Wickford Royal British Legion Branch

Wickford Royal British Legion Branch Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Wickford Royal British Legion Branch, Nonprofit Organization, 73 Runwell Road, Wickford.

The Royal Anglian Regiment proudly carries forward over 300 battle honours, inherited from the historic county regiments...
11/03/2026

The Royal Anglian Regiment proudly carries forward over 300 battle honours, inherited from the historic county regiments of the East of England.

These honours were not earned overnight. They represent centuries of service, sacrifice and professionalism from soldiers of regiments such as the Essex Regiment, Suffolk Regiment, Royal Norfolk Regiment, Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment, Northamptonshire Regiment, and Royal Leicestershire Regiment.

From the fields of the Peninsular War, to the trenches of the First World War, the beaches of Normandy, and modern operations around the world — generations of soldiers from our counties have played their part in the history of the British Army.

Today, the Royal Anglians carry those honours forward on their Colours as a reminder of the courage, resilience and commitment of the men who served before them.

It is a proud heritage for our region and one that many veterans and families connected to the Royal British Legion community continue to remember and honour.

Lest we forget.

22/02/2026

📍 Budapest – Where History Stands in the Open

Standing on the banks of the Danube, it’s hard to imagine what happened here in 1944–45.

The iron shoes along the river mark the spot where Jewish men, women and children were ordered to remove their shoes - valuables at the time - before being shot into the water by the Arrow Cross militia.

Thousands were murdered here.

A short walk away stands the Memorial to the Victims of the German Occupation, marking 19 March 1944 - the day N**i Germany occupied Hungary.

In front of it, families have created a “Living Memorial” photographs, documents and personal stories, ensuring that names and faces are never forgotten.

This isn’t history locked in a textbook.
It’s on the pavement.
It’s by the river.
It’s under your feet.

Budapest is beautiful, but it also carries memory with dignity.

Take a moment.
Pause.
Remember.

On this day Battle of KerenThe Battle of Keren (February–March 1941) was a major engagement of the East African Campaign...
03/02/2026

On this day
Battle of Keren

The Battle of Keren (February–March 1941) was a major engagement of the East African Campaign during the Second World War. It pitted British and Commonwealth forces against Italian troops defending the strategic mountain town of Keren in Eritrea. The Allied victory opened the route to Asmara and Massawa, leading to the collapse of Italian East Africa.

Key facts
• Dates: 3 February – 27 March 1941
• Location: Near Keren, Eritrea
• Belligerents: United Kingdom and Commonwealth vs Kingdom of Italy
• Outcome: Allied victory
• Casualties: Around 3,000 Allied and 12,000 Italian killed or wounded (approx.)

Strategic background

After Italy entered the war in June 1940, its forces seized British Somaliland and threatened the Sudan frontier. Keren was vital for control of the route from Agordat to the Eritrean capital, Asmara. The rugged terrain and fortified mountain positions made it the key defensive stronghold for the Italians in East Africa.

Course of the battle

Fighting began in early February 1941 when British and Indian divisions advanced through steep ravines under intense fire. Several weeks of assaults against the Dongolaas Gorge defences failed until late March, when concentrated artillery and air attacks allowed infantry to outflank the Italian positions. The defenders—largely colonial and Alpini units—fought with determination before finally retreating towards Asmara.

Significance and aftermath

The capture of Keren was the decisive battle of the East African Campaign. It broke Italian resistance in Eritrea and opened the way for the Allied advance to Massawa, captured in April 1941. The victory boosted British control over the Red Sea route and contributed to the eventual surrender of Italian forces in East Africa by November 1941.

Legacy

Keren remains a symbol of courage for both sides: Commonwealth troops for their endurance in extreme conditions, and Italian defenders for their stubborn resistance. The battle is commemorated by Commonwealth war cemeteries in Eritrea and is regarded as one of the most intense mountain engagements of the Second World War.

📍 Wickford Royal British Legion – another great night! 🇬🇧The screen doesn’t lie… a packed house, great atmosphere, and e...
31/01/2026

📍 Wickford Royal British Legion – another great night! 🇬🇧

The screen doesn’t lie… a packed house, great atmosphere, and even better company. Nights like this show just how strong our Branch and club communities are working for the community 💪

Every night like this helps us raise funds, earn support, and contribute to remembering and supporting our fallen. Thank you to everyone who comes along — members, guests, veterans even if some are Navy 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🫡😂, and friends — your support truly makes a difference.

Comradeship, remembrance, and community at its best 🍻

New faces always welcome.

Another great night in the RBL Wickford tonight…. Even the Navy are in attendance 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️😂🍷🫡
31/01/2026

Another great night in the RBL Wickford tonight…. Even the Navy are in attendance 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️😂🍷🫡

🎄 Royal Anglian Regiment – Regimental Carol Service⭐ Open to All📅 7th December 2025⏰ 1100 hrs📍 The Regimental Chapel, Wa...
28/11/2025

🎄 Royal Anglian Regiment – Regimental Carol Service
⭐ Open to All

📅 7th December 2025
⏰ 1100 hrs
📍 The Regimental Chapel, Warley, Clive Road, CM13 3UJ

You are warmly invited to join us for the Royal Anglian Regimental Carol Service — a wonderful opportunity to come together for festive music, reflection, and community spirit.

This year’s service will be held in The Regimental Chapel, Warley —
a beautiful military chapel steeped in history, deeply connected to generations of service personnel and their families.
It provides the perfect setting for a meaningful and memorable Christmas service.

This special event is open to everyone, including:

Serving members

Veterans

Families

Supporters

Local community

As we approach Christmas, we come together to honour our Royal Anglian family — those:
🇬🇧 Serving overseas
🏡 On duty here at home
🌺 No longer with us

All are welcome.
We Are One.

26/11/2025

🎯 What’s happening this weekend near Wickford

Barleylands Festive Fayre 2025 & Barleylands Christmas Experience** (nearby at Barleylands Farm Park)**

On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November the Festive Fayre offers shopping, crafts, food, entertainment and even appearances from seasonal characters.
Barleylands

From 29 November until Christmas Eve, the Farm Park’s Christmas Experience runs — ideal for families wanting a festive outing.
Barleylands

Get yourself down there. then get yourself down the the Wickford Royal British Legion (like and follow for our entertainment guide) for a drink or two. Not a member, no worries, buzz on the door entry, and the bar staff will show you how to become a member.

🗓 On This Day in Military History – 25 November🏴 1745 – Bonnie Prince Charlie Takes CarlisleJacobite forces under Charle...
25/11/2025

🗓 On This Day in Military History – 25 November

🏴 1745 – Bonnie Prince Charlie Takes Carlisle
Jacobite forces under Charles Stuart captured Carlisle during their advance into England.

🪖 1941 – HMS Barham Sunk
The Royal Navy battleship HMS Barham was torpedoed by U-331 and sank with the loss of 841 crew. We remember them. 🌺

🗺️ 1942 – Encirclement at Stalingrad
Soviet forces completed the full encirclement of the German 6th Army, marking a decisive turning point in WWII.

🎖 1943 – Allied Advances in Italy
British and Commonwealth troops continued their progress around the Sangro River during the Italian Campaign.

🇬🇧 1944 – RAF Lancaster Raids Intensify
RAF Bomber Command carried out major operations over Germany as the Allies prepared for the final push into Europe.

🚁 2004 – British Operations in Iraq
RAF and British Army units were engaged in stabilisation operations around Basra and other key regions.

🌺 We will remember them.

Images HMS Hood & HMS Barham – Grand Harbour, Malta (1937) and HMS Barham escorting the aircraft carrier HMS Eagle in Malta, 1930s

25/11/2025

📣 Royal British Legion – Wickford & District Branch
Annual General Meeting (AGM)

🗓 Wednesday, 26th November
⏰ 1900 hrs
📍 Wickford RBL, 73 Runwell Road, SS11 7HL

All members are warmly invited to attend. Your participation helps shape the future of our branch—thank you for your continued support. 🌺

31/10/2025

As we approach the Remembrance period, we would like to reaffirm RBL’s position as a non-partisan organisation and therefore the importance of our neutrality.

We ask for your support to ensure the Poppy Appeal, the poppy, and remembrance activity are not used as a platform to express political views. The poppy is a symbol of Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future, worn to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community. It belongs to no political, religious or ideological group, and we will not allow its use in support of any political agenda.

We have seen in previous years that the poppy can be misused for reasons outside of its core purpose, and as we enter a period of heightened activity, we encourage everyone representing the RBL to be vigilant. There was a recent example in Faversham, Kent, where individuals who were not known to organisers or the RBL volunteer representatives attending a local event, used the occasion to express political views and were conflated with our group. The local team did a great job of managing the situation, but it demonstrated how easily this can happen.

In addition, we’ve recently had a few enquiries about the flag-raising activity occurring in communities across the UK and we would like you to be aware of our position. The Royal British Legion is not affiliated with any flag-raising groups. We respect the right of individuals to display their national flag and express their views within the law, however there is no connection between these activities and the Royal British Legion or the Poppy Appeal.

We thank you for your ongoing support in protecting the meaning of the poppy and ensuring this important symbol of Remembrance is not used for politically motivated activity during a critical time for the charity.

24/05/2025

Tree Planting at Battlesbridge Station. Wickford RBL Committee.
Sunday 18th May. Organised by Chris (Buzz) the Station Adopter.
Hard work but someone has to do it.

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73 Runwell Road
Wickford
SS117HL

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