The Royal British Legion Scotland

Origin How it all began!

The Royal British Legion Scotland arose from the ashes of the First World War when many thousands, returning to a "land for heroes to live in" faced unemployment, starvation and widespread misery in a country disorganised by the problems of rehabilitating four million soldiers.

The one man capable of uniting the many ex-service organisations, which had sprung up, and welding them into a new powerful and universal body capable of dealing with the multiplicity of post war problems was Field Marshal Earl Haig who had led our armys final victory in France.

The Royal British Legion Scotland was formed under his leadership at a meeting in the Usher Hall; Edinburgh on 18th June 1921 and from the inception has enjoyed Royal Patronage. The first Patron was HRH the Prince of Wales, followed by his brother King George VI, both of whom had seen active Service in the First World War. In 1952 our present Queen became Patron and the following year Prince Philip was elected as an Ordinary Member by the Annual Conference. Prince Charles was elected some years later and in 1987, in Inverness, Prince Andrew was also elected.

The aftermath of the Second World War and later campaigns in many parts of the world added to the legacies of the 1914-18 holocaust; our work in helping ex-service men and women has never ceased.

"THE LEGION HAS A VITAL ROLE AS CUSTODIAN OF REMEMBRANCE"

One of the main aims of the Legion is to perpetuate the memory of those who died in the service of their Country. The Legion is proud to undertake this duty each year on Remembrance Sunday when it organises remembrance Services and Parades in every town and village in the land.

Through its Branches and Branch Clubs, the Legion preserves the spirit, fellowship and comradeship so well known to all who have served in Her Majesty's Forces.

Through eighty one years of an active life the Legion has been guided and continues to be guided by its simple motto "Service not Self"

Royal British Legion Standard

The British Legion was formed in 1921 and adopted the branch standard in the same year. In 1971, when granted the title 'Royal', the Legion asked the College of Arms if they might add a crown to their badge. It was not usual for the title 'Royal' to confer the right to a crown badge, but it was approved by the Queen on 27 September 1971 in view of the fact that the Royal Canadian Legion already had a crown badge.

It was noted in correspondence on the matter that technically the Standard was a Blue Ensign and had been adopted without authority. The Deputy Under Secretary of State (Navy) wrote that after half a century of use the Navy had no objection to the Standard and that the addition of a crown was a matter for the Home Office. The design of the badge, for use on the Legion's stationery, Standard and as a lapel badge was approved by the Queen 6 July 1972. Public Record Office HO 290/46.

I imagine that there may still be some Branch Standards that have not been replaced since 'Royal' was added to the name. The National Standard has a badge, but most Branch Standards do not seem to have the badge, which probably adds considerably to the cost. David Prothero, 12 November 2002

The official website of The Royal British Legion Scotland shows a standard with the name "the Royal British Legion Scotland" in full so the local branches might have it too, instead of simply "British Legion". If you look at a picture from a RBL parade in Scarborough you will notice that on at least some of the standards, the inscription seems to include "the royal". On the other hand, it might simply be that the image we have shown above is wrong and all branches (Scottish or not) have it.
Marc Pasquin, 30 May 2004