The British Legion Darlington Branch was formed on the 30^th June 1921

This was situated within its own building on East Raby Street, Darlington until the late 1970’s, when the Branch was forced to become a County Supported Branch.  This was with just two members remaining to oversee this.

In 1971 the British Legion marked its 50th anniversary.  It was granted Royal Status by HM Queen Elizabeth II, and became the Royal British Legion.  A rededication ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 12^th October 1971.

After the Westminster Abbey rededication ceremony, the Darlington Branch received a new Royal British Legion Branch Standard, and a 50 year pennant for the Branch Standard.  The Branches two old British Legion Standard and Women's Section Standard were then laid-up and dedicated to St John’s Church, Darlington, by the Darlington Branch.

On the 28^th October 1980 Mr Dennis Frankland forged on to get the Branch reinstated as a functioning Branch, which originally starting off with six members, this grew to over 100 members quite soon. At this time the Branch Membership fee stood at £1.50. As the members list was growing new premises were sought and the Branch saw themselves frequenting a number of premises such as the Old Legion Club, The Royal Navy Association Club up until 1993, the RAFFA Club 1993 -1999 and finally settling in The Cleveland Club where they stayed until 2017.

During this time Darlington not only had the TRBL Branch but had a fully functioning Women’s Section that was formed in 1921 also. Both the RBL and the Women’s Section worked together to serve and support the Darlington Veteran community. They organised events year upon year such as plays, pantomime’s, Dinner Dances to bring everyone together, these included services and events to celebrate Landmark events such as VE and VJ day. The Branch was not without having a day to get everyone involved such as a Coach Trip to Bridlington, Eden Camp and not forgetting Sunderland Lights for the cheap price of £1.50. The Women’s Section included Mrs Barbara Frankland, Dennis’s Wife who served not only locally in her section but stood as National Chairman for the Women’s Section. Sadly the Women’s Section was closed in 2017.

In 1993 the Branch wanted to start recognising members who had gone that extra mile to assist the RBL. This was marked by presenting Members with the Certificates of Appreciation. This Year also saw several members attend The Royal Albert Hall, London, for Remembrance.

By 1994, the method of Direct Debit was introduced and the members slowly started to get used to the idea of new ways of working. During this same year the Branch took part in the Unveiling of Bradford Memorial Plaque and Rededication of War Memorial Window at Darlington’s 6^th Form College.

The Branch has not been without a competitive side and have took part in many events over the years and even held a Balloon Race to raise the profile of the RBL. In 1994 the Branch saw themselves bringing home trophies for the Branch. Where in the August they headed off to Hull where they won the County Bowls Team Trophy, Captained by Mr Ken Clayton. In the winter of November 1994, the Branch saw them winning the Shooting Cup for the second successful year, Team Captain was Mr Ron Fairhurst.

During the majority of the Branches history saw themselves blessed by having a Branch Padre to help and assist with events such as Remembrance.

In 1996 the Royal British Legion celebrated it's 75th anniversary.  The Darlington Branch received a 75 year pennant for the Branch Standard.

The RBL’s motto has always been to serve the community and help others and it was in 1995 that a Branch Member found himself bravely running into his neighbour’s house to save the children from a house fire. As a token of thanks and pride the Gentleman was presented with an inscribed tankard from the Branch.

Moving forward and now in February 1997, devastating news was about to hit the people of Darlington. Mr Dennis Frankland was contacted by the local newspaper and informed that the Town’s Cenotaph and the Memorial Hall’s marble slabs were to be removed to make way for a housing development. Dennis acted quickly and the “Fight for the Memorial Hall” petition was to be completed with members standing on High Row, Darlington Town Centre for two days to get the people of the town to sign a town petition.

As the signatures came in and the petition grew Dennis set off to London with this to enlist help. Several politicians listened to Dennis’s story and got involved. In November 1997 Mr John Horram, (Health Minister), contacted the Branch who gave assurance that the Memorial Hall would be taken care of for the people of Darlington and declared safe. During December 1997 the Chief Executive of Darlington Borough Council give the “The Sanctity of the War Memorial” where the Cenotaph and the Memorial Hall were preserved and made a Listed Building. This building is now home to the a book of remembrance highlighting names of people who were sadly killed in WW2.

The Memorial Hall and the Cenotaph still stand in the heart of Darlington to date.  Every year the people of Darlington parade, alongside the Armed Forces, Veteran's, Cadets, and other Associations, on Remembrance Sunday to pay their respects and honour whose who sacrificed themselves for what we have today.

The competitive streak was back during 1998, where the Branch attended the County Games and four members won a trophy each. These events were never far from an organised Pie and Peas night to celebrate.

In 2000, came the year of the Millennium and to mark this occasion the Branch Standard was out on display at Sadberge to mark this special occasion to welcome the New Year in.

During 2017 the Branch moved into the Army Reserve Centre, Neasham Road where the members list continued to hold nearly 100 members. In 2018, the Branch affiliated the Air Cadets into the Branch, a ceremony took place involving the Branch and the young cadets to hand over their certificate where they continue to assist the Branch during the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance.

In June 2018, the Branch took part in the GP90 which marked 90 years since the original British Legion Pilgrimage in 1928, which saw 11,000 World War One veterans and war widows visit the battlefields of the Somme in France and Ypres in Belgium, a decade after the conflict ended.                        

Since the GP90 event the Branch has purchased the GP90 scroll and 100th year pennant for the Branch Standard. They are on parade, a long with the 50th year and 75th pennants, every time the Branch Standard is used.  The Branch Standard is a constant symbolic reminder to members of the Legion's motto, 'Service not self' and is paraded at Landmark events and at times during the service of a passing veteran.                               

Since then the Branch has continued to serve the veteran community of Darlington, building on their success each year such as the Poppy Appeal that in 2019 they raised an amazing amount of £80,606.26. This could not have been done without the dedicated efforts of the Poppy Appeal Organiser, Branch Members and Volunteers and People of Darlington. Mrs Pat Stoddart, Poppy Appeal Organiser has been a dedicated Branch Committee member for many years and still continues this work to date.

The Branch also pays act of remembrance to people who are close to their community and who sadly lost their lives in conflict such as Pilot Officer William McMullen a Canadian Airforce Man who on the 13^th January 1945  was battling with his burning Lancaster bomber in the dark skies above Darlington, his six crewmates bailed out, McMullen stayed with the stricken plane, which was heading home to RAF Middleton St George, and steered it away from Darlington houses so he crashed into a field at Lingfield Point, where a light industrial estate has since been built.  There is a memorial to Pilot Officer William McMullen, near the crash site, along McMullen Road.  It is never know how many people he saved. From 1995 to present day the Branch has gathered on the spot where this fatal accident took place to reflect and remember that selfless act.  During the 2020 remembrance gathering the battered and bent propeller from McMullen’s plane was returned to the scene.

In 2014 the Branch was involved in commemorating a new official Commonwealth War Graves Commission Headstone for 201248 Private Edward Henry Pratt. He joined 5th Battalion the Durham Light Infantry on the 25th October 1915, and was sent to France 10th February 1916. In March 1916 he suffered a gunshot wound to his left leg and neck. He was sent home for three months and returned to France 15th June 1916. He suffered a further gunshot wound to his right shoulder on 16th September 1916, and was again sent home to recover. He was sent back to France on 22nd March 1917.  During October 1917 the trench he was in was bombed.  He was half buried and suffered from a brain injury and partial paralysis, after being struck by heavy trench support timbers. He was returned home in November 1917, and on 21st May 1918, he was discharged from the Army as unfit for further service. He was 29 years old. Sadly he died from his war wounds on 15th September 1918. He was buried in an unpurchased, unmarked grave in Darlington West Cemetery until the new Commonwealth War Graves Commission Headstone was placed on his grave in 2014.

Each Remembrance Sunday Afternoon in November a small Act of Remembrance and wreath laying takes place at Darlington War Graves to remember all that sacrificed themselves on a local level. 

In 2019, the Branch was awarded their efforts by County by been presented with the Efficiency Shield. This is judged on a number of categories ranging from procedural aspects, fundraising achievements, social activities, Remembrance activities, involvement in the community and the Poppy Appeal. This shield is now on display in Haughton Club.

The Branch moved to Haughton Club,  Haughton-Le-Skerne, Darlington, to conducts its Branch meetings and events in 2018.

During this time the Branch has continued to hold events and functions to bring everyone together and not forgetting the occasionally coach trips to Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, the National Arboretum and the Leeds Armouries. The Branch knows how important it is to talk about remembrance and to get all involved and the Branch visits local schools to give talks about the Legion and how they can get involved. 

During February 2021, Branch Member Tracy Tinkler wrote the above Branch History.  She give her heartfelt thanks to Mr Ron Fairhurst and Mrs Barbara Frankland who were involved in the making of this. 

The History was updated by Branch Member Mr Stephen Brown during 31st October 2025.

Sunday 15th May 2021 - Royal British Legion was 100 years old. (Formed 15th May 1921).  A COVID socially distanced act of remembrance took place.  The Darlington Branch Chairman, John Smith, laid a wreath in tribute on the Cenotaph in the grounds of Darlington Memorial Hospital. 

Sunday 18th July 2021 - Darlington Branch Royal British Legion 100 years old. (Formed 30th June 1921).  Darlington Branch were presented with a Standard 100 Year Pennant by The Worshipful, the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Cindy Hughes.  This was on Platform 2 at the Head of Steam Railway Museum, North Road, Darlington.

Saturday 23rd October 2021 - Branch coach trip to the National Arboretum, Croxall Road, Alrewas, Staffordshire.

Sunday 14th November 2021 - Presentation of a special certificate of appreciation to Pat Stoddart, (Darlington Poppy Appeal Organiser, The Royal British Legion), in recognition of her dedicated work over many years for the Poppy Appeal in Darlington.  Presentation was by The Worshipful, the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Cyndi Hughes, within the Darlington Memorial Hall at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Saturday 21st May 2022 - Branch Coach trip to Eden Camp Museum, and Whitby (For fish and chips!).

Saturday 11th June 2022 - Branch attended the Teesside Airshow 2022, and took part in the opening ceremony, at Teesside International Airport.

Sunday 12th June 2022 - 40 years since the end of the Falklands War Act of Remembrance took place at the Cenotaph in the grounds of Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Wednesday 22nd June 2022 - A Certificate Of Appreciation was presented to long serving Branch Member, Mr Ron Fairhurst, On Behalf Of the Darlington Branch By Branch Chairman, John Smith.

 Saturday 8th October 2022 - Branch coach trip to Imperial War Museum North, Manchester.

Wednesday 14th June 2023 - Branch held a farewell to Barrie Williams on him joining The Chelsea Pensioners, Royal Hospital Chelsea.

November 2023 - On the closure of Cleveland Bridge, the Branch assisted to move the two Memorials to the memory of workers from Cleveland Bridge, who gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars, to go on display within Cleveland Bridge Social Club, Neasham Road, in time for Remembrance Day.

Thursday 6th June 2024 - Darlington 80th D-Day Anniversary Service of Remembrance took place at Haughton Village War Memorial. 

Sunday 16th to Wednesday 19th June 2024 - Branch Members went on a coach trip to London.  During their time there they paid a visit to the Tower of London, Including attending the evening "Ceremony of the Keys". Also a visit to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where Chelsea Pensioner, and Branch Member, Barrie Williams, assisted in showing the group around the Hospital.

Tuesday 24th December 2024 - The Branch held an Act of Remembrance by placing Tealight candles on War Graves (Christmas Eve National Operation Candlelight 2024). This was at West Cemetery War Graves, Darlington.  This was for the first time, and going forward the Branch will now continue to do this every Christmas Eve. 

Monday 13th January 2025 - Service of Remembrance to mark the 80th anniversary of Pilot Officer William Stuart McMullen, (428 Sqn CAF), sacrificing his own life to save the town of Darlington at 8.49pm on 13th January 1945.  The service was held at the memorial on McMullen Road.

Saturday 1st February 2025 - Branch Visit to "Black Dog Air Rifle Range", Spennymoor.  

Thursday 8th May 2025 - Branch Members attended 80th Anniversary of VE Day Act of Remembrance Services held at Haughton Le Skerne War Memorial, Cockerton War Memorial, and outside Darlington Town Hall.

Thursday 8th May 2025 - 80th anniversary of VE Day - The Unveiling of two former Darlington British Legion Standards, (Branch 1921-1971 and Women’s Section 1921-1971), by The Worshipful, the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Sonia Kane took place at Hopetown Museum Darlington.  They will now remain on permanent display within the Museum.  These Standards were returned to the Darlington Branch, by the people of St Herbert’s and St John’s Churches on 30^th March 2025.  This was after the permanent closure of St John’s Church, Darlington, on 5^th February 2023. The Standards were temporary housed in St Herbert’s Church, Darlington between February 2023 and March 2025.

16th to 19th May 2025 - Branch Members went on a coach tour of the D-Day Beaches and Normandy Landings, France

 Friday 15h August 2025 - Branch Members attended 80th Anniversary of VJ Day Act of Remembrance Services held at Haughton Le Skerne War Memorial, Cockerton War Memorial, and outside Darlington Town Hall. 

Friday 15h August 2025 - 80th Anniversary of VJ Day - The unveiling of our historic Darlington RBL Standard (1971 - 2012) by The Worshipful, the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Sonia Kane took place within Darlington Library. It remained on display within the Library until March 2026, when it was moved to be displayed permanently at Hopetown Museum, Darlington. This Standard was returned to the Darlington Branch, by the people of Holy Trinity Church Darlington on 14^th July 2025. 

Tuesday 2nd & Wednesday 3rd September 2025 - The Branch visited the Imperial War Museum Duxford

Thursday 30th October 2025 - Branch Members assisted with the London Poppy Appeal Day for the first time.

Every year the Branch attends all Darlington Acts of Remembrance and Armistice Day Services, The Branch also attends Armed Forces Day events, and of course the Area Poppy Appeal.  The Branch also holds it's Christmas Social event every December.

Many thanks to all Branch Members who have dedicated their time over the years.

May Branch Members continue to serve the Veteran Community of Darlington and the Royal British Legion.

We Will Remember Them.