British Legion

Organization to promote the welfare of British veterans of war service and their dependants. Established under the leadership of Douglas Haig in 1921 (royal charter 1925) it became the Royal British Legion in 1971; it is nonpolitical.

The sale on Remembrance Sunday of Flanders poppies made by disabled members raises much of its funds.

It was founded as a federation of ex‐servicemen's organizations that had sprung up after World War I to ‘unite all those who served in the Great War in the army, navy, air force or auxiliary forces’, to safeguard their interests, and the interests of the dependents of the fallen. In later years, its charter expanded to also include all ex‐members of British forces who fought in later wars.