Royal British Legion still relevant 100 years after its foundation, say Inverness veterans as they prepare to take part in Remembrance events
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As members of the Inverness branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS) take part in a weekend of Remembrance events, they will be continuing links going back 100 years.
The RBLS was set up in the aftermath of World War I as millions of men who had returned home – many suffering some type of disability – were trying to resettle into civilian life while countless women had been left widowed and children fatherless.
As it celebrates its centenary, the Inverness RBLS branch is one of only 14 remaining of 47 set up in Scotland.
But present branch chairman Bart Lucas says the organisation – the largest armed forces charity in the UK – is still relevant today, supporting the armed forces community and their families.
The RBLS was formed from the amalgamation of four organisations – the National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, the British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers, the Comrades of The Great War and the Officers’ Association.
In Inverness, the British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers had registered its premises at 6 Academy Street in December 1920.
It had recreational facilities but no alcohol was permitted on the premises which are thought to have been owned by the Free Church.
Mr Lucas said: “In March 1921, there was a meeting of this organisation and the Inverness branch of the Officers’ Association whereupon it was agreed that they would combine, to come part of the British Legion Scotland on its formation.
“At that time they had separate committees for relief of hardship, education grants, recreation and entertainment, rifle club, inquiry, catering, gym and library, all of which came under the general committee.”
Minutes from a meeting in August 1922 state the chairman, Brigadier General Duncan Alwyn MacFarlane, congratulated the general committee and everyone who had assisted in making the club a success.
“He was informed the membership was well over 400 and he hoped the number would go on increasing,” the minutes continue.
“The chairman then spoke of the beneficial work by the relief committee.
“A great many cases had been brought to light which needed relieving and relief had been approved.”
In 1932, the branch moved to its present base in Huntly Street although part of the building was sold off five years ago.
To mark the anniversary, the branch has received centenary scrolls from the RBLS which will be sewn onto its standard in time for remembrance events including wreath-laying ceremonies and the armistice parade tomorrow and Sunday.
Last year’s events were cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions.
“We are trying to get back to as normal as we can,” Mr Lucas said
“But we don’t know how many will turn out, or whether older people will stay away from large events.”
As part of the preparations, members have been teaching banner drill to members of the cadet forces.
They have also been taking part in the annual fundraising poppy collections, including selling poppies at many of the city’s supermarkets and shops.
As restrictions have eased, the branch has also resumed its fortnightly breakfast meetings.
The informal gatherings enable former service personnel to get together for a chat and to reminisce which also reduces the risk of social isolation.
Branch membership pre-coronavirus was 300 and while it might seem a healthy number, Mr Lucas said the committee had just six members of which he was the youngest at 74.
He said the work of the RBLS still remained relevant 100 years after it started.
“You are still getting people on active service who might be just 19 or 20 and are getting badly injured,” he said.
“They might live beyond 100. They need looking
after.
“People might think that those who were in World War I have died now and there are not many left from World War II – but this is a non-stop service.”
Pictures: City pays tribute on Armistice Day
