Legion Scotland Today, Autumn 2015

LEGION The magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 7 Autumn 2015

www.legionscotland.org.uk

SCOTLAND TODAY

MBRANCE SPECIAL REME

LEST WE F RGET

WE VISIT THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL AND FIND OUT WHAT REMEMBRANCE MEANS TO YOU

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

Life has changed over the years

...and so have we.

Our aim to help Scotland’s people enjoy a better later life, has driven our work now for more than 70 years, and although our name may have changed during this time, our commitment to older people in Scotland remains as strong today as it has always done.

However, almost half of our work would not be possible without people remembering Age Scotland in their wills. When you visit your solicitor, and you have taken care of your loved ones, please consider leaving a gift in your will to Age Scotland.

Age Scotland continues to inspire and support everyone in Scotland to make the most of later life and build communities for all ages.  We help fund, develop and mentor local groups and projects, creating places and activities that bring people together as a community. This, in turn, helps combat loneliness and isolation, and brings joy and a renewed sense of purpose into older people’s lives and support to others who need it most.

Find out more about us at www.agescotland.org.uk Age Scotland Department LST Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR Charity No: SC010100

We create vital, free information on a range of issues such as community care and benefits, to help older people make informed choices in their lives, and we also provide opportunities for older people to challenge disadvantage and unfairness - ensuring that their ideas for a better Scotland reach the ears of those who need to hear them.

Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number: SC010100 Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR.

WELCOME

Legion Scotland New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE MA National Chairman Jan Harvey Vice Chairman Charlie Brown National Treasurer John Whitelaw Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gray MM EDITOR Christie McMonagle MANAGING EDITOR Fiona McKinlay EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Jonathan McIntosh DESIGNERS Mark Davies, Katherine Pentney SUB-EDITOR Andrew Littlefield, Sian Campbell GROUP ACCOUNT MANAGER John Innes john.innes@thinkpublishing.co.uk STORIES TO SHARE? Please contact Christie McMonagle at c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk or by calling 0131 550 1549.

Submissions received by 20 November will be considered for inclusion in the next issue, but we appreciate your stories at any time and may be able to share them through other avenues such as social media. Articles are likely to be edited and inclusion is not guaranteed. Sending high-resolution images as email attachments will increase the chances of us being able to use your story.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Published on behalf of Legion Scotland by Think Publishing Ltd Red Tree Business Suites, 33 Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow G40 4LA 0141 375 0504

We will remember them THIS REMEMBRANCE DAY, I WILL BE THINKING OF OUR BRAVE RAF SERVICE MEN WHO FLEW IN THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, 75 YEARS AGO. Winston Churchill said of it that “never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few”. Their incredible efforts, though, were not in isolation. In World War II, Britain’s military casualties exceeded 383,000; and in World War I the figure may have been around double that.

Modern conflicts have not been without their losses, and for many of us, those will be the ones that hit closest to home. Those might be our friends, our brothers and sisters, our children.

On Remembrance Sunday, we will think of them all during the two minute silence. Royal British Legion Scotland is organising and participating in commemorative services and parades around the country, and hope you will join us to remember the fallen.

While we pause to think of those who lost their lives, the other purposes of our organisation are not on hold. Veterans and their dependents around Scotland need support from our services, whether that be respite care, disablement pensions advice or perhaps financial support for a young veteran’s family to set up home.

Many of our members offer considerable amounts of time to provide services like running a branch, befriending (see page 26), or to fundraise, and for that I offer my sincerest gratitude and continued support from head office staff. We still need more of you to get involved and we aim to support you better so you are able to be more involved.

I regularly visit branches and clubs around the country, to find out first hand how things are going and what Head Office can do to better support our members. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like me to visit your branch or club next.

Many thanks for your continued support and hard work.

MIKE WILKINSON

ADVERTISING Alison Fraser alison.fraser@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 946 8708 Copyright © Legion Scotland 2015.

All rights reserved.

Legion Scotland is a trading name of the Royal British Legion Scotland, Scottish Charity No.SC003323

Kevin Gray MM CEO Legion Scotland

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 3

local service men and women carry out difficult and dangerous tasks on our behalf

a range of agencies offers support to current and former armed forces personnel in Dumfries and Galloway

our region’s Community Covenant endorses our good relations with the armed forces and is our way of saying

Civilian life in the Scottish Borders Civilian life in the Scottish Borders SUPPORT FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE SCOTTISH BORDERS

A guide on support to veterans and their families on healthcare, housing, education, transport services, and support and access to employment opportunities.

“thank you” www.dumgal.gov.uk t: 030 33 33 3000

We will remember them

To access the guide go to: http://www.scotborders.gov.uk/veteranshandbook

Proud supporter of our armed forces Remembering those who were injured or sacrificed their lives during wars and conflicts.

www.eastlothian.gov.uk

AUTUMN 2015

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Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

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LEGION The magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 7 Autumn 2015

www.legionscotland.org.uk

SCOTLAND TODAY

CONTENTS 06 LEGION NEWS

The latest from Legion Scotland and beyond, including branch stories

08 WINNERS TAKE IT ALL IN

Annick Primary School pupils visit the Tattoo, and this year’s Primary Schools challenge is unveiled

MBRANCE SPECIAL REME

LEST WE F RGET

WE VISIT THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL AND FIND OUT WHAT REMEMBRANCE MEANS TO YOU

16

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

ON THE COVER Tony Hooman at the Scottish National War Memorial

ON ARMISTICE DAY Historian Trevor Royle looks at how 11 November 1918 was marked across Scotland

PHOTO: Malcolm Cochrane

LEST WE FORGET What does remembrance mean to you?

20 Facebook “f ” Logo

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26 MAKE A DIFFERENCE

David Lewis and Donnie Watt discuss their experience of befriending and how much it can help

28 VOICES OF VETERANS

Iraq veteran and sporting champ Mark White talks of his military past and fundraising endeavours

30 COME AND SEE US

A guide to Legion Scotland’s branches and clubs in Scotland and abroad

32 FORCES UPDATE

The latest from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force

33 LAST POST

Fond notes of remembrance from branches across the country

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facebook.com/LegionScotland twitter.com/LegionScotland

34 OUR LEADING LIGHT

Founder Earl Haig remembered 100 years after an important appointment www.legionscotland.org.uk 5

LEGION NEWS IN BRIEF

Keeping you up to date with Legion Scotland’s latest

TRIBUTE

This year’s Best Kept War Memorial in Carnoustie

DOUBLE YOUR DONATIONS Branches can still contribute to the Ex-Service Community Support Fund by making donations where money has not specifically been raised for Legion Scotland. Until 31 October, all such donations will be matched by the National Board of Trustees.

MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Those joining or renewing their membership this year should note the following changes: you are required to complete a membership form, return it to the branch and will receive a membership card. The new cost for all members is £12 from 1 November, and direct debit is now available.

Please contact your branch for further details.

FOUNDER’S DAY On Sunday 21 June, Legion Scotland held a Founder’s Day Service at Dryburgh Abbey, St Boswell in the Borders to commemorate the life of Field Marshall Earl Haig.

CORRECTION A captioning error in the last issue incorrectly identified Princess Elizabeth’s Girl Guides uniform as a women’s ATS uniform. Thank you to those who got in touch and please accept our apologies for failing to maintain the high standards that you would expect from the magazine.

CARNOUSTIE WAR MEMORIAL NAMED ‘BEST KEPT’ Trophy awarded to branch for maintaining local tribute LEGION SCOTLAND’S Annual Best Kept War Memorial campaign has given its top prize to the Carnoustie branch, for looking after the Carnoustie War Memorial.

Representatives from the branch collected the trophy on behalf of all its members at a presentation ceremony in Edinburgh.

Branch Chairman Lindsay Martin said: “Our war memorial is a fitting tribute to the local service men and women who gave their lives for our country. It is a reminder of the sacrifice many people in our area made in order to protect the lives of future generations and it’s important that we ensure it is looked after and well kept.”

The awards consist of six other categories: Large Community with Gardens – won by Duns branch; Small Community with Gardens – won by Methlick branch;

6 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

War Memorial without Gardens – won by Oldmachar branch; Satellite War Memorial with Gardens – won by Inveraray branch for the Argyll Caravan Park memorial; Satellite War Memorial without Gardens – won by Kilmarnock branch for the Stewarton memorial; and New Entry – won by Creich & Kincardine branch for the Rosehall memorial.

Kevin Gray MM, Chief Executive Officer, Legion Scotland, said: “We congratulate all the winners for their efforts in preserving these historical landmarks to such a high standard.”

Legion Scotland has run the awards for over 40 years as part of our remembrance programme. The campaign encourages communities to look after their war memorial in tribute to those in their region who died whilst serving their country.

IN BRIEF

TAKE A BREAK Two veterans have been assisted with breaks at Erskine Homes by Legion Scotland’s respite care grant. For more information on grants, please contact Stephen Baird, Head of Wellbeing, on 0131 550 1560 or s.baird@ legionscotland.org.uk

FUNDRAISING

GIVE A LITTLE BIT MORE 2016 dates for our fundraising and awareness campaign announced, as we tally up the 2015 totals LEGION SCOTLAND

has announced its Give A Little For Veterans campaign dates for 2016.

Next year’s activities will be concentrated on the three weeks from Monday 4 April until Sunday 24 April. We hope you will get involved.

To help Scotland’s veterans we need you to fundraise – the tools to help you do this are available from your Area Secretary or head office. We can’t sustain the current level of activity without you!

In this, the campaign’s first year, 22 branches raised funds for Legion Scotland of £6,865. If your

branch is not included in the table below, please let Sheena Stone at head office know.

Ten keen individuals have raised an additional £6,892 through sponsored activities.

Funds raised will support Legion Scotland initiatives including the befriending service, grants that are available for veterans in need, comradeship and commemoration events.

Annan £500 Banchory £400 Braco and Greenloaning £24 Cockenzie and Port Seton WS £50 Dalkeith £72 Dunfermline £62 Dunoon £254 Duns £322 Edinburgh Central £45 Forfar £700

Galashiels £709 Grangemouth £30 Hamilton £200 Irvine £987 Kirkcaldy £76 Livingston £67 New Pitsligo £163 Newburgh £83 Portobello £219 Tain £200 Turriff £1,494 Uist £207

ANNIVERSARY

VJ DAY MARKED IN CAPITAL National event remembers those who served

MARK OWENS

LEGION SCOTLAND hosted the national commemorative event for Scotland to recognise those who served in the Far East during WWII. Taking place at Edinburgh’s Canongate Kirk, a Service of Remembrance marked 70 years since Victory over Japan Day.

WWII veterans Jim Richardson (pictured) and Donald Christison attended the national commemorative event for Scotland, along with special guest Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The Act of Remembrance was led by Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin, KCB, CBE, MA, the National President of Legion Scotland.

TRUSTEE VISITS BELGIUM Fergie Bell, who is on Legion Scotland’s National Board of Trustees, represented the organisation in a trip to Ypres and Passchendaele in August, during which he attended various commemorative events, and was welcomed by members of the Passchendaele branch.

DATE CHANGE FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE Due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to change the dates of conference next year, bringing things forward one week from previously advertised. The 2016 annual conference will now run from Thursday 12 May to Saturday 14 May. PLAY OUR NEW LOTTERY By playing Legion Scotland’s lottery for as little as £1 per week you will be entered into a draw to win a massive £25,000. At least 50p of every £1 you play is guaranteed to help us continue to provide assistance, support and comradeship to veterans and their dependents.

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 7

SCHOOLS COMPETITION SPONSORED BY

Legion Scotland CEO Kevin Gray MM and pupils with their trophy

Annick pupils enjoy their Schools Competition prize

T

EN PUPILS from Annick Primary School in Irvine travelled to Edinburgh to experience a unique VIP night at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – their prize for winning our Stories of WWI’s Families Primary Schools Competition. The group started their experience with a three-course dinner inside Edinburgh Castle.

Teacher Jenny Ryrie said: “At Annick Primary School, we already had a

good relationship with the Saltcoats, Ardrossan & Stevenston branch, but taking part in this year’s Legion Scotland Primary Schools Competition has really strengthened our friendship.”

After dinner, Legion Scotland CEO Kevin Gray MM and Tattoo Producer Brigadier David Allfrey presented the class with medals and a trophy in the middle of the massed pipes and drums, who played a special set just for the group.

They then headed down towards the performance, across Edinburgh Castle’s drawbridge and in front of the 8,000-strong crowd. Alasdair Hutton,

Set sail for next year’s schools challenge

STORIES OF THE SEA – REMEMBERING JUTLAND

8 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

the Tattoo’s storyteller, told the audience all about Annick Primary School’s project and why they were there, before they headed to their VIP seats.

Pupil Jane said: “I’ve never been to any sort of concert before and to be a part of tonight in such a big way was unforgettable. I loved walking along the esplanade and having all the performers playing just for me!”

Pupil Shaun said: “We were treated like VIPs and the performance was amazing.

I liked the Swiss drummers the best.”

The group were chauffeur-driven home in competition sponsor Co-operative Funeralcare limousines.

Legion Scotland’s 2015/16 Primary Schools Competition, Stories of the Sea, invites P5–P7 pupils to write their own newspaper articles, reporting on life on the waves during World War One. Sponsored by The Co-operative Funeralcare

and the Scottish Government, the exciting grand prize will see a group from the winning school

MARK OWENS, (C)IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM/ROBERT HUNT LIBRARY/MARY EVANS

Winners take it all in

PARTNERSHIP

Brigadier Allfrey presents pupils with their trophy

SEE FOR YOURSELVES An exhibition of the top ten entries from this year’s competition is touring the country. Legion Scotland branches are hosting, with most exhibitions being held in their clubs. The remaining dates are: Fri 9 Oct – Thu 15 Oct Legion Scotland club, Bathgate Fri 16 Oct – Thu 22 Oct Legion Scotland club, Prestonpans Fri 23 Oct – Thu 29 Oct St Andrews Library, St Andrews Fri 30 Oct – Thu 5 Nov Legion Scotland club, Grangemouth Fri 6 Nov – Thu 12 Nov Legion Scotland club, Carnoustie Fri 13 Nov – Thu 19 Nov Legion Scotland club, Forfar Fri 20 Nov – Thu 26 Nov Legion Scotland club, Stonehaven Fri 27 Nov – Thu 3 Dec Legion Scotland club, Banchory Fri 4 Dec – Thu 10 Dec Legion Scotland club, Turriff

The Jamiesons enjoy their break with Glenton Holidays

David and Laiyee get going with Glenton Holidays Legion Scotland members take advantage of tour operator’s discount DAVID JAMIESON and his wife Laiyee recently enjoyed a trip to mainland Europe with Glenton Holidays, using the 5% discount for Legion Scotland members announced in our last issue.

David said, “We both had a wonderful holiday. The hotel, our driver Brian and the excursions were all excellent.”

The couple’s trip included visits to Trier in Germany and Luxembourg City.

“My wife and I like to get off the beaten track so we wandered Trier’s alleyways, taking in the ambience, before visiting the lovely cathedral,” recalled David.

Glenton’s offerings include luxury coach holidays, good companions tours for solo travellers, air trips as far afield as Sri Lanka and ocean cruises. The tour operator also donates 2.5% to Legion Scotland for bookings made by Legion Scotland members.

Call the dedicated booking line on 0844 248 6105 and quote GLLEG15 to take advantage of this offer

COMMEMORATION

PERSONAL TRIBUTE

Commemorative plaques support Legion Scotland ANYONE WISHING to

visit Scapa Flow on Orkney, where the ships sailed to the Battle of Jutland 100 years ago.

Any school wishing to take part must register by Tuesday 17 November. More information and the registration form can be found online at www. legionscotland.org.uk/schools

remember a loved one can purchase a personalised glass plaque or wall piece from S&J Marketing, and support Legion Scotland in the process.

John Boyle of S&J Marketing said: “I wanted something as a reminder of my grandfather who was killed in WWI. Having this displayed in my home makes him feel very real and not a ghost from a distant conflict remembered only once a year.”

The company will give £20 from the sale of each glass plaque (£119) and £10 from the sale of each wall plaque (£55) to Legion Scotland.

See the advert on page 25, call 0800 043 4147 or visit www.personalised remembrancetribute.co.uk for more information

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 9

Handyman & Property Maintenance Service

Operating across Glasgow, No job too small

Providing veterans with that first step into civilian life, allowing them to bring their skills plus their honesty, integrity and a ‘can do’ attitude to the job.

Basic Plumbing Joinery Decorating

£150 off a Pre-paid Funeral Plan So you leave them with happy memories, not money worries

Tiling General DIY M an with Van Service

Phone: 0330 123 1311 Email: soc@exmiltrades.co.uk www.exmiltrades.co.uk

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

RAVENSWOOD CLUB

Provides Catering, Accommodation, Bar and Entertainment for all occasions Members and Guests Welcome Membership Available

01330 822347 www.banchorylegion.co.uk info@banchorylegion.com

Military prayers from barracks to battlefield ‘This eclectic range of material demonstrates a rare ability to get “under the body armour” of those who have faced the harsh reality of doing their duty in battle.’

The Ven. Ian Wheatley QHC RN, Chaplain of the Fleet and Archdeacon for the Royal Navy 978 0 281 07364 1 | £9.99 www.spck.org.uk @SPCKPublishing

It’s only natural that we want to look after our loved ones.

A Funeral Plan can help, protecting you and your family from rising funeral costs. Unlike some Funeral Plan providers our Plans are fully guaranteed, which means no matter how much funeral costs increase there will be no more to pay when the time comes.

For a personalised Plan that’s kept safe until you need it and to receive your £150 discount, visit your local Co-op Funeralcare or call 0800 389 8377 or visit us online at www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk quoting code LEG15.

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Terms & Conditions: 1. If you purchase one of our Set Plans online, you will receive our standard £100 online discount plus an additional £50 discount for being a Legion Scotland member by quoting promotional code LEG15. If you purchase one of our Set Plans over the phone, a Set Plan or a Tailor-made Plan in one of our funeral homes, you will receive £150 discount for being a Legion Scotland member quoting promotional code LEG15.

2. The promotional code is for Legion Scotland members only and will expire on 31/12/16. 3. This discount is solely redeemable by the Plan Purchaser of a Funeral Plan. 4. Only one discount is available per Funeral Plan purchased.

5. The Co-operative Funeralcare reserves the right to withdraw this discount promotion at any time. 6. The £150 discount is not available if the Plan is paid for by Fixed Monthly Payments. 7. The purchase of any Pre-paid Funeral Plan is subject to the full terms and conditions which are available online at http://www.co-operativefuneralcare. co.uk/terms-and-conditions/.

The Co-operative Funeralcare is a trading name of Funeral Services Limited, registered in England and Wales with number 30808R at registered offce 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG. VAT registered 403 3146 04.

Part of the Co-operative Group.

18 October – 30 January

DIARY DATES SATURDAY 31 OCTOBER DUNDEE Festival of Remembrance Taking place at the Caird Hall, presented by Legion Scotland’s Angus and Perthshire area.

Tickets £5. Call 01382 434940 or buy in person at city box office

TUESDAY 3 NOVEMBER GLASGOW Garden of Remembrance opens George Square, ceremony takes place at 10.30am

SUNDAY 1 NOVEMBER HAMILTON Festival of Remembrance Taking place at Hamilton Town House, 6.30pm. Contact Ian Forsyth on 01698 425 577 for more information

FRIDAY 6 NOVEMBER LIVINGSTON Festival of Remembrance Taking place at Deans Community High School, hosted by Legion Scotland’s Livingston branch. Tickets £7.50. Contact Karen at kelliot@paywizard.com for details

MONDAY 2 NOVEMBER EDINBURGH Garden of Remembrance opens next to Scott Monument, 11am.

Afterwards, Edinburgh Central branch will be providing soup, sandwiches, and hot drinks

SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER FALKIRK Festival of Remembrance Taking place at Falkirk Town Hall. Tickets £5. Contact Harry Forster on 01324 506152 for details

STEVEN SCOTT TAYLOR / ALAMY

Keep an eye on the website for more announcements. Check local press for remembrance events near you

Last year’s opening of the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER NATIONWIDE Remembrance Sunday service and parade Legion Scotland’s main event takes place in Edinburgh, starting at the Stone of Remembrance on the Royal Mile at 11am. Local events take place across the country WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER PEEBLESSHIRE Festival of Remembrance Taking place at Peebles Old Parish Church, 7.30pm.

Collection for Legion Scotland

WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER EDINBURGH Voices of Veterans Armistice Day event Veterans’ experiences in their own words. At the National Library of Scotland, 6pm FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER DUNFERMLINE Co-operative Funeralcare band concert Taking place at the Dunfermline branch club at 7.30pm. Tickets £2 with all proceeds going to Legion Scotland

PARTNERSHIP

SAVE £150 ON FUNERAL PLANS WITH CO-OPERATIVE FUNERALCARE Discount offered to Legion Scotland members in new partnership LEGION SCOTLAND is working in association with The Co-operative Funeralcare to offer members a discount of £150 on a Pre-paid Funeral Plan. The Co-op will also give £100 to Legion Scotland for every Pre-paid Plan purchased.

Legion Scotland’s Head of Wellbeing Stephen Baird has

Co-operative Funeralcare Partnerships Manager Jennifer Bowden meets with Legion Scotland Head of Marketing and Fundraising Sheena Stone

seen an increase in phone calls from those unable to pay for a relative’s funeral. Stephen said: “When a relative dies it can be a very difficult time and to have money worries on top of this really compounds the situation.”

Purchasing a Pre-paid Plan removes the money worries often associated with a funeral and allows you to choose the send-off you would like. It also provides your loved ones with the comfort and reassurance that your wishes will be fulfilled.

The Pre-paid Plan is fully guaranteed. And no matter how much funeral costs rise, you will be covered for everything included in your Plan – at today’s prices.

The Co-operative Funeralcare is Scotland’s leading Funeral Director, with over 100 branded and private named funeral branches across the country – visit the website to find your nearest.

In recent years Funeralcare

has sponsored Legion Scotland’s Annual Conference, organised a number of fundraising events on our behalf and also sponsored our national primary school competition.

This offer is exclusive to Legion Scotland members and is available on Pre-paid Plans purchased by members for themselves and their immediate family.

For more information on a Pre-paid Funeral Plan from The Co-operative Funeralcare visit www.cooperativefuneralcare.co.uk or call 0800 389 8377.

Discount code: LEG15. Terms and conditions can be found on the Co-op website.

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 11

BRANCH NEWS IN BRIEF

• Thirty-four members of the New Deer & District branch made a commemorative trip to Passchendaele and Ypres in May. They took part in the Menin Gate Ceremony which has been held every evening since 1928.

NEW PREMISES FOR PORTOBELLO First Legion Scotland club to launch in many years

The branch has made the Rockville Hotel its new home

• Livingston branch held a 75th anniversary commemoration service for the evacuation of Dunkirk in June, which was attended by around 180 people.

• Dumfries & Galloway area wish to congratulate teams from Castle Douglas branch and Dalbeattie branch for their victory in the area fly fishing competition in May. • In June, the Jedburgh RBLS Pipe Band visited Normandy to take part in commemorations for the D-Day Landings.

• Tain and District museum trust hosted a temporary exhibition to mark 75 years since the formation of the Czechoslovak squadrons in the RAF. • Mickey Mouse and pals were visited by the Fraserburgh RBLS Pipe Band, who celebrated their 15th year with a performance at Disneyland Paris.

• Geoff Shelton of the Newton Mearns branch was among a handful of Scottish veterans who attended the 70th anniversary commemorations of VE Day in Moscow at the invitation of the Russian Government.

PORTOBELLO

IN AUGUST, the Portobello branch acquired the Rockville Hotel on Joppa Road, taking it over as their branch headquarters and club with immediate effect.

Branch Secretary Gus Macleod posted a message online saying: “We look forward to welcoming you to our new premises so come and pay us a visit,

whether it be for a stay in one of our luxurious rooms, a meal at our sea view restaurant or just for a drink and a catch-up at our bar. You will be made more than welcome.”

Amongst the branch’s key objectives are the provision of wellbeing, befriending and advice services, all run from the Rockville.

Gus said: “Issues we hope to provide support and advice for include isolation, unemployment, education, housing, finance, bereavement, benefits and general lack of wellbeing.”

We wish the Portobello branch all the best in this new venture, and look forward to paying them a visit!

RIDERS BRANCH

A LONG RIDE

Riders branch member completes Saltire Challenge

MARK HODDINOTT, a member of the Riders branch, has raised £652 for Legion Scotland by riding his motorbike to the four corners of Scotland – Cape Wrath, John O’Groats, Berwick and Stranraer – passing through the Wallace Monument in Stirling and without covering the same part of the route twice.

He completed the challenge in August over the course of four days and was joined by fellow Riders branch members at the Wallace Monument, his final stop, to cheer him on.

Mark said: “It was very touching and a certain tear may have been choked back. It was totally fabulous of them after such a tough ride.”

12 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Mark at the Wallace Monument

IN BRIEF

INVERNESS

• Fort William branch wishes to congratulate John Garrick and Colin MacDonald on their victory at the Legion Scotland National Pairs cribbage competition.

Annmarie Mitchell of the Defence Medical Welfare Service and branch Chairman Joe Davidson with Legion Scotland Chairman Jan Harvey and CEO Kevin Gray MM at the launch event

BRANCH SUPPORTS VETERANS WITH DEMENTIA

SPP PHOTOGRAPHER, IAN S

New fund launched in Inverness IN AUGUST, the Inverness branch launched a new grant to support veterans with dementia, the first of this kind.

The branch first identified a need to better support veterans with dementia in the Inverness & District area over two years ago. Members have been working tirelessly ever since to pull together the funding to launch a new grant. They were awarded LIBOR funding of £14,000 earlier this year and are now launching their new financial support service to help local veterans.

Branch Chairman Joe Davidson has experience of dementia through a friend and, having liaised with the local dementia day care centre, realised that in that one centre alone there were 12 veterans with dementia.

The NHS covers most of the cost of respite breaks but the patient is expected to pay an amount towards this. The new Legion Scotland Inverness Respite Care Aid Grant will cover this sum, not only for the branch’s veteran members, but also for anyone in the area who has served in the Armed Forces.

• A group from Kirkwall RBLS and the Orkney Royal Naval Association visited Lyness to mark the anniversary of the HMS Vanguard disaster, which resulted in the loss of 843 lives in 1917.

• Millport branch held a sponsored walk or cycle round the Island of Cumbrae, with 18 participants raising the impressive sum of £1,208.

• In Kelso, a new memorial plaque has been erected by the Kelso branch to commemorate local men lost in the Gallipoli campaign.

More than 200 people attended the unveiling.

• Inveraray & District branch held its annual Highland Games on 21 July, attended by two minibuses of Erskine residents and staff.

Veterans and their families based in the Inverness & District area who are interested in finding out more should contact Joe Davidson on 07774 248798 or Ian Burnett on 07881 815873. Alternatively they can visit www.legionscotland. org.uk/how-can-we-help/grants/ to download the application form. Forms can also be collected at the Legion Scotland branch office in Huntly Street in Inverness.

• Milngavie & Bearsden branch held a flag raising ceremony in Milngavie to celebrate Armed Forces Day, attended by Provost Una Walker.

• Around 80 women from across Scotland attended the Legion Scotland Women’s Section Annual conference in June which was held in St Andrews.

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 13

IN BRIEF

• Dunblane branch congratulates members Joe Patton and Ian Campbell on winning multiple trophies at the Legion Scotland National Open Golf finals in Coldstream.

• Dumfries & Maxwelltown branch held a commemorative service to mark the 70th anniversary of VE Day at St Michael’s and South Church, Dumfries.

David prepares to take the plunge

ISLE OF BUTE

One giant leap for David Boe Branch Chairman takes on bungee jump for Legion Scotland IN JUNE, the Chairman of Isle of Bute branch raised £630 by jumping from a 160ft crane.

David Boe, 62, served in the 17/21st Lancers and Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry.

He has been a very active member of Legion Scotland for many years and recently became a Trustee. The idea to take on a bungee jump came from a theme

park trip with his family: “Janet’s sons and son-in-law were there. They are all in the forces but none of them would go on the bungee ride with me. I was taking the mickey out of them, so the following Christmas one of them treated me to a bungee jump.”

He decided to turn it into a fundraiser.

David said: “Raising money for the Legion is a huge part of my life. It is nice to do something that can hopefully encourage others to do the same.”

CUMBERNAULD’S CALENDAR GIRLS Branch ladies bare all for fundraiser them to give their time free of charge for a good cause.

Liz also gained the support of Steven McLeod, who kindly allowed the shoot to take place at The Parsonage Stirlingshire, where the ladies were also treated to a beautiful afternoon tea. Chloe Caulfield and Allana Scott took the photographs, with Diz Stratton and

14 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

• Nairn branch members have been paying respects to lives lost in WWI by visiting local Commonwealth War Graves on the 100th anniversary of each person’s passing.

• Aberdeen, Banff & Kincardine area would like to congratulate its golf competition winners and runners-up, from Turriff, Oldmachar and Banchory branches.

• Bridge of Weir Women’s Section branch members held a sponsored walk, with participants including 89-year-old Jean Avril.

They raised around £560.

CUMBERNAULD

LIZ BUCHANAN, Chairperson of Cumbernauld branch’s seniors club, and 13 other lady members have gone topless for a calendar to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice and Erskine Veterans Hospital.

The idea came from a joke on a bus trip, but Liz turned it into reality. She organised photographers and makeup artists, and convinced

• Members of Irvine branch proudly represented Legion Scotland at the town’s traditional Marymass festival in August.

her team looking after hair and make-up.

The ladies’ starring role didn’t end there – they have since worked tirelessly to raise the funds required for print costs.

The calendars are on sale now for £5. Contact Liz on 07789753096 or lizbuchanan@live.co.uk

• Longside branch were joined by local schoolchildren at Longside Cemetery to lay Poppy Crosses on the graves of airmen who lost their lives flying from RAF Peterhead.

• Ex-Gordon Highlander and Banchory branch member Robert Simpson and his granddaughter Alison visited Xeros, Cyprus in June and took part in a Service of Remembrance at Wayne’s Keep.

Looking at the excellent work carried out by our branches and members

LOCAL HERO

Send your inspirational stories to c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk

How a Legion Scotland branch makes sure their community never forgets

LIVINGSTON REMEMBERS

West Lothian Schools Pipes & Drums performing at last year’s Festival of Remembrance and, at foot of page, Branch Chairman Sandy Henderson

F

OR THE Livingston branch, their focus around Remembrance Day is four-fold.

Two events take centre stage: a Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service, and their popular Festival of Remembrance. In addition to these, their War Graves Project sees members lay poppy crosses on around 500 war graves in the area, and the branch fundraises locally for Poppyscotland’s annual appeal.

Branch Treasurer and Event Manager Karen Elliot says: “We held our first Festival of Remembrance in 2012. We had never taken on such a large event

and we didn’t really know how it would be received.”

Year on year, the event has grown. This year’s Festival, on Friday 6 November, will feature performers including West Lothian Schools Wind Ensemble, Carmondean Primary School Choir and local Sea, Army and Air Cadets on parade, in front of an audience of around 300 at Deans Community High School. Tickets are priced at £7.50 each, with profits being invested in a variety of local and national veterans’ causes, including Legion Scotland.

Karen adds: “We’re immensely proud to honour those who sacrificed so much for us. There is fantastic support from the HM Armed Forces family and the

From the very young to the old and bold, everyone displays an unwavering sense of pride, gratitude and patriotism

wider community of West Lothian. From the very young to the old and bold, everyone displays an unwavering sense of pride, gratitude and patriotism.”

The impact of Livingston’s efforts has been considerable.

Together with their engagement with schools and the wider community throughout the year, their remembrance programme ensures that those who fought and died are never forgotten.

West Lothian Council leader John McGinty said: “We are delighted to work with the branch. Through these projects, they help bring the Armed Forces and wider local communities together and promote greater understanding between the two.”

Branch Chairman Sandy Henderson adds: “Many of the old soldiers, sailors and airmen who march on Remembrance Sunday will have memories of friends and comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice. Remembrance is a big part of what the Legion represents.

Livingston branch plays a big role and will continue to do so.”

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 15

HISTORY

JEFF J MITCHELL/GETTY IMAGES

A Remembrance Service at the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge in 2014

ON ARMISTICE DAY

T

HE ARMISTICE marking the end of the First World War was signed in a French railway carriage in the Forest of Compiègne, north of Paris, in the early hours of 11 November 1918. The information was then relayed back to London that the war would finally end at eleven o’clock that morning. The news spread quickly and in most parts of the country it was greeted with scenes of wild enthusiasm. People took to the streets to celebrate a day which many thought might never arrive.

Church bells, silent since August 1914, were rung and as winter darkness fell street lights continued burning and shop windows blazed with light in defiance of the long months of blackout.

In Edinburgh, searchlights played on the Scott Monument and Princes Street was thronged with excited crowds, although The Scotsman noted that, “with the public houses closed early in the evening cases of intoxication were very rare.

The early retiring habits acquired during the war period began to show their sedative influence by ten o’clock after which the city quietened down.”

On the other hand Glasgow was more boisterous: Union flags were flown from office windows as crowds pushed through the streets, 16 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

dancing and cheering behind pipe bands. In Aberdeen, ships’ sirens sounded and in Dundee bunting decorated the ships lying in the harbour, but as The Glasgow Herald reported, the celebrations throughout Scotland were tempered by “a marked restraint – an inclination, while expressing heartfelt gratitude, to remember the days of suffering and loss through which the way to victory had led.”

The magazine Punch, which delighted in making fun of Scottish dourness, caught the moment in a cartoon entitled ‘Armistice Day in the North’ in which two elderly be-whiskered men pass the time of day. “The news is nae sae baad the day”, says one.

“Aye,” replies the other, “it’s improvin’.”

The first Armistice Day commemoration took place the following year when the nation observed two minutes silence on 11 November 1919 at eleven o’clock in the morning.

ANL/R EX SHUTT ERSTOCK

Author, broadcaster and historian Trevor Royle looks at how 11 November 1918 was marked across Scotland

Glasgow’s 1949 Day of Remembrance

LEGION SCOTLAND AT THE LIBRARY

This Armistice Day, Legion Scotland invites you to join us for a special Living Libraries event at the National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Trevor Royle will chair an evening of incredible stories of service, told by veterans and close relatives. The audience will have a chance to ask questions and to see and touch diaries, photos and other memorabilia.

Voices of Veterans Armistice Day event, National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, 11 November, 6pm. Free.

Book on www.nls.uk/events or 0131 623 3734

VETERANS NEWS EMPLOYMENT

Get help finding work NEED A little support? Then Officers Association Scotland may be able to help.

OA Scotland’s services are available to serving officers, retired officers, their widows or widowers and their dependents living in Scotland. Its Employment Services team can help you to find work, or with a change of career. This includes assistance with CVs and interview techniques, supporting you through your move into work and providing links to a network of employment contacts across the country.

OA Scotland also offers welfare services such as emergency funding for unexpected bills you cannot pay, assistance with the cost of mobility vehicles and help with a break if you really need a holiday.

Chief Executive Mary-Clare MacFarlane said: “OA Scotland is proud to continue to support serving and former officers and their dependents in whatever way we can.

We are keen to hear from anyone who thinks we might be able to help, whether it’s through our wider welfare offering or our employment support.”

Call 0131 550 1575 or visit oascotland.org.uk for more information

RECOVERY

Sgt Beharry and Gardening Leave veterans dig for victory

VC HERO OPENS THERAPY GARDEN A REFURBISHED horticultural therapy garden for troubled Armed Forces veterans in Ayrshire, run by charity Gardening Leave, has been officially opened by Victoria Cross hero Sgt Johnson Beharry.

The Gardening Leave project at Auchincruive near Ayr has recently been transformed to make it easier for veterans to use and to support their mental health recovery. The garden now boasts

a network of raised wooden herb, vegetable and flower beds with level garden paths, all thanks to ISS Facility Services Landscaping who built and helped fund the work.

Sgt Beharry joined Gardening Leave veterans, volunteers and staff, local cadets, ISS staff and Ayrshire Provosts Helen Moonie, Joan Sturgeon and Jim Todd to officially rededicate the project.

Leave a gift in your will Legion Scotland helps the Scottish ex-services community by offering comradeship, wellbeing, remembrance and more. After providing for their families, many people leave gifts to charities in their wills. You can help Scotland’s veterans by leaving a share of your estate or a cash gift to Legion Scotland. Your solicitor can outline the options. A fact sheet including suggested wording is available from Legion Scotland.

For more information, or to let us know about a gift you are making, please contact Sheena Stone at s.stone@legionscotland.org.uk or 0131 550 1554

Royal British Legion Scotland: at the heart of Scotland’s veteran community

www.legionscotland.org.uk/support-us/legacy/

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 17

POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS SCHOOLS

Poppy poetry LAST YEAR’S Poppyscotland education competition asked pupils to write a poem in answer to the question “How do past and present conflicts shape our communities?”

Over 2,000 entries were received from schools across the country, with eight shortlisted and a vote held on Poppyscotland’s website.

The winning poem, ‘Soldier Boy’, was written by Holly Brown, an S3 pupil at Nairn Academy. Holly won a camera donated by sponsor Viking Direct, and a poetry workshop for her class. Holly’s poem will also be included in Poppyscotland’s 2015 education materials.

Sarah Normand, a P7 pupil from Abernethy Primary School, was runner-up with her poem ‘Listen’.

The competition formed part of Poppyscotland’s online education project Sowing the Poppy Seed, which is available to every school in Scotland. Designed to fit with the themes of the Curriculum for Excellence, materials and resources can be tailored to any age group.

Visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/ learning for more information on Sowing the Poppy Seed

APPEAL

Poppyscotland needs your help to make this year a great fundraising success

Scottish Poppy Appeal 2015 WHAT DOES wearing a poppy mean to you? Does it mean you remember our Armed Forces community?

That you are against them being disadvantaged or that you want to help them live full lives? Does it mean you care?

Poppyscotland believes it means all these things and is sure Legion Scotland members do too. That’s why its 2015 Scottish Poppy Appeal campaign has a strong call to action: Donate like you mean it. Look out for the TV advert which will air for two weeks on STV from 26 October. Beneficiaries, supporters and volunteers, including Legion Scotland members, will call for the public to give as much as they can.

Last year Legion Scotland members collected over £925,000, which made a huge difference to the Armed Forces

community in Scotland. Poppyscotland thanks members and branches for their incredible support and is asking for your help to make the 2015 Appeal the best ever. Whether you can spare a few hours or even longer your support is greatly appreciated.

Contact Poppyscotland: 0141 338 6585 volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk www.poppyscotland.org.uk/volunteer

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

29 Oct: Edinburgh Poppy Day 2 Nov: Fields of Remembrance open in Edinburgh and Inverness 7 Nov: Poppy Saturday 7 Nov: Evening of Music & Reflection at Edinburgh Field of Remembrance

*Amendment to Scottish Poppy Appeal totals 2014: Ellon Women’s Section £10,669.

FUNDRAISING

Host a toast POPPYSCOTLAND IS inviting Legion Scotland members to get involved in this year’s Poppy Appeal by hosting a Tea & Toast to raise vital funds for the Armed Forces community.

Invite friends, families and colleagues for a mug of tea and a slice of white or, for

something extra special, toast your afternoon tea with a glass of bubbly.

Hosts can charge for refreshments or ask guests to make a donation.

For more information, or help to host your own Tea & Toast, contact Marianne on 0131 550 1578 or m.craig@ poppyscotland.org.uk

18 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Judy Murray enjoys a poppy cake

WELFARE

How Poppyscotland’s tailored support and funding can help the Armed Forces community

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME POPPYSCOTLAND ACKNOWLEDGES that the needs of veterans and their families can change over time. That’s why Poppyscotland’s support changes with them.

It’s often the small things that make a huge difference to those struggling in civvy street but, for a variety of reasons, they can be out of reach for many.

Poppyscotland’s immediate needs grants are wideranging and can help to fund practical things such as travel costs and clothing.

A Poppyscotland home start-up grant can help veterans who are setting up home for the first time or starting again following a period of homelessness or other life-changing event.

These grants help provide the essentials for living and

Poppyscotland provides a range of services offering funding and support to the Armed Forces community living in Scotland. For further information contact Laura Darling on 0131 550 1557 or email l.darling@ poppyscotland.org.uk

A place to relax How Poppyscotland funding helped Nicky deck out his garden NICKY JOINED the Royal Scots at the age of 21 and saw service in Germany, the Gulf War and Northern Ireland before deciding it was time to leave and settle down with his family.

Several years after leaving the Forces, Nicky was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Five years on, his deteriorating physical health meant he had to give up work. “I am a positive person though and the way

a much-needed base to build a better future from.

Veterans who are limited in their daily activities because of a health problem or disability may be able to benefit from a Poppyscotland mobility grant. Not only can Poppyscotland help fund the mobility aid or adaptation required, it can also arrange for an occupational therapy assessment where statutory waiting lists are lengthy.

Poppyscotland can help veterans set up home

I looked at it, it meant I was able to spend more time with my wife. To be honest, I think it was harder for my family to see the changes in me.”

Nicky made major adaptations to his home to enable him to move around easily and freely and Poppyscotland stepped in to fund decking so Nicky could enjoy time in the garden with his wife and his Jack Russell, Walter.

“It’s nice to have the support of Poppyscotland.

I can now spend time in my garden and improve my quality of life because I can

Nicky enjoys his garden deck

sit on the decked area when I am having a bad day.

It’s a peaceful place to relax and reflect. When I was in

the Army I collected for the Poppy Appeal. Now I can see first-hand the work that the charity does.”

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 19

REMEMBRANCE SPECIAL

NEVER FORGET Remembrance Day brings the nation together to pay respects to the fallen, yet it means something personal and unique to every individual

Rolls of honour

20 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MALCOLM COCHRANE

A

TOP THE capital city skyline, at the heart of Edinburgh Castle, stands the Scottish National War Memorial. The impressive structure serves as a powerful reminder not only of the brave lives lost, but of the breadth and complexity of war and its impact.

Many intricate elements pay tribute to specific services and regiments; heed is paid to those left at home; names of the fallen, not only from the World Wars but subsequent conflicts, are contained in rolls of honour.

Legion Scotland Today took a group up to the Memorial to talk about what remembrance means to them.

REMEMBRANCE SPECIAL

Adam thinks back to his time serving in Korea

“IT’S PEOPLE THAT I’VE KNOWN PERSONALLY” Adam McKenzie, Korean War veteran, Argyll and Sutherland Highlander

L-R: Stephen, Pat, Charlotte, Adam and Tony

23 SEPTEMBER 1950: we were in Korea and… we actually got bombed by the Americans. We lost quite a number of people: 50, 60-odd.

We carried people off the hill who were burnt. One was a young officer from the Younger family. He had no skin. We literally took him by the fingertips. He’s still alive today. That one date will never, ever pass out of my memory.

I joined the Army at the end of 1945. I went out to Palestine in 1946, and that was the first time I ever came into any conflict, when the King David Hotel was blown up. We lost a few of our members in that.

Literally it’s people that I’ve

known personally who’ve lost their lives. In 34 years as a service man, I knew quite a few. So although we only celebrate Remembrance in November, it never leaves you. You always remember somebody who passed away.

I’m a member of the Grangemouth branch, and until I got too old and the legs don’t last me any longer, I used to do the Remembrance Parade to the church. Now I go and watch it form up, then my daughter drives me to the church. Every year we change churches. If it’s fairly close to the Memorial, then I’ll walk.

I’m lucky I can get back and forth to these things, you know. Other than that I’d be stuck at home.

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 21

REMEMBRANCE SPECIAL

“PEOPLE USED TO JUST WALK BY THE STREET AND IGNORE IT. I DON’T THINK THEY UNDERSTOOD” Tony Hooman, RCT veteran, served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles REMEMBRANCE DAY to me is a chance to give thanks to all the brave souls who gave their lives and never came back.

Also for the ones who did come back, and who suffered as well.

It gives me great pleasure to see the old soldiers coming out. I feel it’s their day. To see their faces when they come out and parade, and march, and stand there.

Then there’s the two minute silence. That gives me time to remember.

For me, it’s about family members as well, not just military.

I served in the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) in Northern Ireland, in 1972 when the Troubles were there. That was the time when all the bombings came. It was horrendous.

We lost one of our boys out the room. You’d clear his room space and, a day later, somebody else is in there. You just have to carry on. It’s when you get older, somebody will mention his name and you’ll think about it. You’d seen him that morning going out, and never see him coming back.

You’d finish your tour, you’d go back to camp, and then you would realise you’ve lost him. You had to pack his lockers up and stuff. That, to me, is a sombre point.

That will stay with me all my life, that. Really my hardest point in my life, and it still is to this day.

I don’t really talk about it.

I’m probably doing what the older boys did in the Second World War, in that things you see stay within you.

They do.

At remembrance events, I keep myself busy looking after other people. That’s my escape. Then once it’s finished, I take my two minutes, and everything just comes back to me.

I’m Vice Chairman of the Legion Scotland branch in Livingston, and when I took over at first on the parades, only about 10 or 15 people used to come.

I had to go to schools, get a hold of the Cadet forces and educate them. I’d go there and spend nights with them, talk to them, answer their questions.

We have up to 600 people turning up now. People used to just walk by the street and ignore it. I don’t think they understood.

To me, remembrance is all year round. VJ Day, to me, is very personal.

My uncle was executed in Singapore. I’m researching his life, as much as I can get together.

He was only 22 when he got captured. My gran was told that he died at sea. My

22 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Tony has invigorated his local community’s understanding of remembrance

REMEMBRANCE SPECIAL Pat’s father served in WWII

“I WEAR MY FATHER’S MEDALS” Pat Reid, Provost of Falkirk, Trustee of the Scottish National War Memorial

dad, who was Royal Navy, never spoke about anything in the war until he was about 72. Then he told us that his brother didn’t die at sea.

That’s when we started investigating things. We found out that he was taken away by the Japanese on to an island. Once they built the runways and that, they were executed. He was almost forgotten from the family, but we’re writing him back in.

You find that most soldiers, we keep a lot inside ourselves.

It was just, we did our job.

You never thought about it twice. You never asked. It’s only when you come back and you sit in your room. Or else you all go out together, and there’s one missing.

That’s when it hits you.

You go to the associations, and they mention his name.

Or we get photographs out.

Then, he’s there.

The boy I’m talking about, he died in Belfast in a bus station. He was the only soldier. Died helping other people. He didn’t have to die that way, didn’t have to run back in. I’ve always said that to myself. Don’t know why he did it, but that’s us. That’s what a soldier does. Sees civilians in there, under problems, and you just do something.

He didn’t want to be a hero.

He was just a soldier.

FALKIRK HAS a lot of wartime memories. We had the Spitfire airfield at Grangemouth, several Poles were encamped in our area, the Quintinshill rail disaster, when that train left from Larbert. Each of our schools

holds a Remembrance Service, many of which are very touching. The kids obviously feel the poignancy of all these men dying.

My personal connection is my father, who served during the war. He was fortunate enough to come home. I would see him occasionally disappearing into a reverie somewhere. I’m sure his service was on his mind quite

constantly, but only once can I recall him saying something.

He landed on D-Day, and as they moved along towards Belgium, he saw dead German soldiers at the side of the road. He made a comment to the effect that they were just like him, they were just young boys.

I wear my father’s medals to commemoration events as a tribute to him.

“I THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES, SO THAT WE CAN LIVE THE WAY WE LIVE TODAY” Charlotte Hardman, Currently serving Royal Navy Writer at MOD Caledonia REMEMBRANCE TO me is thinking about the people that have given their lives, so that we can live the way that we live today, and the freedom that we have. Remembering the people who sacrificed themselves. I think of my generation, like those who have served in Afghanistan. That’s what I relate to because I have seen it unfolding.

On Remembrance Sunday, I usually represent the Royal Navy at an event. I’ve been up here a couple of times. My favourite part is the Naval wall, to look at it and take it in.

There was a TV programme on a while ago about Orkney in WWI. I thought about

Charlotte feels lucky to live in a safer time

how lucky we are compared to how they were, being on the front line, constantly being attacked. It makes you think about all these people and how everything that’s happened has led to where we are now.

For that we ought to be thankful.

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 23

REMEMBRANCE SPECIAL

“IT’S NOT JUST THE ONE DAY” Stephen Elliott, Royal Navy veteran

I THINK remembrance means different things to different people. Like humility, honour, courage and strength of individuals. Of ships’ companies, regiments, squadrons; coming together for the common good. At any time of any day, not just Remembrance Sunday.

I remember my great-grandfather, who served in the Army. He never spoke about his service, but you always knew that it was something he was exceptionally proud to have done. He served in the First World War, and during the Second World War he served at home, in the Home Guard.

My family, uncles in particular, have served in every one of the Armed Forces: the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. My wife served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service.

As a member of the Royal Navy, I was fortunate enough to take part in many remembrance services across the world.

One in particular was at the war grave of HMS York, sunk on 26 March 1941, during the Battle of Crete.

I suppose, at the time, I didn’t really understand much about it, being a young sailor. Now I know the importance of it, and the importance of what it meant to those people who’d actually served, and actually saw the ship get sunk in 1941.

I remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. I suppose that’s why we are what we are today, when it comes to our country. I remember their families. I remember those who have lifechanging visible and non-visible injuries.

We cannot afford to forget those people who have come home, and who still serve every single day.

Stephen’s relatives have served in all three Armed Forces

I also remember those families who are left behind when people are deployed.

Legion Scotland’s support of those families is really important.

I suppose remembrance is really the whole shebang, it’s not just the one day.

It’s the build-up to it. It’s the poppies and what they mean. It’s about people who will come and give you money, maybe their last penny. The people who will come and put a bundle of notes into a collecting can and don’t want to talk.

You can actually see what it means to them. Whether it’s people they’ve lost or people that are currently deployed.

The whole thing about remembrance, from the music, particularly Nimrod, to the Last Post, to the Laying of the Wreaths: it makes the hair on my neck stand up. It’s quite bizarre, but it does.

It’s a really important time of the year.

The shrine and casket

A MOVING TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN

The Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle is open every day except for Christmas and special events, from 9.30am.

Entry is free. There is a courtesy bus for anyone who would find the steep hill difficult and there are facilities for disabled access.

Visit www.snwm.org or call 0131 226 7393 for more information

24 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Every year the nation rightly honours and pays tribute to its war dead from all conflicts until the present day on Remembrance Sunday.

Last year the display of poppies at the Tower of London touched us all however many thousands of us were left disappointed when we could not obtain one.

To ensure this does not happen again with the Personalised Remembrance Tribute Designs, S&J Marketing are pleased to offer Legion Members the opportunity to buy the Personalised Remembrance Tribute Designs before advertising the designs to the general public nearer Remembrance Sunday.

Order now to secure your glass or wall design.

Each glass order secures a ÂŁ20 donation for Legion Scotland and a ÂŁ10 donation for each of the wall designs.

Promoter: S&J Marketing, 126 Rowan Street, Blackburn, West Lothian, EH47 7EA

BEFRIENDING

David Lewis, Area Secretary for Glasgow and the Western Counties, has been befriending veterans for many years. Recently, he has offered support to fellow veteran Donnie Watt – a former befriender

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS

David Lewis (left) and Donnie Watt (right) discuss their befriending experiences

26 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

“T

HEY AMPUTATED my big toe,” Donnie Watt recalls.

“I’m running out of toes, actually! I don’t mind being flippant about this, but I’m deadly serious about David. He’s worked his butt off.”

The toe incident happened four years ago. Now aged 83, and with his wife in a home, it’s not surprising that Donnie might sometimes need a bit of support. David Lewis, 73, has been providing just that.

A few weeks ago, things got bad again.

“Things got on top of me. My house was broken into twice, my car stolen, my foot amputated. My wife collapsed. I just ran out of gas. Thanks to Dave and the rest of them, I’ve come round and I’m okay now.”

David can’t keep count of the number of people he has helped as a befriender – but his purpose and effect is clear.

“Most of the people I’ve been befriending are veterans, obviously, their wives and families. It’s mostly been to do with illness, bereavement and just general companionship and friendship. To which you go and see them, and let them know they’ve not been forgotten, basically.”

David recently attended Legion Scotland’s new Befriending Training programme.

“I found that very beneficial. One of the most reassuring parts was the insurance that Legion Scotland provides, and the accreditation for Disclosure Scotland.”

A key change to advice on befriending over recent years is encouragement of a one-toone approach. David says: “They feel that if you take two people, it could be intimidating, especially to somebody who is getting on.”

While an individual befriender might not have the resources or expertise to help with, for example, a housing problem, Legion Scotland can put people in touch with other

LEGION SCOTLAND NEEDS YOU

Veterans and their families across Scotland are in need of support, whether it be someone to visit them in hospital, a sympathetic ear when dealing with bereavement or somebody to talk to about problems that could be solved through our signposting service.

Volunteers are invited to give as little as two hours a week, with training and support provided.

Befrienders will be matched with local people in need.

The understanding of a fellow veteran can give great comfort to someone struggling with health issues, loneliness or other difficulties. Don’t underestimate the value your time and conversation could have to someone in need. Those without a military background are also welcome to join the programme.

The next free befriending training event will take place on Saturday 31 October at Turriff and District club, with other locations planned for the future.

Contact Stephen Baird on 0131 550 1560 or s.baird@legionscotland.org.uk for more information or to book your place. New dates are added regularly.

It’s mostly to do with illness, bereavement and general companionship and friendship

In Cumbernauld branch social club

charities and organisations that can help.

“So if somebody has a mental health problem, we’ll signpost them on to Combat Stress or something like that,” David explains. “It’s very, very beneficial for me, as a befriender, to know that I can get help if the problem is a specialist one.”

Legion Scotland’s Ex-Service Community Support Fund can also be useful for veterans with immediate financial needs.

David recalls: “I was involved with an Afghan vet who fell on hard times. He needed some assistance setting up home, and we were able to get him financial help.”

The befriending service needs more people, though, and David urges others, particularly younger members, to get involved.

“Within the next five years, people like me are not going to be able to do this. We have nobody coming up behind us to take this on.”

He adds: “I think the most vulnerable people are those who are sick and those who’ve been bereaved. The bereaved probably need more help from a befriender. If they’re terminally ill, then all you can do really is to support them and go and have a chat.”

“It could get me down,” says Donnie, reflecting on his three years as a befriender.

“But you’re repaid by the good that you’re doing and seeing the difference.”

David smiles and says: “It’s really, really worthwhile, so it is...”

“That’s okay, Dave,” Donnie interjects, “but who’s going to follow you, for God’s sake?”

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 27

Royal Artillery veteran Mark White reveals how his decade-long career helped him on his way to becoming the largest single fundraiser for Legion Scotland to date

Born to

RUN A

T THE age of 22, fitness instructor Mark White decided that he wanted to change the direction of his career. Attracted by the variety of opportunities available through the Armed Forces, he signed up for the Royal Artillery, eager to develop new skills.

“I really enjoyed my military training. I’ve always been passionate about my health so I was already pretty fit when I enrolled. Thanks to the tales of my grandfather, who was in the Army during the Second World War, I had horrible visions of having no chance to eat or sleep, being run around ragged and having to be totally disciplined. When I began training, the discipline and physicality was definitely there but it wasn’t as torturous as I’d been told.

Rather, it was designed to get the best out of you in every situation.”

Bataan Memorial Death March in 2008: a desert marathon

Harold earned a few medals for his efforts

28 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Mark and teammates before the Extreme 5 challenge

I knew I needed to prepare for life after the Army because it wasn’t always going to be there

Mark recently raised over £3,000 for Legion Scotland

As someone who thrives in pressurised environments, Mark found that the intensity of the training did bring out the best in him. During basic training he learned to drive, attended the Royal School of Artillery in Larkhill and completed communications and driving courses before joining his regiment, who were sent out to Cyprus the day after his arrival.

“As I was a similar age to my instructors throughout Phase 2 training, it was much more relaxed. I helped with a lot of training and was always given a level of responsibility. The fact that I enjoyed it so much is testament to my instructors, who all recognised something in me and brought it to the forefront.”

After Cyprus, Mark was based in Woolwich for nearly five years and was promoted to Lance Bombardier. “In 2007, I went out to the Falklands to work on their communications systems as a Bombardier. The facilities there are amazing, although I got a bit of a shock as it was my firstever long-haul flight.” Returning from the Falklands, Mark became more involved in his regiment’s sporting activities, joining its cross-country and basketball teams and gaining hockey and swimming coaching qualifications.

“The Army allowed me to continually develop new skills, which was one of the main reasons I enlisted.

I knew I needed to prepare for life after the Army because it wasn’t always going to be there.”

After volunteering to teach on Leadership, Communications and Field Crafts courses, Mark’s passion for teaching began to blossom. “What I love about teaching is the sense of reward you get from

helping others achieve their goals. I have an intrinsic thirst for knowledge and educating others helps me learn new things every day.

When I began to seriously consider leaving the Army, I concentrated on my passions: teaching, sports and fitness. It’s perfect that I can marry them together in my current role as an Employability Officer at North Lanarkshire College.”

This enthusiasm also flows into Mark’s charity work. A fan of endurance sports, he set a goal of completing an iron man triathlon by the time he was 35. After the City to Summit triathlon was postponed, Mark set his sights on the Arran Man triathlon instead – comprising a 2.4-mile sea swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon to the finish line.

“My wife’s grandfather, Sir Ian Forsyth, has done a lot of work for Legion Scotland and asked me if I fancied raising some money for the charity. I love the work the charity does and it lies close to my heart.”

After a year of training, Mark achieved his goal in July 2015. “It took me 16 hours to complete but I promised myself that I would smile through it all.

I was inundated with messages from friends and family spurring me on and my wife kept everyone updated on my progress. The support I received was unbelievable. I raised more than £3,000 and was so touched by everyone’s generosity. Afterwards, I wasn’t able to wipe the smile off my face – I think my muscles had frozen having been in that position for so long!”

Mark’s fundraising efforts haven’t slowed down and he is currently in training for the Glasgow Great Scottish Run half marathon. “I’m running it with friends in memory of one of our colleagues who sadly lost her battle with cancer a few months ago.

It’ll be a nice way to remember her because she was a lovely woman.”

Looking back on his career, Mark reflects on how the Royal Artillery led him to where he is today.

“I always managed to be in the right place at the right time. I really enjoy having time to spend with my wife and the stability of being home. I do miss the relationships you build in the Forces but I know that they’re only a message away.”

SHARE YOUR STORY

Voices of Veterans is a Legion Scotland campaign paying tribute to brave veterans of all ages by sharing their stories. If you have a story to share, whether you left service yesterday or 50 years ago, or know someone with a story and would like to nominate them, let us know. Please contact Christie McMonagle on 0131 550 1549 or at c.mcmonagle@legionscotland.org.uk

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 29

COME AND SEE US FIND YOUR NEAREST LEGION SCOTLAND BRANCH

LEGION SCOTLAND has nearly 170 branches across Scotland, from Kirkwall to Dumfries, and the Isle of Bute to Edinburgh.

Every branch is run by volunteers and every one is different. What they all have in common is their desire to work towards improving the circumstances of ex-service people across Scotland. When you join your local branch of Legion Scotland

ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE 01224 707 768

Aberdeen Aboyne Alford Ballater & District Banchory Buckie & District Bucksburn Dufftown Ellon Fraserburgh Fyvie Inverurie Keith & District Kincardine O’Neil Longside Lumphanan Methlick New Deer New Pitsligo Oldmachar Oldmeldrum Peterhead Stonehaven Strichen Tarves & District Turriff & District Upper Donside ANGUS & PERTHSHIRE 07530 380 545

Alyth Arbroath Blairgowrie, Rattray & District Braco & Greenloaning Brechin Callander & District Carnoustie

City Of Dundee Crieff Dunblane Dunkeld & Birnam Forfar Montrose Perth Pitlochry & Blair Atholl AYRSHIRE 01294 552 013

Ayr Cumnock & District Garnock Valley Irvine Isle of Bute Kilmarnock Kilwinning Largs Maybole Monkton & Prestwick Muirkirk Saltcoats, Ardrossan & Stevenston Troon BORDERS 01361 883 696

Coldstream Duns Eyemouth Galashiels Hawick Jedburgh Kelso Liddesdale Melrose Peebles Selkirk & Ettrick Forest St Boswells

your membership also entitles you to use any other branch across Scotland.

A separate fee may apply for using a branch with a club.

To make it easier to find the branch closest to you, we’ve split Scotland into nine areas and have listed the branches in each area in alphabetical order. Those branches listed in BLUE also have a Legion Scotland club affiliated to them.

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY 07849 828 413

Annan Castle Douglas Dalbeattie Dumfries & Maxwelltown Gatehouse & District Langholm Moffat Newton Stewart Sanquhar Stranraer Thornhill EDINBURGH & THE LOTHIANS 0131 550 1590

Bathgate Bonnyrigg Cockenzie & Port Seton Dalkeith Dunbar Edinburgh Central Edinburgh HQ Linburn Livingston Longniddry Newbattle & Gorebridge Penicuik Portobello Prestonpans Roslin FIFE 07904 817 917

Anstruther Ceres & District Crail

30 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

Crossgates Cupar Dunfermline Glenrothes Kennoway Kirkcaldy Leven Markinch Newburgh St Andrews Tayport GLASGOW & WESTERN COUNTIES 01324 872 146/ 07979 006 536

Biggar & District Bridge of Weir Campbeltown Clackmannanshire & District Cumbernauld Dunoon Easdale East Kilbride Forth Glasgow HQ Grangemouth Hamilton Helensburgh Inverary Knightswood Millport Milngavie & Bearsden Newton Mearns Oban Paisley Comrades Stirling HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS 01463 233 743

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS

ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE

ANGUS & PERTHSHIRE GLASGOW & WESTERN COUNTIES

Assynt Aviemore & Rothiemurchus Badenoch Beauly Black Isle Canisbay & District Creich & Kincardine Dingwall Dornoch Forres Fort Augustus Fort William Glenurquhart Golspie Helmsdale Invergordon Inverness Kirkwall Latheron Lerwick Lewis Lochalsh Lochbroom Lossiemouth Nairn North Skye Rogart & Lairg Sanday Scalloway Strathpeffer Strathspey Stromness Tain Thurso Uist Wick RIDERS BRANCH 07884 004890

Across the country

FIFE EDINBURGH & THE LOTHIANS

AYRSHIRE

BORDERS

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

FURTHER AFIELD 0032 (0) 57 365 152

Passchendaele, Belgium HEADQUARTERS BRANCH 0131 550 1583

Ideal for those abroad, or with no branch nearby WOMEN’S SECTION 07826 104879

Arbroath Ayr & Prestwick Bridge of Weir Coldstream Crail Dingwall Dunbar Earlston Ellon Forfar Galashiels Glenrothes Inverness Inverurie Jedburgh Larkhall Loanhead Lossiemouth Methilhill Montrose Oldmachar Oldmeldrum Paisley Stonehaven Turriff

09/2014 Veterans 10:25 Assist_SLN_Summer14.indd 1

attle

04/07/2014 11:46

www.veterans-assist.org

ock

We will remember them

ns

Tens of thousands of merchant seafarers sacrificed their lives during times of conflict.

hem fight it e.

Wherever and whenever you served, you can get information, advice and guidance from our website. Whether you’re a veteran or are helping a veteran, Veterans Assist can provide you with information on Housing, Employment, Health, Support and Comradeship activities happening in your area:

Sailors’ Society has supported seafarers through 200 years of war and peace.

We continue to care for them today.

To help support our ongoing mission visit: www.sailors-society.org

s (1939-1945 Star)

mation visit

(Korea 1950-1953) (GSM 1962-Present) (South Atlantic1982) (Iraq 2003)

Providing a single point of contact for veterans whenever and whatever they need.

www.veterans-assist.org

‘

091

Veterans Scotland New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh, EH7 4HR, Tel: 0131 550 1569. Veterans Scotland is a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in Scotland, SC239808. Registered as a Charity in Scotland, Scottish Charity Number SC033880

line.org Registered Charity in England & Wales No: 237778

Sailor Society_SL_Aut_14.indd 1 05/2014 11:19

17/09/2014 Veterans 10:25 Assist_SLN_Summer14.indd 1

Opening 2014: Bellrock 30/09/2014 Close, Glasgow 51 new flats for let to Armed Forces veterans

 21 one and two bedroom independent

09:49

For Some Veterans, Every Day is a Battle Every Day For Some Veterans,

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is let a Battle We won’t them fight it alone.

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SVR is a registered Charity No. SC015260 Email: info@svronline.org Phone:0131 556 0091

Scot Legion_QUART VERT.indd 1

04/07/2014 11:46

Registered Charity SC015260

Registered Charity SC015260

02/05/2014 11:19

FORCES UPDATE ROYAL NAVY

ARTFUL REACHES THE CLYDE Nation’s largest submarine reaches Faslane THE UK’S newest nuclear-powered submarine, Artful, has arrived at its new home on the Clyde. Scotland’s senior naval officer Rear Admiral Jon Weale welcomed the 7,400 tonne attack submarine, which is the third boat in the seven-strong Astute-Class, during ARMY

2015/CROWN COPYR IGHT

Royal inspection

a ceremony at the Faslane Naval Base near Helensburgh.

Artful will be commissioned into the Royal Navy later in the year, when she will officially become one of Her Majesty’s Submarines. Featuring advanced communications equipment and stealth technology, the Astute-Class of submarines are the largest and most powerful vessels the Royal Navy has

ever operated. Faslane Naval Base will be home to all seven vessels, with HMS Astute and HMS Ambush already based there.

Artful left its construction hall at the Devonshire Dock Hall in Barrow-inFurness, Cumbria, in May last year.

THOM AS MCDONA LD/C

ROW N COPY RIGH T

Latest news from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force

ROYAL AIR FORCE

RAF enjoys major Tattoo role

SHE MAY have been on holiday but that didn’t stop the Queen from inspecting the soldiers who guarded her during her stay at Balmoral Castle.

The Royal Highland Fusiliers and the 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS) lined up outside the gates for the traditional inspection, which formally marked the beginning of the Queen’s stay. Accompanying 2 SCOTS was their mascot, Cruachan IV, a five-year-old Shetland gelding.

The Royal Family makes a visit to the Aberdeenshire castle every summer: a tradition that was established by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert after they fell in love with the area in 1852. Ever since, generations of royals have made the journey north, where throngs of jovial crowds meet them.

32 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

THIS YEAR’S Edinburgh Military Tattoo marked the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain with an RAF-packed line-up.

The Massed Bands of the Royal Air Force performed with the Queen’s Colour Squadrons and Typhoons were flown over by RAF Lossiemouth’s 1 (Fighter) Squadron. Led by the creative vision of Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs, RAF Principal Director of Music and 2015 Tattoo Director of Music, iconic songs including ‘Aces High’ and ‘Battle of Britain

March’ were featured. Pipers and drummers from RAF Lossiemouth Pipe Band, and 2622 (Highland) Squadron Pipes and Drums were also involved, with service and civilian members volunteering to take part.

Across the month, a variety of RAF bases opened the show with impressive flypasts. Chefs and caterers from RAF Lossiemouth’s Catering Squadron provided silver service dining for guests, including First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford.

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2015 CPL DAVE BLACKBURN/ MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT

MARK OWENS/LEGIO N SCOTLA ND

Battle of Britain tribute featured Typhoon flyover

SPONSORED BY

IN MEMORIAM

LAST POST

Paying tribute to recently departed Legion Scotland members from across the country ABERDEEN

Thomas Blythman

It is with profound sadness that the committee and members of the Aberdeen branch report the sudden death of their President, at the age of 88 years.

Tommy served for many years as President, and prior to that was involved with the branch and social club, then the joint executive committee. He acted as escort to the Branch Colours at numerous parades. He was a gentleman who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

HELENSBURGH

George (Jonny) Walker

Jonny passed away suddenly on 31 December 2014, aged 63, at home in Clynder. He was diagnosed with throat and lung cancer five months into retirement.

Staff Sergeant Walker served with the Cameronians, KOSB Military Band and REME over 25 years and spent 22 years in MOD Police. His tours of duty include Osnabruck, Berlin, Cyprus and Bordon.

George joined the Helensburgh branch of Legion Scotland when it was reconstituted 17 years ago and he eventually became Parade Marshal, helping to organise the Festival of Remembrance and the Remembrance Parades for several years.

He leaves his wife Pat and sister Wendy, brothers-in-law Richard and Simon, sister-in-law Margaret and his beloved dogs.

HQ

Alexander McMillan

Alex, aged 85 years, was born in Port Glasgow but settled in Bingham, Edinburgh.

An ex-soldier and, for many years, a member of Edinburgh Central branch, Alex was a treasurer for the branch for many years and later became a member of the HQ branch. A well-liked man, he will be sadly missed. Alex is survived by his wife Wilma and many offspring.

LEGION SCOTLAND

Douglas Johnston

Douglas joined Edinburgh City Police in November 1958 and thereafter served in Lothian and Borders working in various divisions and retiring as a chief inspector in October 1990.

He held the post of Legion Affairs Officer very successfully at New Haig House from 1995 to 2003. His knowledge of the licensing trade helped most of the Legion Social branches and clubs throughout Scotland with

their many and varied questions on the subject. He arranged many Remembrance Parades throughout Scotland during his time in office.

After retiring, Douglas served as Chairman of the Edinburgh and Lothians branch of SSAFA for eight years. He is survived by his wife Beryl, son Paul and daughter Carol.

His wise counsel was appreciated by all who knew him.

WICK

Hugh M Gunn

Hugh died after a short illness on 13 June, at the Town and County Hospital in Wick.

He was Treasurer/ Secretary of Wick branch for 40 years and was a dedicated member. He attended to the care and maintenance of the war memorial along with the rest of his duties.

Born and brought up in Lybster, he was 87 years old. He had been postmaster of the village for 39 years.

Devoted husband to Joey, dear father to Fiona and the late Hamish, grandfather to Karen, Lorna and Audrey, he will be sadly missed.

Co-operative Funeralcare supports Legion Scotland Scotland’s leading funeral provider, Co-operative Funeralcare is offering an exclusive deal to Legion Scotland members. A discount of £150 is available on Pre-paid Plans purchased by members, for themselves and their immediate family. Co-operative Funeralcare will also give £100 to Legion Scotland for every Pre-paid Plan purchased.

Call 0800 3898377 and quote the code LEG15 to purchase, or visit www.co-operativefuneralcare.co.uk for more information

AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk 33

HISTORY

DAVIES

Haig inspects a Guard of Honour in June 1919

This December marks the centenary of our founder Earl Douglas Haig’s appointment as Chief of the British Expeditionary Force

LEGION SCOTLAND’S LEADING LIGHT

B

ORN IN Edinburgh in 1861, Douglas Haig attended Oxford University before training at Sandhurst Royal Military College and serving in India and the Boer War. When Britain declared war on Germany in 1914, Lieutenant General Haig commanded 1st Corps of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF).

Having led with distinction at Mons and First Ypres, Haig’s capable reputation contributed to him succeeding Sir John French as the Commander in Chief of the BEF on 10 December 1915.

After orchestrating the Battles of the Somme and Passchendaele in 1916 and 1917 respectively, Haig oversaw the successful British advances

34 AUTUMN 2015 www.legionscotland.org.uk

on the Western Front, which led to victory for the Allied Forces in 1918 and brought the war to its end.

Haig refused his earldom until the government improved veterans’ pensions in 1919. Upon retirement in 1921, he continued to fight for the welfare of ex-service men – including establishing our very own organisation.

John was proud to serve his country ... now Erskine is proud to care for us both

Scottish charity No, SC006609

Erskine specialise in nursing, residential, respite and dementia care for veterans. If you, or your spouse, have served as a Regular, Reservist or were in the National Service you may be eligible for care.

For information contact Care Home Admissions Department:

0141 814 4538

www.erskine.org.uk Glasgow . Edinburgh . Erskine . Bishopton

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