The Royal British Legion Lyme Regis Branc

Unveiling of the new Clock on Marine Parade at the openng of the New Parade

2011-08-26T06:13:00.000+01:00

This clock is in line with the history of the Maring parade clock . It is completely new but of a copy cat design of the old one. The Royal Bridih Legion give there gratefull thanks to the Lyme Regis Town Council for there generosity in there finacial aid and the resiteing of the clock.

Lyme Regis War Memorial

2011-05-18T16:33:00.005+01:00

At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them

Poppy Appeal 2010 Lyme Regis

2010-11-13T16:46:00.034Z

Members of the Lyme Regis British Legion The Mayor and residents honoured the fallen in there service to our country on Saturday 13th November at the cemetery and the Polish war memorial in Anning road. Each service grave has a cross put on it.

2010-11-11T18:58:00.007Z

November 11th 2010 The Mayor, Town Clerk Legion President, Chairman members and residents of Lyme Regis attended the ceremony at the local war memorial. At the going down of the sun we will remember them

The opening of the Poppy appeal at Cerne Abbas

2010-10-30T04:52:00.040+01:00

On Friday I attended Cerne Abbas for the opening of the Dorset Poppy appeal. I have enclosed a copy of the event and some pictures. It was really a great event and gave the appeal a tremendous send off. The unveiling of the Poppy on the hill next to the well known Cerne Abbas figure was the feature of the event. The parade of the standards and the ceremony did Dorset credit. After the event the village hall was open for tea coffee and bites which was excellent . Well done all those concerned in this event. Our guest for the day was a 90 year old member pictured here

Some Pictures by kind permission of Finbarr Webster.

2010-10-30T04:50:00.002+01:00

Introduction and Reading “In Flanders Fields”, Lt. Col. Howard Fairman, MBE

The Last Post by Mr Marcus Adams

The Exhortation spoken by Maj. Gen. R C Keightley,CB, County President

TWO MINUTES SILENCE

The Reveille - Mr Marcus Adams

Kohima spoken by Maj. Gen. R C Keightley,CB

The Soldier’s Prayer - The Very Reverend Allan Woods TD

Fanfare to Launch the Appeal - Mr Marcus Adams

Declaration by County Chairman – Mr John Hurst

Unveiling of Giant’s Poppy

Eulogy to Bill Kenely

2010-07-05T22:24:00.002+01:00

The Chairman and Mr Keith Austin attended the funeral of the late Bill Kenely on 21st June. The following is a Eulogy from the Chairman in memory of Bill:

"Today, there are still among us some who have served their country and Mankind in an exemplarily way, taking a quiet and sincere satisfaction from having contributed to a greater and better cause than their own gratification.
These men and women are a part of a special breed; people of moral substance, coveting the sincere belief that they have answered the call and done their best for their country.
Into this category undoubtedly dwells Bill Kenely whose life we give thanks for today. As chairman of Lyme Regis Branch of the Royal British Legion I feel especially honoured to be paying this tribute to a man who has been such a final example to us all; a man who clearly felt a great sense of pride in the call to fight for his country but who carried it with great dignity and modesty.
Members of the Lyme Regis Branch of the Royal British Legion are always privileged to recognise and honour ex service personnel such as Bill whose instant response to the call to arms and whose unselfish way of life are so inspirational to all who care.
Therefore, it gave the branch a real buzz when our President, Cecil Quick, presented Fusilier Bill Kenely with his war medals for the second time during a short, but heartfelt, ceremony recently.
Bill served for two years during the extremely traumatic campaign in India and Burma and was the fourth generation of his family to have served in the British Army. Naturally, he was very proud of that and with his time with the Lancashire Fusiliers.
However, his well-earned array of medals, including the much-revered Burma Star, which he wore on very special occasions, looked the worse for wear after 63 years. and it was only fitting that such a symbol of dedicated service should be re ribboned, cleaned and remounted.
As I have indicated, Bill was in many ways a very quiet and private man. but we know that he kept very happy, sometimes poignant, memories of time in the Army and in life. Perhaps, there are others more aware of the details of his early life, but we in the branch were always conscious of his endearing qualities.
So now we says goodbye to Bill, confident in the sure and certain knowledge that he is now serving in a much higher regiment, having received the commendation from his "Commander in Chief - "Well done thou good and faithful servant.""

A weekend many years ago. there are no pictures in this story it does not need them

2010-05-30T01:50:00.013+01:00

Attacked by an enemy on land and sea this weekend many years ago at Dunkirk. A fleet of small ships left these shores to bring home some of our forces that were left stranded on the beaches of France. Many families have a story to tell about the heroism and loss that weekend. My family is one of them. My eldest brother a warrant office in the army had walked to the beach with many others during the night and all day.He then got into the water and headed for the boats that had come to rescue them which eventually they did. Not until years later did he find out that he had waded passed the boat that my other brother, who is still with us I am glad to say was in the navy picking up anyone they could.The Royal Eagle paddle steamer was the boat. Over 300.00 thousand were saved with this armada of boats something this nation should not forget the debt we owe to them. The attack was continuously it was a most remarkable escape.At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.

Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance

2010-03-22T14:17:00.006Z

The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne Kings Domain.
The shrine was built in Remembrance of those who served and those who died in the great war of 1914/18 and other conflicts and peace keeping duties since.
The Chairman and his wife were in Melbourne for Australia Day, 26th January, and were able to visit the Shrine for the 21 gun salute and flypast ceremony.

Monumental Walk

2010-03-15T13:17:00.004Z

Matt Hollox is walking around the UK pushing a very large fridge. He aims to raise £3 million for service charities, with the majority being donated to the National Memorial Arboretum -home to The Armed Forces Memorial.
He arrived in Lyme Regis on 13th March where he was welcomed by members of the Branch. He had an overnight stay at the Nag's Head for a well deserved rest before setting off for Honiton.

Visit to Westminster Abbey 11th November 2009. A Service to Mark The Passing of The World War One Generation

2009-11-25T17:34:00.019Z

On Wednesday 11th November 2009 my wife and I accepted an invitation to a service to mark the passing of the World War One Generation It was a most wonderful occasion to be invited to.

Those invited had to have a relation who had served in the first world war. My father served in that war and was at one of the first battles to take place at Nery in November 1914 and then Ypres and after all that survived the war.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were also there .

We Will Remember Them...

2009-08-10T21:05:00.005+01:00

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Michael Emmett has passed away. He was for many years the Standard Bearer of our branch and he did so with honour and bearing attached to the position. He will be sadly missed by all.

The funeral service will take place at St Michael’s Parish Church at 2 pm on Tuesday 18th August 2009.
Family flowers only but donations can be made to The Firefighters Charity or the Calbury Unit at Weymouth Hospital.

Last Tommy Dies Aged 111

2009-07-26T09:55:00.002+01:00

The last British Survivor of the trenches, Harry Patch, died at his care home in Somerset on Saturday morning. Harry's death comes just one week after the death of Henry Allingham and marks the end of an era in British history.

Only one other British survivor of World War I remains and that is Claude Choules who served in the Royal Navy and now lives in Australia.

Henry Allingham Crosses the Bar

2009-07-18T13:22:00.012+01:00

Henry Allingham, the worlds oldest man and only one of two British survivors from World War One, died this morning at 03:10 hrs at St Dunstans care Home in Ovingdean.

In an interview with the Daily Mirror in 2006 , Henry was quoted as saying ...

"Whenever I saw people wearing poppies, it reminded me of my time in France when death and the fear of death was as near to me as the poppies growing in the fields.
Age has made my eyesight fail and I can no longer see the symbolic red flowers. But when someone near tells me they're wearing a poppy, I always ask if I can feel them. It's comforting to know that people are still paying their respects.
And that is all a poppy represents - respect. All this talk of wearing white poppies, red poppies and no poppy at all is getting away from the point. Pinning a poppy to your chest is a sign that you are remembering all those men who didn't want war, but volunteered anyway and had no idea of the horror and brutality they would face."

Henry, you will be sadly missed and although you wished for people to forget you I hope you will forgive us in paying tribute to you. You faced the same horrors as those who did not make it back and you kept their memory alive for future generations.

In remembering them...

We will Remember You.

Kitson & Trotman Support Armed Forces Day

2009-06-27T10:49:00.008+01:00

Solicitors Kitman & Trotman are showing their support for Armed Forces Day by flying the new flag from their office in Lyme Regis. The flag was raised at 10:30 on 22nd June by Royal Marine Cadet Adam Figgins whose mother Sharon is a member of staff at the Lyme Regis Office. Adam is hoping to join the Armed Forces in September. Members of the Lyme Regis Branch of the Royal British Legion were also in attendance for the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag.

The first UK Armed Forces Day will be taking place on Saturday 27 June 2009. It is an annual day to celebrate the work of the Armed Forces community.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the nation to show its support for our Service men and women, whether veteran or still serving. It’s an opportunity to honour and celebrate the work they do in support of our country

Photograph courtesy of View From Publishing Ltd

Lyme Regis Branch Vice President - named in HM The Queen’s 2009 Birthday Honours List

2009-06-13T22:14:00.002+01:00

You will by now, I am sure, have received the news of the award of the MBE to Bill Reed.I have given my thoughts to the Lyme Regis News and hope they will embrace yours as well. It is a great honour for Bill ,and his family, to have the highest recognition awarded for all the work that he has put in over the years for individuals, the community, the Royal British Legion and for many other organisations locally. He has shown sincere concern for the welfare of others in spite of his own disabilities. As his friends and collegues we share this opportunity to honour his achievements.

Ken Whetlor
Chairman
Royal British Legion. Lyme Regis Branch

2009 Annual Quiz

2009-05-29T11:40:00.004+01:00

This year the Quiz was held in the Nag's Head. A good night was had by all and over £150 was raised. It was good to see the return of Rev John Harrission wha has been very ill for many months now.

Lyme Regis Branch ventures out!

2009-04-06T21:31:00.008+01:00

Saturday 4th April saw the first outing for many years when 26 of the Lyme Regis branch attended the 70th Anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Armoured Corps at Bovington Tank Museum. In glorious spring weather, the group saw displays of tanks from all ages culminating in a parachute freefall display and a cavalcade of the most recent armour currently on operations around the world.

Future events will be published in the local press, Branch Newsletter and website as details become available.

New Legion Committee Appointments

2009-02-06T10:16:00.025Z

The first General Committee meeting of 2009 was held on 5th February. This was precedeed by a meeting of the newly appointed Welfare Committee.

Royal British Legion welcomes new welfare secretary
The Lyme Regis branch of the Royal British Legion has a new welfare secretary, Ania Driver, who succeeds Bill Reed after over 50 years of service to the branch. Mr. Reed continues to play an important role in the branch as a valuable committee member, honorary Vice President and advisor to Mrs. Driver to ensure a smooth transition.

The Welfare secretary is arguably the most important position on the branch committee as the welfare of beneficiaries ie Service personnel, Veterans or dependant family members, is at the core of all Royal British Legion activity.

Ania herself comes from a military background in that she served with the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Navy Nursing service for four years and is the widow of Royal Marine Terry Driver who saw active service in the,Northern Ireland and Cyprus.

Should any beneficiary feel in need of assistance from the branch, Ania can be contacted by mobile on 07971 631380. There are a number of ways in which the branch can assist its beneficiaries including hospital transport, hospital/home visits, financial support and advice. Mrs. Driver’s cheerful determination will ensure that as much as possible will be provided to assist confidentially any beneficiary

The Branch welcomed guest speaker Beverley Harrison, the Dorset County Secretary. Beverley gave a summary of the the Dorset Annual Conference and presented the Medium Branch Poppy Appeal Cup to the 2008 Poppy Appeal Organiser, Angela Manners. The Cup is awarded to the Branch which has shown the largest annual increase in donations to the Poppy Appeal.

Royal British Legion Lyme Regis Branch AGM.

2008-11-28T11:31:00.003Z

Last evening the AGM of the Lyme Regis Branch was held at the Woodmead Hall. All details of the elected members of the committees and vacancies will be put up here as soon as possible . Including the minutes etc.

Remembrance 2008

2008-11-11T23:08:00.004Z

11:00 Saturday 8th November at the Polish Airmen's memorial in Anning Road.

Cancellation

2008-10-25T21:59:00.004+01:00

It is with much regret that the Lyme Regis Branch of the Royal British Legion has cancelled its Festival of Remembrance service for this Sunday evening.

2008-10-06T12:22:00.022+01:00

Noteable Dates
Details of our upcoming events can be found on our information page

Pilgrimage to Belgium

2008-10-02T22:55:00.010+01:00

Dave Humphrey and his partner Tracy Hodder, also a Legion member, recently had the opportunity to tour some of the battlefields of Flanders. Dave was able to trace a number of the graves of Lyme Regis men and paid his respects by placing a cross at their last resting place. Dave and Tracy were very moved by their visit and hope to revisit next year.

Remembrance Day will soon be here

2008-09-20T08:43:00.004+01:00

Skittles

2008-09-12T11:45:00.002+01:00

The skittles season is once more upon us and the Legion team have got off to a good start winning the Cornish Cup match against "Clueless" on Wednesday 10th September at the Ship Inn.
The final score was "Royal British Legion" 383, "Clueless" 378.
Our highest scoring player this week was Bob Kendrick with 74.

Our next match is on Friday 19th September in the Pilot Boat where we will be playing against the "No Hopers".

If you wish to come along and support us please do. The match starts at 20:00.

We Will Remember Them

2008-09-07T08:01:00.008+01:00

James Edward Hogg
13th August 2008
Aged 79

Meeting 4th September 2008 Request

2008-09-05T10:39:00.005+01:00

To all members

At the quarterly meeting last evening I was requested by the members to draw up a three year plan prior to the next AGM.It will be quite easy to review of what we have achieved and what we are good at but I would like members views on what we need to improve and the branch objectives for the future.

Kenneth Whetlor Chairman

Walking in the Footsteps of Heroes

2008-09-01T09:52:00.012+01:00

Please click on the above article for an account of how a designer from the Royal Mint found inspiration on the First World War battlefields when designing a commerorative coin set for the 90th Aniversary of the end of World War I.

Disclaimer. This article is reproduced for information only. The Royal British Legion is in no way connected with the manufacture or sale of these coins.

For all members please try and support this event

2008-07-20T09:25:00.007+01:00

The New Vice President of the Lyme Regis Branch Royal British Legion Mr Bill Reed

2008-07-06T10:38:00.014+01:00

At the last committee meeting it was unanimously decided to make Mr Bill Reed, an outstanding member of the branch, a Vice President. With his work for the Legion over the years and the welfare support he has given to others it is a most deserved honour. Congratulations Bill

Veterans Evening at the Pilot Boat.

2008-06-28T10:03:00.015+01:00

Some of the legion members who were presented with their well deserved badges

Some of the branchCommittee photos by Francesca Evans

This evening was a great success.

Howard Fairman, our guest of honour, was surprised by the numbers present and was sure that next year there would be even more. The top photo shows the people who were presented with their badges on the night. As remarked by our events manager " a pleasant evening of good old fashioned camaraderie and inter-service banter/baiting. Just like the old days !

Major Stuart Buckland late of the Cheshire Regiment Vice President of the Lyme Regis British Legion passed away this day.

2008-06-11T19:45:00.017+01:00

Major Buckland's Funeral will take place on Thursday 19th June at 14:00 hrs in St Michael's Church Lyme Regis . The Lyme Regis Standard Bearer will be in attendance at the church.

Quiz night 2008

2008-05-29T05:27:00.009+01:00

A well supported quiz this time and a very enjoyable evening was had by all . All monies taken going to the poppy

appeal

Blessing of the Boat Ceremony

2008-04-28T21:01:00.004+01:00

This is an annual event organised by the RNLI which takes place on Rogation Sunday.

Members of the Committee were in attendance including the Deputy Standard Bearer who was making his first public appearance since taking up the post. Our Chairman was also present despite recovering from a recent hip operation.

Our President and Deputy Standard Bearer Pictured with members of the RNLI

We Will Remember Them

2008-04-22T12:29:00.003+01:00

Col. D Fenner Rtd
10th April 2008

Polish War Memorial Anning Road in full bloom.

2008-03-27T21:12:00.004Z

A presentation of medals

2008-03-07T19:32:00.005Z

Wearing his medals with pride.

Proud veteran of WWII Burma Bill Kenely of Staples Terrace was
re-presented with his service medals at a short ceremony at the Royal British Legion Meeting on Thursday.

Events Co-ordinator for the Legion David Manners noticed last Remembrancetide that Bill’s Burma Star medal was attached to his jacket by only a small piece of black cotton tape.

My first thought said former RNR Lt.Cdr Manners was “here’s a man who saw active service in the far east and his medals have seen a lot better days. So I decided, with Bill’s consent, to get his medals re-ribboned, cleaned and mounted.”

Bill served for two years in India and Burma and is the fourth generation of his family to have served in the British army. Bill was with the Lancashire Fusiliers.

“Some people may think nowadays why bother to rejuvenate such medals after 63 years? I have no doubt in my mind having seen Bill Kenely on Thursday. He is proud of what he achieved, full of painful, sad and sometimes fond memories and determined to wear his “new” medals with the dignity they rightly deserve.

In conclusion Mr. Manners stressed that the task was paid for privately and did not involve Royal British Legion funds.

Photos: Fusilier Bill Kenely receiving his medals for a second time presented by RBL President Cecil Quick.

The Burma Star and the 1939-1945 war medal.

..............Please read below the Photograph...........

2008-02-08T16:44:00.000Z

Dear Mr.,Ms.
In Margraten (Holland) is a large WWII cementry. In 2005 I adopted the burial place of Orson Wareham of 1st divison 16th infantry. Mr. Wareham entered the war in 1942 and died in Germany on the 8th of April 1945. Naturely I have become interested in the 16th infantry and try to collect infomation to see whether it is possible to know more about Orson Wareham. I know that Orson Wareham was of the first Battalion (C Company) and was therefore stationed in Lyme Regis. I contacted the family in America and got a picture of Orson. I included it in the e-mail.

I am planning to visit Lyme Regis during the Eastern holiday. I bought a book written by Robin Pearce. I read in it:

C Company was billeted in houses and hotels in the town. When they first arrived they spent two weeks in tents. The headquaters of C Company were on the corner of Silver Street and Woodmead Road. The house now has a plaque on the wall which was placed there by John Bistrica from Youngstown, Ohio, and Frederick Erben from Lindenhurst, New York. They had both become very attached to the people of the town and still exchange visits.

Maybe I was hoping you can get me in touch with local people still in touch with some veterans in America. I am therefore most thankful to you for any information. I send you a copy of certifacte of the burial place as proof and a picture of the burial place.

Kind regards,
Patrick Wouters

Royal British Legion Lyme Regis Branch AGM. Presentation

2008-01-23T11:33:00.001Z

Jack Loveridge Trophy

2008-01-11T00:29:00.000Z

Our Annual General Meeting was held on 10th Jan. Each Year The Jack Loveridge is awarded to an individual for their services to the Legion. This Year the trophy was awarded to Pip Evans, Publisher of the "View From Lyme Regis" Newspaper. Pip has been a staunch supporter of the Legion for many years and has publicised the work of this branch regularly in his newspaper as well as compering the Annual Festivals of Remembrance held each November.

Web Site

2007-12-06T10:56:00.000Z

The Lyme Regis branch is putting together its own website. Watch this space. Information regarding The Annual General meeting of the Lyme Regis branch please go to the information page

A meeting of the RBLegion and Magna

2007-12-01T23:21:00.000Z

The above picture we taken when both the Manager of Magna Housing Lyme Regis and the Chairman of the Royal British Legion Lyme Regis Branch met to discuss the way forward after our very successful Festival week in Lyme Regis . We both felt that we had developed a strong community spirit between both parties and would like to carry it on in the future years `

Magna's tremendous support

2007-11-24T22:52:00.000Z

Diana Gooding, Chairman of Magna Housing's Western Area Panel, presents a cheque of £1000 to Ken Whetlor,Chairman of the Lyme Regis Branch of the Royal British Legion .

Bethany Chapel,Coombe St, Lyme Regis

2007-11-21T18:45:00.000Z

To all members of the Royal British Legion and for those who are not, perhaps on Sunday you would like to meet me Ken Whetlor Chairman of the RBL Lyme Regis branch for an hour at the Chapel and hear more of what the SASRA has done for the Association over the years. The tea is good ! Look forward to seeing you.

Lyme Regis Dedication

2007-11-15T09:11:00.001Z

The Lyme Regis Branch attended all graves of the fallen on the 10th November 2007. HMS Formidable lost at sea is the dedication in the picture above.

Chairman Lyme Regis Branch opening the dedication ceremony to the Polish War memorial in Anning road . Jadwiga Lavery and her great grand daughter Ellen, laying the first wreath at the blessing of the Polish Airforce memorial .

Live Night at the Royal Lion hear the latest interviews and listen to the Festival of Remembrance Night

2007-11-05T19:36:00.000Z

http://www.lymeregisradio.com/sound/FOR28oct07.html

Festival of Remembrance Marine Theatre 2007 +

2007-10-29T15:50:00.000Z

Once again we had a magnificent evening with a pack house and a very full programme. As Chairman my sincere thanks on behalf of all our Legion members for the help that was needed to put put on this show. It would be easy to single out certain members for there contribution but with out the joint effort of many the show would not go on A few pictures on the night

This is the programme of events for the Festival of Remembrance

2007-10-01T20:14:00.000+01:00

1) Sunday 28th October at 7.30 pm: FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE at the Marine Theatre.

2) Saturday 10th November at 12 noon: BLESSING OF THE POLISH AIRFORCE MEMORIAL on Anning Rd. (Rt Hon. Oliver Letwin MP will be present)

3) Sunday 11th November at 11.00 am: TWO MINUTES SILENCE signalled by the firing of a maroon at the War Memorial Monmouth Street

4) Sunday 11th November REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE leaving Langmoor Gardens at 2.40 pm for a service at 3.00pm at at St. Michael’s Parish Church

Parade Marshall : Mr Cecil Quick President of the Royal British Legion ( Lyme Regis)
.

This, as you can see, is a busy period for us, but our committee sincerely hope that you be able to attend.

All in a good cause

2007-08-20T16:06:00.000+01:00

THEY DID IT! (DARTMOOR)

Through atrocious conditions the Royal British Legion team of David Manners, David Humphrey, Terry White & Cheryl White successfully completed the 30 mile 2007 Dartmoor Challenge in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal at the weekend.

Former Lt. Cdr. David Manners said that the conditions on the north moor on Saturday were amongst the worst he’d seen for some years: horizontal rain, gale force winds and at times less than 75 metres visibility. Nevertheless they still enjoyed it!

Having stayed overnight in Princetown and met up with former Lyme Regis Vicar, the Revd. John Andrews and his wife, Margaret, the team set off on to the south moor on Sunday and completed the mammoth “yomp” soon after 2.00 pm.

Mr Manners said the entire team are very grateful for all of the support and generosity of both residents and businesses alike and thanked their drivers, Murray Kirkby and Graham Marler and also Rob and Debbie Hamon of the Nag’s Head who laid on a barbecue for the team and their families on Sunday evening.

The total money pledged to date is due to exceed £1,300 for the Lyme Regis Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Poppy Appeal Organiser for Lyme Regis, Angela Manners, said “I was somewhat disappointed when we had to cease the House to House collections and this phenomenal sum is a tremendous boost to the Poppy Appeal. The team achieved a magnificent feat and I extend my thanks to them and the many, many people who sponsored them.”

Festival Remembrance Albert Hall

2007-08-11T11:10:00.000+01:00

Any members and friends wishing to go to this wonderful evening in November please contact me for information on 01297442811 or email :ken.whetlor@talk21.com regarding tickets.Chairman /Secretary Ken Whetlor

2007-08-01T13:45:00.000+01:00

Two local members of the branch who are committee members and Falklands veterans. They will be marching with us in the November parades. Also there is information of interest on the info page you might like to read .

Memorial of the HMS Formidable

2007-07-03T22:54:00.002+01:00

HMS Formidable was a 15,000 ton battleship which was torpedoed and sunk just after midnight on 1st January 1915 in Lyme Bay. It is now regarded as the first major naval disaster of WWI. She had been built in 1901, had four 12” guns and was part of the Atlantic Fleet. Out of the ship’s complement of 750 only 199 were saved. A small number of survivors reached Lyme Regis where sadly some of them died and were buried in Lyme Regis cemetery. One man, Able Seaman Cowan was one man thought to be deceased and his body was laid out in the Pilot Boat Inn. However, the landlord’s dog, Lassie, a rough Collie, licked the frail sailor and he regained consciousness. This story is believed to be the origins of the famous Lassie of the Hollywood films.

If you double click either one of these three photos they will enlarge enough to tell you the names of the men who died

2007-06-19T13:58:00.000+01:00

In 1942 Czech Parachutists attacked the tyrant Protector of Bohemia & Moravia ,S.S. General Reinhard Heydrich who died of his wounds. When I visited Royal Leamington Spa recently on behalf of the National Council,because of my association with the Legion from members of those towns I learn many stories This is one such story .Its about seven Czech parachutists who were killed in Praque in June 1942 , after two of them attacked the above Nazi. In response the Nazis flattened the villages of Lidice and Lazaky either murdering the residents or sending them to concenstration camps .From 1940 until 1942 a house in Newbold terrace in Leamington was the Headquarters of the 3000 strong Czech free brigade and it was here that the parachute drops and assination of Heydrich were planned. We will remember them.

Who turned out the light ?

The President and the Chairman in the dark as usual ?

Chairman notes .
A Mrs Pat Mills sent me the following letter this week and very special it was.

"I found your name on a website and I am hoping as you have a connection to British Legion who may know the whereabouts of the WW1 war memorial to the sailors of HMS Formidable lost when it was sunk on January 1st 1915. I have tried web searches without success. My great uncle a Walter Cullen was lost at that time and I am trying to find a photo of this memorial All I have is a small torn piece of newspaper cutting showing part of a memorial and the words erected in Lyme Regis cemetery and the name HMS Formidable. Bit of an unusual request for a councillor but I hope you can help me. Regards Mrs Pat Mills in Hampshire. "

I passed this letter on to David Manners and his reply is below.

Dear Sir,
Your email has been passed to me by our Chairman of the RBL in Lyme Regis. There is indeed a memorial to the the men lost as a result of the sinking of HMS Formidable in Lyme Regis cemetery. It is not only a memorial, but the last resting place of 6 men who died soon after reaching shore in 1915. Sadly, Mr. Walter Cullen is not one of those named.
Each Remembrance tide the RBL committee lay a wreath on the memorial and a period of silence is obeyed and a wreath laid.
Should you ever wish to visit the site, the cemetery is always open during daylight hours or if you wish me to show you the grave.

Kind regards David Manners (Lt.Cdr.RNR rtd)

Award winner Treasurer Mr Martin Jones and Mr Cecil Quick