In the autumn of 2011, celebrating 90 years of the Royal British Legion, the country was aglow with Poppies as the Legion launched its biggest appeal yet. With no equivalent history available, this look at the work, the foundation and the heroes of the Legion is a much needed tribute to a unique organisation. Starting in the foundation year of 1921, the book records, through a portfolio of heroes, the history and personalities behind the Legion. All royalties from the sale of this book go to the Royal British Legion.

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Synopsis

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

Reviews

'A remarkable organisation; as valued and needed today as when it was founded'
Jeremy Clarkson

About the Author

Lance Corporal Matt Croucher GC grew up in Solihull and joined the Royal Marines aged 16, passing through the legendary 32-week training programme and into 40 Commando despite a series of injuries. He served two tours with the Marines in Iraq before becoming a reservist and returning to Iraq as a private security contractor with the United Nations. He re-joined the Royal Marines for the ultimate challenge of a tour of duty in war-torn Afghanistan in September 2007. Five months later he faced down death by diving on a trip-wired grenade to save the lives of his men. Awarded the George Cross, his incredible story of heroism has features in newspapers, TV and radio shows around the world. He is a key member of the ambassadorial team for the RBL and will undertake all PR on their behalf. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation