Armed forces day 2024 order of service

Royal British Legion Hinckley Branch centenary 1923 - 2023

Before the First World War, soldiers received little support from the state apart from a small war pension. When the size of the Armed Forces grew through civilian volunteers and later conscription during the First World War, the huge increase in military personnel and sheer number of casualties resulting from the war made it clear this was insufficient, and more support was needed. In response, the British Government set up a scheme for those who returned home from the frontline as a result of injury to claim compensation. But this fell short when men who had been sent home due to injury and had been through the medical system were sent back to the frontline - including men who were medically unfit to serve - because of a shortage of fighting-fit men.

This was met with outrage and led to the formation of a body called the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers in January 1917. The Federation was based in the south-east of England and had links to the Liberal Party. In the same year, The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers was formed in Blackburn which had strong links to the Labour Party and campaigned for better pensions.

The Comrades of the Great War was also formed in 1917 and was established to fight for the rights of the ex-serviceman and woman. In the aftermath of the First World War, it became apparent there was a need for an organisation to support and represent all members of the Armed Forces, to hold the government to account and ensure all those who served and sacrificed were given the support they needed and deserved.

During the war, the three organisations campaigned for better support for the Armed Forces, but their work really began in 1919 due to the huge challenge of bringing home millions of soldiers who were scattered across Europe.

By Spring 1920, the National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers and the Comrades of the Great War had realised that unity was the only way forward and called a conference and invited the other organisations.

On Sunday 15 May 1921, a small group of ex-servicemen and representatives from the four organisations, the National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, the British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers, the Comrades of the Great War and The Officers' Association walked to the Cenotaph, in London’s Whitehall. As Big Ben struck nine, the four men representing the organisations laid a wreath with the badges of the four organisations that would officially unite to form the British Legion.

The British Legion was founded by, and for, Armed Forces personnel and as a demonstration of its attitude towards its members the constitution was proposed by a soldier and seconded by a General - there would be no distinction between rank, religion or political affiliation. The movement gained momentum and was readily supported and accepted as it spread throughout the UK and the Commonwealth.

On Thursday 25 January 1923, 8pm, in the Trinity Hall, Hinckley, a vote was passed by the community leaders to create a Hinckley & District Branch of the British Legion. And so, British Legion Branch number 96 was born under the care of its first appointed Chairman Colonel EC Atkins, a name renowned within the town. Mr T Major & Colonel JL Griffiths were appointed as vices, Mr G A Harper as Secretary, Mr TA Kempton as their Treasurer and Major TG Paget, a local Conservative MP, was elected as their President. All these men, officers and enlisted men, herald from a service background and had seen active service on the battlefields of the First World War; they had first hand experiences of the horrors of warfare and appreciated the complexity of needs of those that survived and also for the families of those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hinckley Branch has supported the districts veteran community during its 100 years' history, providing guidance, support, and a shoulder to lean on throughout. Fundraising at its very heart, its dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment has raised huge sums for the Legion's welfare programmes, generously supported by the benevolent and appreciative public and businesses across the region.

It is not compulsory for either members or indeed branch officers and committee members, of any Legion Branch, to have any formal service or personal military connections. All are welcome to join and if they wish to and have the capacity, volunteer to hold an appointment within a branch. It is merely a coincidence that three out of its four branch officers for Hinckley’s branch are Veterans. Hinckley branch's current Chairman, Lloyd Bagshaw, served in the army for almost 38 years retiring in August 2022, achieving the rank of Warrant Officer Class One, Her Majesties Senior Soldier. The Vice Chairman, Lee Bushill, served for 23 years in the army, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two. Its Secretary, Mark Griffiths, served for seven years in the Navy as an aircraft engineer, most of which was aboard HMS Seahawk. 

All these men and women are a credit to their service, the Legion and their community, as indeed are all those that have supported the branch with its ambition to aid our veterans in difficulty during the past century. A significant and proud feather in the town’s cap. Hinckley Branch, with such an inspirational group of like-minded supporters, with their passion and commitment to help those veterans in need, this branch will surely continue to strive on and endure for another 100 years, wonderfully supported and encouraged by the generosity and benevolence of our local community.

Hinckley branch is both delighted and excited to welcome our new Branch President, Dr Luke Evans MP, who took up the appointment in April 2023. We very much look forward to working together to benefit the veterans' community across the region.

• More information regarding Hinckley Branch (facebook.com)
• Email: Hinckley.MemSecretary@rbl.community

Last updated: 10/06/2024 16:12