The Royal British Legion was formed in 1921 as a caring organisation for those in need from the Services and ex-Service community. Its principle aims were, and remain, to relieve need, suffering, hardship and distress, preserve and protect the mental and emotional health of those who had served their country, their families and their children. Whitchurch’s Branch, in keeping with many nationwide was formed in 1921, although records no longer exist to tell us where they met or indeed who were members, Lord Denning was our founding Patron and remained closely associated with the branch until his death in 1999. The Denning family, like so many in Whitchurch, suffered personal loss during the First World War losing two sons Jack (killed in 1916) and Gordon (died at Jutland 1918).
The Branch was suspended during the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, but since its reformation in 1945 it has met monthly and continues to do so to this day. Many of our Branch Presidents have had illustrious careers, General Adam Block, General Sir Alan Cunningham and Mr Roy Dykes a form Lt Cdr RNR who served on the Arctic Convoys and whose bravery and contribution to ensuring the survival of the Soviet Union was recognised twice by the Soviet Government. It took the UK Government until 2014 to do the same. Following the death of Roy Dykes in April 2016 our current President was elected in November 16 – Mr Ken Clark a well-known retired business man and a long standing member of the branch.
The branch has met in numerous locations down the years, at The Red House until a falling out with the Land Lord, the community Centre and now The Bell Inn. There remains a strong Naval tradition in the Branch, although the other two services are growing in strength. The old guard retain their annual ‘Bully Beef Supper’, traditionally held during our May meeting, the only absence being the Bully Beef, which thankfully is no longer produced!
On the 4th August 2014 the Branch commemorated the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. A service at the Town Hall had to be moved outside as the numbers attending were too great to fit in the Council Chamber. A simple candle lit act of Remembrance conducted by Rev John Beadle, the Methodist Minister and former RAF and latterly RN Chaplin was attended by over 200 people. The event was followed by a month long exhibition in the Town Hall commemorating the contribution of Whitchurch during the Great War and remembering the 64 men of the Town who gave their lives.
In today’s media savvy world, the use of the word hero is all too a common place. Generations past served, suffered in silence and asked for nothing in return, yet among their ranks are many who we would now refer to under the hero’s banner. The current membership boasts veterans from WW2, Malaya, Northern Ireland, The first Gulf War, The Balkans Campaign, Sierra Leone, The second Gulf War (Iraq), Afghanistan. Within the Town there are also veterans of the South Atlantic (Falklands War) as well as a healthy number within the community who continue to serve in all 3 Services.
One hundred years on, Servicemen and women are still suffering injury and the threat of death. Today the medical support is far more advanced than during WW1, however recent conflicts have demonstrated all too clearly the price that many service personnel pay to defend our freedoms. As it has done since 1921, the Whitchurch Branch will continue to support all ex-Service personnel and their families, not just initially, but for as long as it takes.
