Devon County Royal British Legion

14/06/2026

Today, we remember and honour the courage, sacrifice and determination of all those who served during the Falklands Conflict.

On 14th June 1982, after 74 days of conflict, the Falkland Islands were liberated, restoring the Islanders' right to live in freedom and self-determination.

We pay tribute to the 255 British servicemen, 3 Falkland Islanders, and all those who gave their lives, as well as the veterans who returned carrying memories that remain with them to this day.

Their service, bravery and commitment will never be forgotten.

Lest We Forget.

🇫🇰 🇬🇧


Royal British Legion

07/06/2026

Today, we gathered at Ogwell Cross Cemetery, Newton Abbot, for the annual Decoration Day commemoration, honouring the Commonwealth servicemen and women who rest there and remembering the sacrifices they made in service to their countries.

This special act of remembrance reflects the enduring bond between Newton Abbot and Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

For many years the Royal British Legion Newton Abbot branch has shared a twinning relationship with the Royal Canadian Legion in Medicine Hat, where each year volunteers and veterans care for and decorate the graves of British servicemen who lost their lives while training in Canada during the Second World War.

In return, we gather here at Ogwell Cross Cemetery, where Commonwealth War Graves, including Canadian servicemen, are cared for and honoured with the same dignity and respect. Across thousands of miles, two communities remain united by a shared commitment: to remember those who served, those who sacrificed, and those who never came home.

Today's ceremony was a powerful reminder that remembrance knows no borders. Through friendship, respect and gratitude, we continue to ensure that the stories and sacrifices of those who came before us are never forgotten.

Lest We Forget.

🇬🇧 🇨🇦 🌺

06/06/2026

Today, at Beacon Quay, Torquay, we came together to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of Embarkation Day and remember the courage, sacrifice and determination of those who departed these shores in the days leading up to D-Day.

In the spring and summer of 1944, Torquay and the wider South Devon coastline played a vital role in the preparations for Operation Overlord. Thousands of Allied servicemen passed through these harbours and ports, embarking on the mission that would help liberate Europe from occupation.

It was a particular honour to welcome a contingent of Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, USA, who joined us in paying tribute to those who served. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the enduring friendship, shared values and sacrifice that have united our nations for generations.

As we stood together in remembrance, we reflected on the bravery of all those who served—many of whom left home not knowing if they would return. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Thank you to everyone who attended today's commemoration and helped ensure that the stories of the D-Day generation are never forgotten. Torquay Royal British Legion The Royal British Legion - Paignton Branch

Lest We Forget.

🌺🇬🇧🇺🇸🇫🇷

We will remember them. ❤️🤍💙

04/06/2026

May they Rest in Peace x

Our deepest sympathies are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the Royal Navy personnel who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the early hours of Wednesday morning. This devastating incident will have shocked everyone in the Armed Forces community, and we stand ready to support.

03/06/2026

💪🌞 Move More This Summer & Make It Count! 🌞💪

Looking for a little motivation to get active? We’ve got just the thing… and it’s for a brilliant cause too! ❤️

The Royal British Legion is taking part in “Crowns for Causes” – a national campaign with Strava and the Postcode Lottery. And the best part? Your steps, swims, cycles or runs could help unlock up to £1 MILLION for the Armed Forces community!

🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️🏊‍♂️ How it works:
Take on simple monthly challenges:
✅ June (8th–28th): Be active on 8 different days
✅ July (8th–28th): Complete 4 hours of activity
✅ August (8th–28th): Cover 30km

Every challenge you complete earns “crowns” 🏆 which turn into donations for RBL – helping fund vital recovery services and the amazing work at the Back Centre.

✨ You choose how you move! Walk the dog, cycle with friends, swim, run… it all counts!

👉 Getting involved is easy:
1️⃣ Download the Strava app (it’s free!)
2️⃣ Choose the Royal British Legion as your charity
3️⃣ Start tracking your activity

📣 And don’t forget to share your progress, tag RBL and encourage your friends & family to join in – let’s make it a summer to remember!

Together, every step we take helps support serving personnel, veterans and their families 💙

01/06/2026

Pssst… come ’ere..…

The Devon County Newsletter has landed and honestly, it’s causing more excitement than when someone brings homemade fudge to a committee meeting.

It’s stuffed — properly stuffed — with insights (the juicy kind), fun quizzes (go on - test yourself!), important bits (booo, but we’ll tolerate them), and a glorious round‑up of what you lovely people have been up to — and all the fabulous things you’ve got planned next.

Think of it as Devon’s monthly gossip — but wholesome, informative, and unlikely to get you told off by your auntie.

Go on then… have a cheeky peek 👇

https://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/devon/meo-newsletter/

29/05/2026

🌍 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 🌍

Today, on International UN Peacekeepers Day, we recognise and honour the courage, dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who serve in UN peacekeeping missions across the world.

Operating in some of the most challenging and dangerous environments, peacekeepers work tirelessly to protect civilians, support communities, uphold human rights, and help countries build lasting peace after conflict.

We also remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace and security. Their commitment and bravery will never be forgotten.

As we reflect on their contribution, let us continue to support the ideals of cooperation, understanding, and peace that unite nations and help create a safer world for future generations.

💙 Thank you to all UN Peacekeepers—past and present—for your service, courage, and commitment to peace.

24/05/2026

🎉 PLYMOUTH ARMED FORCES DAY 2026 IS NEARLY HERE 🇬🇧✨

Every year, Plymouth Hoe becomes more than a landmark — it becomes a place where gratitude gathers, where memories surface, and where we stand shoulder to shoulder to honour those who serve.

This June, we come together once again to celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of our Armed Forces community.

📅 ARMED FORCES DAY — SATURDAY 27 JUNE 2026

A day filled with pride, emotion, and connection.

A day where families cheer, veterans reunite, cadets beam with excitement, and the city pauses to say:
“We see you. We thank you. We stand with you.”

Powerful displays, heartfelt moments, and that unmistakable sense of togetherness that only Armed Forces Day brings. Plymouth does this like nowhere else.

💙 Strength of Spirit Games…

Armed Forces Week begins with the inspiring Rehabilitation Triathlon on Thursday 25 June — a moving reminder of resilience, recovery, and the strength found in community.

🌐 More info: plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk

📲 Follow: WhatsOnPlymouth | VisitPlymouth

Let’s fill the Hoe with pride, colour, and gratitude.

Let’s make Armed Forces Day 2026 a celebration they’ll feel in their hearts. ❤️💙🤍

22/05/2026

🕯️ OP TELIC COMMEMORATION — FRIDAY 22nd 🕯️

Today, we pause.
We remember.
We honour every man and woman who served during Operation TELIC, and all those whose lives were forever changed by it.

From 2003 to 2011, thousands of members of our Armed Forces deployed to Iraq — serving with courage, professionalism, and an unwavering sense of duty. Some never came home. Many returned carrying memories, injuries, and experiences that shaped the rest of their lives.

Today, on the 22nd, we stand together to:
• Remember those we lost
• Honour those who served
• Support those still living with the impact
• And acknowledge the families who carried the weight of every deployment, every silence, every worry

Their service mattered.
Their sacrifice mattered.
And our remembrance must always match their courage.

As a community, as a county, and as a nation, we say:
We remember them. We thank them. We will not forget. 🕯️

16/05/2026

🏉🔥 TODAY: ARMY vs RAF — THE FINAL SHOWDOWN! 🔥🏉

The Inter Service Rugby Championship is heading into its next explosive clash, and trust me… this one is going to be huge.

📍 Location: Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester

⏰ Kick‑off: 14:00

Two forces. One pitch. Ninety‑plus minutes of pure, unapologetic military rugby power.
Army Rugby Union bring the fire. Royal Air Force RU bring the speed. And you? You bring the noise.

Expect:
• Big hits
• Big heart
• Big rivalry energy
• And a stadium full of service pride

Let’s get behind our teams and make Kingsholm shake.

Devon — assemble your colours, warm up your vocal cords, and let’s roar them on.

🏉💥 ARMY vs RAF. Today. 2pm. Be there.