The Royal British Legion: 90 Years of Heroes
The Royal British Legion was founded in 1921. It is now the country’s leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to those who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces and their dependants.
The RBL is behind the annual Poppy Appeal, one of the highest profile charity appeals in Britain.
This illustrated book has the full support of the Royal British Legion and tells the complete story of its history through exclusive access to its archives, thus providing a celebratory, as well informative, tribute to their work over the past 90 years.
It is designed to be the definitive history of this much-loved organisation, charting its work with soldiers and ex-servicemen through the stories of its heroes, famous as well as unknown, during the highest-profile military campaigns of the past 90 years.
The book is divided into nine chapters, each representing one decade in the RBL’s existence.
Each chapter celebrates one hero per year; 1921, 1922, 1923, etc. giving an account of that particular person, and what they achieved.
Within each chapter are special spreads that emphasise also the social history of the evolution of the RBL as a charity, supported with powerful imagery and text.
Each one of the heroes, from 1921 right through to 2011, has been personally chosen by decorated royal marine, and RBL ambassador, Lance Corporal Matt Croucher GC. Men such as Major Robert Henry Cain VC (1909-1974), who destroyed six tanks during Operation ‘Market Garden’ at Arnhem in 1944 and was one of the only officers from his battalion to escape the German encirclement of the British 1st Airborne Division.
The book was published to coincide with the 2011 Poppy Appeal, which was the biggest in the Legion’s history.
Reviews
“This book is a fitting tribute to recognise . . . the Royal British Legion. Long may the Legion stand shoulder to shoulder with all who serve within our Armed Forces.”
Rt Hon David Cameron, Prime Minister
