Battle Poppy Appeal

16/05/2026

Today marks the anniversary that National service ended. 16 May 1963

The National Service Act came into force in January 1949, requiring all physically fit males between 18 and 30 to serve in the armed forces for 18 months, with a reserve liability for a further four years.

• 1948: The Act was passed; it came into force 1 January 1949.

• October 1950: Service was extended to two years due to British involvement in the Korean War.

• 1957: The phase-out began; call-ups ended on 31 December 1960; the last conscripted servicemen left in May 1963.

Scale & impact: Between 1947 and 1963, some 2,301,000 young men were conscripted into the British Armed Forces.

395 National Servicemen were killed between 1947 and 1963.

The last man: On 16 May 1963, Richard Vaughan became the last National Serviceman to be formally demobilised.

Do you know someone who served? tag them to remember.

Thank you for your service

Lest we forget x

12/05/2026

Thank you for your service xx

12/05/2026

Free gift when you pledge

11/05/2026

08/05/2026

🇬🇧 Happy VE Day! 81 Years of Peace & Freedom 🕊️

On this day, 8th May, we pause to remember one of the most important moments in modern history — Victory in Europe Day.
On 7th May 1945, Germany’s forces gave their unconditional surrender, and the following day — 8th May — was declared Victory in Europe Day. After nearly six years of war, the fighting in Europe was finally over.
People across the UK poured into the streets to celebrate the end of years of conflict, fear, and rationing. It was a day filled with joy, tears, and relief.
This year, 2026 marks the 81st anniversary of VE Day — a moment to reflect and be grateful. Every year that passes makes it all the more important that we keep the memory alive, as the number of surviving veterans grows ever smaller.
So today, let’s raise a cup of tea ☕, fly our flags 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧, and say a heartfelt THANK YOU to the Greatest Generation — those who gave everything so we could live in freedom.
We will remember them. 🌹

06/05/2026

WOW WOW
Our 2025 Poppy Appeal has raised an incredible £56.6 million, including £54.1 million raised by the Royal British Legion and £2.57 million raised by Poppyscotland.

This outstanding result means we can continue to provide life changing support to veterans, serving personnel and their families – whenever they need it.

From helping people through welfare challenges and providing urgent grants, to offering later life care, running recovery programmes and building vital community connections, this funding will make a real difference.

Whether you organised an event, ran a collection stall, donated, or helped spread the word, every effort truly mattered. Thank you for getting involved and supporting the Armed Forces community.

Well done Battle and surrounding villages for your support in this cause.

30/04/2026

Why the Poppy?

The poppy became the symbol of remembrance after World War I.

We wear poppies on Remembrance Day (November 11) to honour military personnel who died in the war, a tradition inspired by the resilient red flowers that grew on World War I battlefields. The poppy symbolises remembrance, sacrifice, and hope for a peaceful future, with funds raised supporting veterans and their families.

It represents sacrifice, hope, and the promise that we will remember all those who served.

When you wear a poppy, you are helping the Royal British Legion continue its vital work.

Key Reasons for Wearing Poppies:

>Symbol of Remembrance: The red poppy signifies the blood shed by soldiers in battlefields, particularly in Flanders, Belgium, where intense fighting took place.
>Historical Significance: The tradition stems from the 1915 poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, which described the flowers growing among soldiers' graves.
>Support for Veterans: First adopted as a symbol in 1921, the poppy appeal raises funds for veterans' associations, such as the Royal British Legion, to provide financial and practical help.
>Commemorating All Conflicts: While rooted in World War I, the poppy today represents all service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or terrorism, from 1914 to the present.

Where your poppy with pride this November ###

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

22/04/2026

Who Can the RBL Help?

The RBL helps serving personnel, veterans, and their families (dependants and carers) with issues like financial hardship, mental health, housing, and care. Support is available to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, including Reservists, for as little as one day of pay. You dont have to have served in any war.

Who is Eligible?

Serving Personnel: Active members of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
Veterans: Those who have served in the Armed Forces.
Family Members: Dependants and carers of serving or ex-service personnel.
Reservists & Auxiliaries: Current and former reserve or auxiliary personnel.
Allied Forces: Those who have served with the Mercantile Marine or Allied Civil Police Forces, and those entitled to campaign medals for direct support of the UK Armed Forces.

Key Areas of Support
Physical & Mental Health: Recovery programs, rehabilitation, and support for the Battle Back Centre. Entitled to campaign medals for direct support of the UK Armed Forces. Available to anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, including Reservists, for as little as one day of pay.
Financial Assistance: Financial Support offers help with debt, benefits advice, grants, and emergency situations.
Housing & Homelessness: Advice and assistance for housing issues, including support for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Care & Independent Living: Support for caregivers, including Care Homes and specialist dementia care.
Physical & Mental Health: Recovery programs, rehabilitation, and support for the Battle Back Centre.
Combat Compensation: Assistance with compensation claims.

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/who-we-help

Contact the RBL to find out more
Call 0808 802 8080
Email [email protected]

17/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BnNYsd9wZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The liberation of Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp. On 17 April 1945, a British soldier talks to an emaciated prisoner. The prisoner, Louis Bonerguer, was a British agent, born in London, and had been dropped by parachute to work in German-occupied territory in 1941. After his capture, he was interned at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

16/04/2026

What Does the RBL Actually Do?

The Royal British Legion provides practical, emotional and financial support to the Armed Forces community.

This can include help with housing, money worries, mental health, and social support.

They are there whenever someone needs them – not just in November.
Image RBL