Royal British Legion

Barely a day goes by that doesn’t coincide with the anniversary of a conflict that cost the lives of British and Commonwealth Servicemen and women. The momentous struggles of 1914-1918 and those of 1939-1945 helped shape Britain, and define who and what we are today. The fact that the countries of Western Europe now coexist in peace and relative harmony with little prospect of future armed conflict within our borders is testament to the huge sacrifices made by past generations. The ongoing war in Ukraine shows peace cannot be taken for granted on our eastern borders but the overarching umbrella of NATO created in the aftermath of 1945 still holds firm.

British forces continue to serve in harm’s way to protect our freedom and prosperity worldwide.  The Royal British Legion (RBL) aims to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten, and that members of the British armed forces, veterans and their families receive the support and care they need. The Droxford & District Branch predates the formation of the British Legion as ‘The Droxford Branch of the Comrades of the Great War’. 2021 marked the centenary of the foundation of the British Legion on 15th May 1921 with Field Marshal The Earl Haig as its first President.  The British Legion was awarded its Royal Charter in 1925, becoming the Royal British Legion.

We aim to meet four times a year, usually at Droxford Village Hall, with a speaker on a range of interesting subjects.  There’s also an annual general meeting, an annual dinner, a summer drinks party and a Grand National draw. Apart from ensuring poppies are available in support of the annual appeal, we are not otherwise actively engaged in RBL fundraising activity.  We observe the annual Remembrance Sunday service at one of the local parish churches.  As you would expect, being so close to Portsmouth and other military centres, many of our members are ex-Service but an increasing number are civilian.  All are equally welcome.

As a member of the RBL (Droxford and District Branch) you would not only be able to ‘do your bit’ to support the British armed forces but also help keep remembrance alive.  This is not glorification of war - far from it; anyone who has witnessed the ravages of armed conflict will be quick to dispel this myth.  It is however through remembrance that we can truly appreciate nearly 80 years of peace that has existed in Western Europe and ensure that 1½ million British and Commonwealth subjects who gave their lives in two world wars and other conflicts are never forgotten. 

For more information or to join RBL (Droxford & District) Branch, please contact the Secretary – Cdr Rob Scott RN at [email protected] or 01489 877800.          

 

      

2025 Programme of Meetings and Events

 

The following programme is provisional and subject to change, postponement, or cancellation. Meetings will take place in Droxford Village Hall commencing at 7.00 pm. Details will be confirmed by email prior to the event. Members without email should contact the Branch Secretary (01489 877800).

January

Monday 13th            "In the Footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia" by author and adventurer Charles Blackmore.

                                  

March                    

Monday 17th           “The History of the Five Ark Royals” by Rear Admiral David Snelson CB.

 

April

Thursday 3rd           Grand National Draw organised by Elizabeth Parker/Anne Riches.

 

May

Thursday 8th            Victory in Europe (VE Day) 80th Anniversary,

Monday 13th           “The Disappearance of Commander Lionel Crabb OBE GM RNVR” by Commander Julian Malec OBE RN.

 

June

Thursday 12th         Summer Drinks Party to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day at Exton Cottage, Allen’s Farm Lane,      Exton, SO32 3NW by kind permission of Mr and Mrs David Frere-Cook. (1830)                   

                                 

August

Friday 15th               Victory over Japan (VJ Day) 80th Anniversary: service of thanksgiving at St Mary & All Saints Church, Droxford to mark the end of the Second World War.

Saturday 16th          Reflections of War in the Far East (Droxford Village Hall) – details tbc.

 

September  

Monday 8th              “Worse things happen at sea – marine accident investigations” by Captain Bill Evans RN

 

October                                     

Monday 13th            RBL Annual Dinner at Corhampton Golf Club, 6.45pm for 7.30pm

 

November             

Sunday 9th              REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE 10.50 am at St Mary & All Saints Church, Droxford.

Monday 10th            Annual General Meeting

 

 

Non-members are always welcome when we have a speaker.  Please aim to arrive at Droxford Village Hall by 6.50pm. There’s no charge but donations are always appreciated.  Please contact the Secretary at [email protected] at least a week beforehand to ensure there have been no changes and to book a place if you would like to join us for supper after the talk.