Somersham District Branch History
Background to The Royal British Legion
The British Legion was formed on 15 May 1921 bringing together four National Organisations of ex-Servicemen that had established themselves after the Great War of 1914-1918. Originally membership was restricted to ex-Servicemen only and as a result the Women’s Auxiliary was formed in the same year with the specific purpose of safeguarding the interests of the families of men and women who served in H.M. Forces. However, in July 1922, a further Resolution was proposed that the Constitution be amended to allow ex-Servicewomen to be admitted to ordinary membership of the Legion on equal terms with the men. As a result, the world ‘Auxiliary’ was amended to 'Section' and thus the British Legion ‘Women’s Section’ was born. A further amendment to the Bye-Laws accepted that ex-Servicewomen could be members of a British Legion Branch as well as a Women’s Section Branch.
The main purpose of the Legion was straightforward, to care for those and their families who had suffered as a result of service in the Armed Forces in the Great War. The suffering took many forms, the effect of a war wound on a man's ability to earn a living and support his family, or a war widow's struggle to give her children an education. Even those who had come through the war relatively unscathed struggled with employment.
By the time of the Legion's formation in 1921, the tradition of an annual Two Minute Silence in memory of the dead had been established. The first ever Poppy Appeal was held that year with the first Poppy Day on 11 November 1921.
The British Legion was granted "Royal" status in 1971 becoming The Royal British Legion. In 1981 it extended its membership to include serving members of Her Majesty's Forces and more recently the membership has been opened up to anyone who supports the values and concept of The Royal British Legion. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.
The Somersham District Branch
The Somersham District Branch of the Royal British Legion was formed on the 16 February 1923 with the membership being open to ex-service men and women from Somersham and Pidley-cum-Fenton. The branch met regularly in a variety of locations over the years until it was eventually given its own headquarters. In 1948, the branch was bequeathed, in Trust, the building known as The Palace situated in the High Street for use by The Branch and its members as their Head Quarters. The Trust, made up of members of the public, appointed by the Branch Committee, is responsible for the administration of the building and its upkeep.
The Somersham and District Women’s Section was formed on 24th January 1957 at a meeting held in Somersham School Rooms. Since its formation the Woman’s Section has provided vital support to the Branch in fundraising, welfare, and the running the Poppy Appeals not to mention refreshments at Branch meetings and functions.
Over recent years, as the Old Boys became less and the cuts in the size of the services took hold, the membership declined. However, since the membership was opened up to include non-service personnel and with the public support for the work and sacrifice of servicemen and servicewomen in today’s conflicts; the membership has risen significantly along with support for the annual Poppy Appeal.
