By the time the First World war ended in 1918 six million people had answered the call to serve their country.  Three quarters of a million did not return.  The land fit for heroes promised by Lloyd George did not materialise.  The country was bankrupt and there was no Welfare State.  Millions who had served now battled against poverty unemployment and homelessness.  One and three quarter million of those who returned had a disability of some kind.  Thousands suffered from shell shock and many war widows faced destitution. Field Marshal Earl Haig who is regarded as our founder was enraged and tried to put pressure on the Government to make adequate provision for those who had served.  Lance Bombardier Tom Lister also took up the challenge raising funds to buy tables and beds. He convinced landlords to let their dilapidated buildings to ex service personnel and war widows on the condition that he would see to the repairs. He persuaded Burtons to supply suits for men to attend interviews.  Tom also organised men into groups and requisitioned old drill halls to be used as soup kitchens.  Earl Haig then persuaded the leaders of these groups and other associations to come together and discuss the issue of consolidation.  At the resulting Unity Conference held at Queens Hall on Saturday 14 May 1921 seven hundred delegates attended.  Forty nine different names for a new organisation were suggested but after a vote the British Legion was decided on. This charity was granted the Royal Charter by George V in 1925.  

WATERSIDE BRANCH

Originally there was a Branch in Messines Park and the Londonderry Branch met in Crawford Square.  Waterside was a sub branch of Londonderry until 1946 when we achived full branch status.  During the second World War women ran knitting clubs in our branch premises which consisted of two Nissan huts and sent gloves socks etc to men serving on the various battle fronts.

Messines Park Branch eventually closed due to a fall in membership and later Londonderry Branch moved to the Services Club in Spencer Road.

Waterside Branch is at present a thriving concern with over five hundred and fifty members.

In 1946 Waterside Branch was granted an entertainments license so they could have concerts and dances etc. It would be another nineteen years before alcohol could be sold on the premises. The Royal prefix was added to the British Legion in 1971 on the anniversary of its formation.