATO, had been named as his successor.
75th anniversary
Members marked the 75th anniversary of the branch’s creation with a sold-out dinner dance on 13 December 1997 at NATO headquarters. Entertainment officer Doug Harrison said the tombola raised 19,000 Belgian francs (€475).
Evere ceremony
Addressing the branch meeting on 2 February 1998, Vice-President Harry More called for the renewal of the annual commemoration at the war cemetery in Evere, noting that this had not taken place for some years. The ceremony returned to Evere in July 1999.
Alf and Harry honoured
Committee member Alf Woodward was presented with a Gold Badge on 30 March 1998 in recognition of his service over many years. Harry Shaw MBE also received a branch certificate at the presentation, held in the Red Herring Club at the British Embassy.
World veterans
The committee was informed on 25 May 1998 that national HQ had decided not to pursue the idea of forming a “Veterans in Europe” association. It would instead place the full weight of its support behind the World Veterans Federation and its committee on European affairs.
RAF memorial service
Standard Bearer Eric Johnson represented the branch at a memorial service at the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on 13 September 1998 to commemorate the Battle of Britain and 80th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force. The service was followed by a reception at the British Embassy in Rue d’Arlon.
Colvin tribute
The branch was well represented at the annual Remembrance Day service, led by Canon Nigel Walker at the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on 8 November 1998. Air Commodore Phil Roser MBE and Ambassador David Colvin, branch patron, gave readings, while Chair Freddie Townsend read The Exhortation. The service was followed by a ceremony at the Anglo-Belgian War memorial in Place Poelaert.
Royals at Armistice ceremony
Eric Johnson was among eight Standard Bearers chosen to parade at the Menin Gate on 11 November 1998 on the 80th anniversary of the First World War Armistice. HM Queen Elizabeth II, Albert II and Queen Paola were at the ceremony.
Alf Woodward
Committee member Alf Woodward passed away in Overijse on 19 November 1998. He was 76. A Second World War veteran, Alf was former manager of the branch club-house in Schaerbeek. He was survived by his wife, Elisa Burm.
Black Watch returns
Forty veterans from the Black Watch, part of the 51st (Highland) Division, took part in the annual remembrance ceremony at Hotton on 9 May 1999. Based in La Roche-en-Ardenne, their three-day trip included a busy programme with visits to schools, parades and a battlefield tour where the veterans shared their memories of the Battle of the Bulge. The Reverend Tony Cumberlidge, Deputy Assistant Chaplain General of British Forces in Germany, conducted the service at Hotton war cemetery.
Tribute to Margaret
The branch lost one of its most fondly remembered members with the passing of Margaret d’Hondt in West Malling, Kent, on 30 August 1999. Arthur Empringham paid tribute to Margaret’s “unstinting service” to the Brussels community, recalling how she and her husband Tony would provide coffee and “stronger drinks” in the church hall at Holy Trinity after the service on Sundays. “We will always cherish the smile, even in adversity, and her London accent which she kept over the years, always reminding we old patriots of ‘Blighty’,” he said.
Col Nicoll, ex-commanding officer of 1 Black Watch
Colonel Nicoll
The branch was saddened to learn of the unexpected death of former President and Chair Colonel Earle William Nicoll on 1 October 1999. He was 74. Colonel "Nick" Nicoll, who also served as Chair of RBL Belgium, was a former commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, the Black Watch, and Defence Attaché in Brussels. His funeral, attended by many friends and branch members, took place at Sint Antonius Church in Grez-Doiceau on 9 October. A memorial service was also held on 2 December at Perth in Scotland.
Vice-President Harry More said: “Nick was held in high esteem by all those who had the good fortune to know him. He was a good-hearted person, a man of integrity, well liked and respected. He carried out his duties as Chairman and later as President of the Brussels branch with the utmost devotion. We send our most sincere condolences to Valerie and her family.”
Paying tribute at the AGM on 29 November, Chair Freddie Townsend said the Colonel was more than a President in name, rarely missing meetings and always ready to give advice if needed.
Tributes were also paid at the AGM to long-standing committee member Serge Dauchat, who had recently passed away.
Armistice tributes
To mark Armistice Day in 1999, branch member Arsène Davreux – “Raymond” to his comrades in the Armée Secrète and President of the 2ème Brigade “Yser” Section Luxembourg – laid wreaths and crosses on lonely graves and memorials in Belgium’s southernmost province.
Vice-President Harry More represented the branch at a ceremony on 6 November in Overijse. The event also marked the 55th anniversary of the founding of the town’s veterans’ association, the Koninklijke vereniging van oudstrijdersverbroederingen (KVOV).
President Harry
Harry More MBE was elected President at the AGM on 29 November 1999. One of his first duties was to present certificates of appreciation to Treasurer John Chotteau and committee member Claire Whitfield. Defence Attaché Colonel Tim Hall thanked the branch for its support at the ceremonies in La Roche-en-Ardenne and Mouscron. He highlighted the success of the Battle of Britain service in September, held for the first time at the Basilique de Koekelberg.
Committee 1999
The branch announced a new committee at the AGM. President: Harry More. Chair: Freddie Townsend, Vice-Chair: Reg Whitburn, Treasurer: John Chotteau, Secretary: Ray Paton. General members: Doug Harrison, Andrée Cooper, Claire Whitfield, Maureen Van Tiggelen, André Mayne, Fernand Delcourt.
Marie Rose
Marie Nelly Rose, a widow cared for by the branch’s service committee for many years, passed away on 13 December 1999. She was 96. Marie was eight when she started her working life as a maid. She later became a nurse and continued working until she was 75. Her husband, a branch member, was a POW in Germany during the Second World War and died in 1967. Marie also outlived their son, who passed away in 1992.
Party like it’s 1999
The branch prepared for the millennium in style with a Christmas party and cabaret at the NATO Staff Centre on 11 December 1999. Ambassador David Colvin and Defence Attaché Colonel Tim Hall were among the guests. The Brussels Light Opera Company provided the entertainment with a cabaret featuring a belly dancer. The branch distributed 13 Christmas hampers to beneficiaries in and around Brussels, as well as in Charleroi, Mons and Namur.
