100 years of the Royal British Legion remembered at Banbury war memorial

The local commemoration coincided with a national remembrance observed as the national president of the Royal British Legion laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall London on Saturday May 15 to commemorate 100 years of the Royal British Legion.

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. By spring 1920 different organisations representing soldiers, sailors and airmen met and walked to the Cenotaph and laid a wreath, the constitution was agreed, and one organisation was formed from many - The Royal British Legion.

Kieron Mallon, formally Irish Guards the Banbury President of the Banbury RBL, said: “Banbury was one of the first branches formed in 1921, for a hundred years the legion nationally and locally have ensured all members of the Armed Forces who have been affected by conflict can receive help and live fulfilled lives, also, their families can receive help and advice from our ongoing welfare work. In doing so we remember those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today."

Chris Smithson, formerly Royal Signals, Banbury chairman and Poppy Appeal Organiser, said: "We would like to thank Banbury residents and businesses for their generosity, even through the pandemic when we couldn’t raise money in the usual way Banbury people gave.

"The appeal is still open for donations. If anyone or local organisations or businesses want to donate, please contact me my details are on the Banbury RBL website or phone me on 07703316945."

To contact the Banbury branch of the RBL see their website here: http://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/banbury