Devon County Royal British Legion

03/09/2026

🚴‍♂️ 100 MILES FOR 100 YEARS! 🚴‍♂️

Now THIS deserves some serious Devon support! ❤️

Plympton & District Branch President Bob Goodman, aged 73, is getting on his bike and taking on an incredible 107-mile ride from Ilfracombe to Plympton to celebrate the Branch’s Centenary. 🌹💯

And because apparently cycling 107 miles at 73 isn’t impressive enough 😳, Bob is also raising money for two fantastic causes:

🏊 The Ripple Effect – providing free weekly swimming sessions for veterans in a safe, relaxed and supportive environment.

🌹 Plympton & District Branch Centenary – helping the Branch mark an amazing 100 years of the Royal British Legion in Plympton.

Every mile, every donation and every bit of encouragement will help. So please share this far and wide, sponsor Bob if you can, and give him a huge cheer! 👏🚴‍♂️

Bob, the whole of Devon is behind you! ❤️

107 miles. Aged 73. One very determined Branch President. 🌹💪

15/08/2026

VJ DAY 81 🇬🇧

Today, we remember the 81st anniversary of Victory over Japan Day and, with it, the end of the Second World War.

For those who served in the Far East, however, the road to victory was long, brutal and often fought in conditions almost impossible to imagine.

They became known as the Forgotten Army – but today, and every day, we make sure they are anything but forgotten.

We remember those who fought in Burma and across the Far East. Those who endured captivity as prisoners of war. Those who never came home, and those who did, carrying memories that stayed with them for the rest of their lives.

81 years on, their courage, sacrifice and service still matter.

Today we say simply: thank you. We remember you.

🌺 Lest we forget.

01/08/2026

RIP Shipmate

We are deeply saddened by reports confirming the death of Nirmal "Nims" Purja MBE and his team.

A former member of the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service and the first Gurkha to join its ranks, Nims exemplified courage, determination and service throughout his remarkable career.

Earlier this year we had the privilege of hearing from him firsthand at his first UK speaking event. An inspiring individual who leaves behind an incredible legacy.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those affected by this tragic loss.

Fair winds and following seas, Nims.

01/08/2026

Today I received the most thoughtful gift from the Royal British Legion branches of the Torbay Group, and I honestly can't put into words how much it means to me.

Over the past year I've had the privilege of getting to know so many incredible people. You've welcomed me, supported me, made me laugh, and most importantly, become friends. It's never just been about meetings or branch business – it's been about the people, and that's what I'll miss the most.

Thank you all for your kindness, generosity and friendship. Your gift will always remind me of the wonderful memories we've shared together.

This isn't goodbye though. I'll still be around and I'll see many of you at the County Quarterly meetings – just this time as a branch member rather than your MEO.

Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart. It has truly meant the world to me. ❤️🌺

30/07/2026

“RBL membership has given me a community.”

When Jay moved to Axminster, the local RBL branch helped her settle in and make new connections.

“I had been asked by the Axminster RBL Branch to sing at the 80th anniversary of D-Day. They put on an amazing event, and from there I forged friendships and bonds with members.

“I had thought that only veterans or current personnel could join the RBL.

“Being self-employed is quite lonely, and sometimes working in the entertainment industry can feel like I'm not doing something worthwhile. So it’s nice to be able to give back to those who have given their lives for us.”

After becoming an RBL member, Jay is now preparing to support others in the Armed Forces community.

“Last month, I signed up to train in Branch Community Support. I’ll be providing company for people who are alone - whether that’s a phone call or a hospital visit.”

Discover more about RBL membership ⬇️
http://spklr.io/6184Eun1O

23/07/2026

In my last post as Devon MEO, I want to shine a light on someone truly remarkable: Leading Hand John Burns, Royal Navy, who is taking on an extraordinary journey of recovery, resilience, and determination.

In December 2025, John faced one of the darkest moments of his life. Thanks to the quick actions of his wife, he survived — but many in our Armed Forces community are not so fortunate. In April 2026, John attended the Battle Back Centre RBL Recovery Services, run by the , where he received life‑changing support. The course helped him rebuild his confidence, resilience, and sense of connection. It gave him a new way of thinking and a new lease of life.

Now, John is giving back in the most powerful way.

He is running the London Marathon 2027 to raise £10,000 for the , helping fund future Battle Back courses and supporting Team UK athletes heading to Invictus 2027 in Birmingham. John is also on the Invictus Games Team UK pathway, surrounded by inspiring serving personnel and veterans — including the wider community at .

John will be sharing his full journey: the highs, the lows, the setbacks, the triumphs. And we’ll be right behind him every step of the way.

His fundraising plans include, among many things A marathon around HMS Sultan parade ground (Autumn 2026) 😳

How you can support John

The biggest way to help is by donating to his JustGiving page. Every pound brings him closer to his £10,000 target — and helps someone else access the support that saved his life - exactly what the RBL is here for.

If you, your organisation, or your business can help in any way, please reach out. Supporting John means supporting mental health awareness, veteran recovery, and life‑changing programmes that save lives.

Let’s help him get to that finish line — and help others find theirs.

Follow John’s journey:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burns.towards.invictus

Donate to his JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/burnstowardsinvictus

Help John Burns raise money to support The Royal British Legion

20/07/2026

20/07/2026

🐾 An Update on Devon – A Life-Changing Partnership Begins 🐾

The Devon Royal British Legion is delighted to share some wonderful news about Devon, the assistance dog sponsored through its support of Veterans With Dogs

Veterans With Dogs has confirmed that Devon has now been successfully placed with a female veteran living in Devon. A few weeks into the partnership, Devon is already thriving in his new home, bringing smiles to both the veteran and her husband, who is also a veteran. He is settling in well, enjoying life by the seaside and already showing a natural ability to support his veteran.

Although the partnership is at the beginning of its journey and will continue through the structured Partner Animal Life Skills (PALS) programme, Devon is already making a positive difference to daily life.

The Devon Royal British Legion would like to thank all members and supporters who have helped make this possible. Through fundraising, advocacy and ongoing support, the county has played a part in changing the life of a veteran and helping to create a very special partnership.

💙 Congratulations to Devon and his veteran, and best wishes for the future together.

08/07/2026

🌺 Devon Festival of Remembrance 2026 🌺

Join us on Saturday 31 October at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, for the Devon Festival of Remembrance.

This year's event will focus on the service and sacrifice of those involved in modern conflicts and operations, honouring the courage, commitment and resilience of our Armed Forces community.

We are proud to feature performances by the Salamanca Band and the Band and Bugles of The Ri**es, whose music and ceremonial traditions will help create a poignant and memorable tribute to those who have served, those who continue to serve, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Festival of Remembrance is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together, remember, and ensure that the stories and experiences of recent generations are never forgotten.

📅 Date: Saturday 31 October
📍 Venue: CTCRM Lympstone
🎖 Theme: Remembering service in modern conflicts and operations

More details, including ticket information can be found here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/festival-of-remembrance-tickets-1993471336430?aff=oddtdtcreator

Lest We Forget.