Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland

02/09/2026

A major RAF Casualty Database update to include Coastal Command has been announced.

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

ON THIS DAY 1939

German forces launched a massive blitzkrieg invasion into Poland, shattering European peace and igniting a War that would engulf the world for the 2nd time in a generation.

29/08/2026

Nepal Floods - Gurkha Veterans Update

The devastating floods that struck northern Nepal on 26 August have caused widespread destruction, with communities isolated by washed-out roads, bridges and communications.

For the Gurkha veteran community, welfare checks by the Gurkha Welfare Trust Nepal (GWT) have so far found no reported deaths or injuries among beneficiaries. However, several veteran families have suffered significant losses.

In Trishuli, a Gurkha widow and her family lost their home and all their possessions when it was swept away by floodwaters. They escaped safely and are receiving emergency accommodation and support. Another beneficiary has been confirmed safe, although damage to her home cannot yet be assessed because of restricted access. A further Gurkha widow whose home was destroyed is sheltering with her family on higher ground but is facing shortages of food, water and shelter.

GWT has deployed a Pensioner Support Team with emergency supplies to assess and support affected veterans and their families. However, dangerous conditions and damaged infrastructure have prevented access to some of the worst-affected areas, while communications remain severely disrupted.

GWT continues to prioritise the welfare of Gurkha veterans and their families, providing immediate assistance where possible and working with local authorities to reach those still isolated.
We wish them all well.

https://www.gwt.org.uk/?fbclid=IwVERDUAT_bFRwZG9mAWZkaWQWUNbTwst-Q4PpSNNl4C9lGU357VOdbmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4Sm_94U-xAd862vt-r3Kg13AcRU1c3LxafiWwri2cLFmKN0JZe7IgTNzuKoA_aem_cM8O9gJjV5cPQoZdyRvS_w

28/08/2026

One of Ireland’s Greatest Wartime Aviators Remembered

Major Thomas Falcon Hazel DSO • MC • DFC & bar

A short commemorative wreath-laying service will be held at St Catherine’s Churchyard Cemetery, Newport, Co. Mayo, at 4pm on Friday, 4 September 2026, marking the 80th anniversary of the death of Major Thomas Falcon Hazel, one of Ireland’s greatest wartime aviators with 43 victories during 1917-18.

A veteran of the Western Front, Major Hazel (Inniskilling Fusiliers) later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, becoming a highly decorated flying ace. He survived being shot down during the First World War and later served in the Home Guard during WWII.

Mr Robert Joyclyn, author of the recently published best-selling book on Major Hazel, will be in attendance.

Access is via the laneway beside Sean Kelly’s Butcher Shop, Main Street, Newport.

All are welcome.

Michael Feeney MBE
Mayo Peace Park
Royal British Legion
Royal Naval Association Dublin Branch
Irish Guards
Senator Gerard Craughwell
Lest Sligo Forgets
The Irish Military Heritage Foundation/Ireland's Military Story
Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) RoI
The Inniskillings Museum

28/08/2026

Heartfelt condolences to the Norwegian Royal Family and the citizens of Norway on the passing of His Majesty King Harald V. We honour his three decades of dignity, including his proud military appointments with the British Army and Royal Marines.
Rest in peace your Majesty.
🇳🇴🏛️🇬🇧
Norwegian Embassy in Dublin

27/08/2026

A truly special and long-awaited occasion! 🇬🇧🇮🇪🎖️

After several years, our dear Alan Mulligan BEM was finally presented with his British Empire Medal (BEM) announced to him in April 1923 for his dedicated service to The Royal British Legion in Ireland.

Soon after, Alan’s beloved wife and great supporter, Ann, sadly passed away. While mourning her loss, Alan never collected the medal, leaving this very special honour unclaimed for all these years.

Today, surrounded by family and friends, Alan gathered at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin, where H.E. Kara Owen CVO CMG, the British Ambassador to Ireland, formally presented him with the long-awaited medal on behalf of HM Government.

It was a deeply moving and memorable moment—a fitting recognition of Alan’s great service, dedication and commitment. I’m sure Ann would have been immensely proud to see this day.

The presentation was followed by a delightful celebratory lunch, shared with wonderful company and many happy memories.

Congratulations, Alan. A very special honour, richly deserved. 🇬🇧👏🎖️
Royal British Legion
British Embassy Dublin

25/08/2026

The 16th (Irish) Division Memorial Crosses Centenary

100 years ago this week, two granite Celtic crosses were unveiled on the battlefields of France and Flanders in memory of the men of the 16th (Irish) Division and of all Irishmen who gave their lives in the Great War.

The 16th (Irish) Division was formed from men from across Ireland and fought on the Western Front, including at the Somme in 1916 and at Messines and Wytschaete in 1917. Its story is part of the shared military history of the island of Ireland and of the wider history of the First World War.

In August 1926, an Irish delegation travelled to the former battlefields to dedicate two permanent memorials designed by Maj Gen Sir Wm Hickie KCB, former GOC, 16th Irish Division.

On 21 August 1926, a granite Celtic cross was unveiled at Wytschaete (Wijtschate), Belgium, commemorating the Division’s role in the capture of the village during the Battle of Messines in June 1917.

The following day the delegation travelled to Guillemont on the Somme, where a second cross was unveiled in memory of those who fell during the fighting for Guillemont and Ginchy in September 1916, and of all Irishmen who gave their lives in the Great War. Marshal Joseph Joffre, one of France’s most senior wartime commanders, attended the ceremony. The people of Guillemont welcomed the Irish visitors with banners proclaiming “Vive l’Irlande.”

The crosses were more than monuments to battles. They represented remembrance, sacrifice and the enduring links between Ireland, France and Belgium. Their inscription — “Do chum Gloire Dé agus Onóra na hÉireann” — translates as “To the Glory of God and Honour of Ireland.”

A century later, the crosses still stand as places of remembrance.

Today, The Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland remembers the men of the 16th (Irish) Division, their families and all those from Ireland who served and sacrificed during the First World War.

We will remember them.

23/08/2026

REMEMBERING THE WATERFORD WAR DEAD

The annual Ceremony of Remembrance for the Waterford War Dead took place today at the War Memorial in Dungarvan.

Hosted by the Royal British Legion Waterford Branch and organised by Branch member Pat Power, the ceremony provided a fitting opportunity to remember and honour the men and women of Waterford who lost their lives during the First World War.

The Branch was honoured to welcome District President Lt Col Ken Marin with Chief Guests Commander Chris Fraser Shaw RN, Defence Attaché at the British Embassy, and Lt Col Gerald Patton, Defence Attaché at the US Embassy, together with Cllr John Pratt and Cllr Damien Geoghegan. A Flag Party was provided by local Defence Forces personnel.

Our thanks to Pat Power and the Waterford Branch for organising a dignified and moving ceremony, and to all who attended to pay their respects.

We will remember them.

Royal British Legion

22/08/2026

(Royal British) LEGION HALL KILLESTER UPDATE
A huge congratulations to the Killester Garden Village Committee on unveiling this wonderful history board and for everything you continue to achieve for the community. 👏

It is fantastic to see the Legion Hall’s history being recognised and preserved — a building that was such an important hub for Killester, particularly for veterans and their families.

The story of the hall is also an important part of Killester’s British military heritage, remembering the local heroes and WWI ex-servicemen who lived in the community and contributed so much to its social life and wellbeing.

The committee’s determination to save, restore and return the hall to community use is a fantastic example of community spirit and pride in local heritage.

Well done to Francis Chance, Fran from the Irish Fit Coach, and everyone involved. Killester’s heritage is in very good hands.
We 🫡 you all.