poppy field

Darlington

Branch Standard

 

The British Legion was nationally formed on 15th May 1921

The Darlington Branch was formed on 30th June 1921 as one of the original National Branches

 

 

The Darlington Branch has had three old Standards.  These are all shown below, however, they were:

1.  British Legion Darlington Branch Standard - 1921 to 1971

2.  British Legion Darlington Branch Woman's Section Standard - 1921 to 1971

3.  Royal British Legion Darlington Branch Standard - 1971 to 2012

 

 

The Darlington Branch current Standard was presented during HM Queen Elizabeth II, 60th Diamond Jubilee in 2012

 

(Updated 15/01/2026)

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British Legion Darlington Branch Standard - 1921 to 1971

The below Standard is the original British Legion Darlington Branch Standard  

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 on 12th October 1971

The Darlington Branch received a new Royal British Legion Standard during 1971

This original Standard was then laid-up and dedicated to St John’s Church, Darlington, by the Darlington Branch

On the permanent closure of St John’s Church, Darlington, on 5th February 2023, the Standard was temporary housed in St Herbert’s Church, Darlington.  It was returned, to the Darlington Branch, by the people of St Herbert’s and St John’s Churches on 30th March 2025

 

The Standard was framed and unveiled on Thursday 8th May 2025 at Darlington Hopetown Museum

Framing sponsored by: Hellens Group, Teal House, 10 Teal Farm Way, Teal Farm Park, Pattinson, Washington, NE38 8BG

This Standard is on long term loan to Darlington Hopetown Museum

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British Legion Darlington Branch Women’s Section Standard - 1921 to 1971

The below Standard is the original Women’s Section British Legion Darlington Branch Standard

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 on 12th October 1971

The Darlington Branch received a new Royal British Legion Standard during 1971

This original Standard was then laid-up and dedicated to St John’s Church, Darlington, by the Darlington Branch

The Darlington Branch, Women’s Section, was closed during 2017

On the permanent closure of St John’s Church, Darlington, on 5th February 2023, the Standard was temporary housed in St Herbert’s Church, Darlington.  It was returned, to the Darlington Branch, by the people of St Herbert’s and St John’s Churches on 30th March 2025

 

The Standard was framed and unveiled on Thursday 8th May 2025 at Darlington Hopetown Museum

Framing sponsored by: Banks Group, Inkerman House, St John's Road, Meadowfield, Durham, DH7 8XL

This Standard is on long term loan to Darlington Hopetown Museum

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Royal British Legion Darlington Branch Standard - 1971 to 2012

The below Standard was the Royal British Legion Darlington Branch Standard for the period 1971 to 2012

The Darlington Branch received a new Royal British Legion Standard during HM Queen Elizabeth II, 60th Diamond Jubilee in 2012, which is still presently used by the Branch. (January 2026)

This old Standard was then laid-up and dedicated to Holy Trinity Church Darlington, during 2012 by the Darlington Branch

The Darlington Branch decided during 2025 to display all three of the old Darlington Branch Standards together.  This Standard was returned to the Darlington Branch, by the people of Holy Trinity Church Darlington on 14th July 2025 

 

 The Standard was framed and unveiled on Friday 15th August 2025 at Darlington Library

Framing sponsored by: Hellens Group, Teal House, 10 Teal Farm Way, Teal Farm Park, Pattinson, Washington, NE38 8BG

                             and: Banks Group, Inkerman House, St John's Road, Meadowfield, Durham, DH7 8XL

     

This Standard is on long term loan to Darlington Library until March 2026. 

In March 2026, it will then be moved to Darlington Hopetown Museum to be on display, along with the two 1921 - 1971 Standards