On Saturday 31st January 2026 after around 6 years, the Margate Branch Standard was back on Parade.
Our Standard Bearer was charged with the Branch Standard, and took part in his first official duty of carrying and parading the standard at the Kent County Conference for 2026.
This was the first time The Royal British Legion Margate Branch Standard was back on Parade, and first Kent County Conference whereby Branch Officers and Standard Bearer attended.
Branch Standard
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is a UK-based charity that provides support to veterans, members of the armed forces, and their families. The RBL Branch Standard is a flag that represents local branches of this organisation. Each branch of the Royal British Legion across the country has its own Branch Standard (or flag), which is used in ceremonies, parades, and other important events.
1. Purpose:
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The Branch Standard represents a local branch of the Royal British Legion, symbolising its connection to the larger organisation The Royal British Legion, and the support it provides to veterans and service members.
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It’s also used as a ceremonial flag in parades, Remembrance Day services, and other commemorative events.
2. Design:
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Colour and Symbols: The design of the Branch Standard typically includes the following:
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The Royal British Legion logo, often with the Union Flag incorporated, and sometimes a motto like "Lest We Forget" or "Service and Sacrifice."
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The branch’s specific Name/Title, showing its location or connection to a particular group within the Legion.
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The Colour of the Branch Standard: the branch standard are deep blue and yellow colours, with a gold fringe.
3. Use:
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Ceremonial Importance: The Branch Standard is used primarily in formal occasions like:
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Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day services.
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Parades (for example, the London Remembrance Parade, or local branch events).
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Commemoration of fallen soldiers and the honoring of military service.
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Legion events such as meetings, gatherings, and anniversaries.
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Respect and Honour: The standard is treated with deep respect, as it represents the branch’s members and the sacrifices made by military personnel. The flag is typically carried by a designated Standard Bearer, who is responsible for ensuring its safe handling and presentation.
4. Symbolism:
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Sacrifice and Service: The standard symbolizes the sacrifices made by British service members in times of war and conflict. It stands as a reminder of the enduring service and support that the Royal British Legion offers to veterans and their families.
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Unity: It also represents the unity of all branches and members of the Legion, working together to support those who have served in the armed forces.
5. The Standard Bearer:
6. Condition and Display:
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Over time, the Branch Standard may become worn or tattered through use, and it’s customary for it to be retired when it’s no longer in good condition. New standards are then created to replace the old ones.
In short, a Royal British Legion Branch Standard is a ceremonial flag that represents the local branch of the RBL, symbolizing the organization’s commitment to veterans and serving personnel. It plays a significant role in military and remembrance ceremonies, acting as a banner of respect, memory, and community for those who served in the British Armed Forces.
Standard Bearer
Although our Standard Bearer has undertook a Royal British Legion County Standard Bearers training day, Cameron is no stranger to attending parades and carrying Standards. Both as a former Cadet himself from a young age he has been a member of the Marine Society Sea Cadets, and currently is a uniformed member of staff/CFAV's (Adult Uniformed Volunteer) with TS Jamaica, Margate Sea & Royal Marine Cadets.
Over the years he has attended and took part in many town Parades and Services.
Attendance of Branch Standard
To see when our Standard Bearer and Standard will be on Parade, or attending a Branch or Community Civic Event or Service, please make sure to check out our News Updates, and Diary & Events Pages.
To contact the Branch Standard Bearer: Cameron Galloway please visit our Branch Officers page, or use our Contact Form on the Contact Us page.
