Tommy Club Magazine Spring/Summer 2024

Foreword

BY GENERAL THE LORD DANNATT GCB, CBE, MC, DL

TOMMY CLUB PRESIDENT

Dear Champions,

Welcome to the Spring/Summer edition of the Tommy Club magazine. As I write we are preparing to remember the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

We remember the largest air, naval and land operation in military history. It changed the outcome of the Second World War and, with it, secured our freedom. At the core of Allied success in Normandy was the spirit, the action and the bravery of those men. The 150,000 troops who knew their fate was uncertain, yet marched on.

It is very much this strength - the spirit of ‘Tommy’ - that shines through in the rest of this issue. No more was it more embodied than in Don Keiller, one of the Tommy Club’s Founding Patrons.

Don took part in the D-Day campaign himself, landing on Gold Beach with 44th Royal Tank Regiment in the days following 6th June. As you read our tribute to Don, featuring his remarkable fundraising for Tommy Club and distinguished military career, let us celebrate all that the humble ‘Tommy’ personifies.

The name Tommy, lies at the heart of RBLI. The values that he stands for turned the tide of the war against

fascism. Sir Winston Churchill understood that no matter how difficult things were for the nation financially, they had to create a huge Western pressure when the bulk of Nazi forces were engaged on the Russian front. Allied forces stepped up, against all odds, to achieve this.

The values that Tommy stands for remain vital now. It is why we work tirelessly to support, guide, employ and provide a home for every ‘Tommy’ in need today – and why 80 years on from D-Day we are immensely proud to demonstrate that we are standing up for those who stood up for us.

It is also why you as Champions of the Tommy Club are integral to what RBLI can achieve. Joining Tommy Club, and joining in events like The Great Tommy Sleep Out, is how we support so many ex-service men and women with homes, jobs, nursing and mental health care.

Please spread the word and invite others to join the Tommy Club, and get involved in the D-Day anniversary. We need your support in being a beacon for veterans and for the Tommy Club.

80th Anniversary of D-Day

At daybreak on 6th June 1944, Allied Forces began their assault on the beaches of northern France. More than 150,000 troops, 7,000 naval vessels and 11,000 aircraft united to form the largest coastal invasion operation in military history.

Their monumental force changed the outcome of the Second World War.

Eighty years on we must not forget the sacrifices made nor the courage shown. Thousands did not return from Normandy and many were maimed and injured. Their sacrifices helped secure our freedom.

80 years since the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy, we are still standing up for those who stood up for us

Violet’s story

Violet, who turned 99 this year, served with Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

We are proud to provide support for those who can remember the D-Day landings, 80 years on. Those like Violet.

Violet, now 99, was 17 when she enlisted in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1943 and served with Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

They gave us each a piece of wood and said if you see anyone wandering around who’s not British, you say, ‘Halt, who goes there?’

Violet remembers being stationed at a holding point for armoured cars and sten-gun carriers being readied for D-Day.

“We were responsible for refitting the vehicles and equipping them for the front-line - although we didn’t know it at the time, we were preparing them for D-Day.

“We knew the vehicles were going overseas, and we’d put notes inside for the men that said things like, ‘See you when you’re back’ as it was important to let them know we thought they’d come back.”

We all felt proud of the work we did. It may have been 80 years ago but it’s as clear in my mind as yesterday.

Violet moved into RBLI’s Appleton Lodge in 2019 as she needed nursing care. Violet says “The staff are wonderful – I couldn’t be better cared for.”

RBLI has been serving veterans for over 100 years. With your support, we’ll be here for the next 100 years and beyond, supporting veterans like Violet.

Let’s stand up for those who stood up for us.

Donate now at rbli.co.uk/d-day-80-donation

D-Day timeline

D-Day marked the start of the liberation of Western Europe as Allied Forces invaded Nazioccupied France. Within a year of this day, the Allies were victorious, World War Two was over and history had been made.

This is the historic chain of events that took place on 6th June 1944.

2100h

‘WIN THE FINAL VICTORY’

Fighting continues with more troops arriving to join the battle. 14,000 allied troops have landed along the 55-mile front, with some advancing miles inland.

King George states; “Once more, a supreme test has to be faced. This time, the challenge is not to fight to survive but to fight to win the final victory for the good cause.”

0000h

OPERATION TITANIC

The RAF drop dummy paratroopers to distract German units from where the actual landings will take place.

1800h

BBC BROADCAST

The BBC broadcasts a speech from General Charles De Gaulle; “The battle has begun, and France will fight it with fury.

2359h

H-HOUR

This is when the were scheduled Rocket launcher approach the targeted and fire around Juno and Sword 18,000 in Utah US Troops assigned and Utah start landing craft

1400

CROWDED BEACHES AND HEROISM

Company Sergeant Stanley Hollis of Howards – the of a Victoria D-Day - clears takes out pillboxes leads a successful attack which save two

ALLIES TAKE STOCK OF D-DAY

By midnight, the Allies take stock of what has been a successful day.

Despite still not taking Caen and suffering thousands of casualties, they managed to gain a foothold in France with 159,000 allied troops establishing four beachheads.

0630h H-HOUR

the beach landings scheduled to begin.

launcher barges targeted beaches around 20,000 in Gold, Sword beaches, and Utah and Omaha. assigned to Omaha start to get into craft and set sail.

0730h

BRITISH ASSAULTS ON GOLD, JUNO AND SWORD BEACHES

The plan for Gold beach is to clear the way for an artificial harbour and then head to Bayeux via Caen.

0932h COMMUNIQUÉ NO. 1

In London, the BBC broadcasts ‘Communique No. 1’ across its services - the first official announcement of D-Day.

1400h BEACHES HEROISM

Sergeant Major of the Green only winner Cross on clears trenches, pillboxes and successful enemy which sees him two men.

1200h UPDATE IN THE COMMONS

Churchill updates the House of Commons; “I have to announce to the House that during the night and the early hours of this morning the first of the series of landings in force upon the European Continent has taken place.”

a more in depth timeline and ways to support RBLI on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, visit:

CHURCHILL’S D-DAY: THE INSIDE STORY

Using original letters and documents, this book by Tommy Club President Lord Dannatt and historian Allen Packwood, reveals D-Day from Churchill’s point of view.

Social Enterprises

News from the RBLI divisions

SCOTLAND’S

Regimental Tommies go into production

The first batches of cap-badge printed Tommies went into production in February at SBMC. Hugely popular with supporters, the new Tommies are now manufactured by David and the team in batches of 30 as soon as an order arrives from the RBLI shop.

Qualifications all around!

Certificates in Health and Safety, Manual Handling and Fire Safety were issued in February. The awards ensure the team work safely when working in the factory and also boosts their CV. For beneficiary employees, the credits achieved build towards an NVQ Diploma in Manufacturing Operations.

New traffic signs printer

BBMC has recently taken delivery of a new traffic signs printer generously gifted by customer HW Martin.

The addition of the £30,000 machine increases BBMC’s digital print capacity by 50%, making a significant difference to the department.

Since I have been here, it’s the happiest I’ve been. Life has truly been given a purpose again.

Sean Fulfilment Operative

Sleep Out success

Our biggest year yet

The Great Tommy Sleep Out has been a phenomenal success this year with over 8,000 supporters taking on the challenge to sleep under the stars for one night or more during the month of March to raise awareness of the estimated 6,000 homeless veterans and to generate vital income to support our work with vulnerable veterans.

An outstanding £1.2 million pounds has been raised from the campaign and this is all thanks to RBLI supporters including Tommy Club Champions who have really got behind the campaign throughout the month.

We saw more family, group and corporate sleep outs than ever before, as well as thousands of individuals embracing the campaign. Sleep Outs were held in all weathers taking place up and down the country and even as far as Antarctica!

Chairman’s Sleep Out

On 14th March our own Chair of Trustees, Steve Rowbotham invited 25 CEOs, managing directors, fellow trustees, and senior staff members from companies to join him at historic Fort Amherst in the wind and rain to take part in The Chairman’s Great Tommy Sleep Out.

Despite the cold, damp and windy conditions and lack of sleep, they all said they’d be back next year and would recommend it to business partners.

With a moving speech by RBLI’s emergency accommodation (Mountbatten Pavilion) resident, Luke, people gained a first-hand understanding of the importance of our work with homeless veterans and veterans like Luke who were at risk of becoming homeless.

Representatives from BAE Systems, which sponsored the event, were in attendance, and so far, The Chairman’s Great Tommy Sleep Out has also raised an incredible £50,000.

Celebrating the impact of Lifeworks

The significant impact of RBLI’s Lifeworks employment programme was recognised with a VIP reception at the House of Commons in November 2023.

To mark the findings of an important year-long evaluation of the programme, RBLI’s Chief Executive, Lisa Farmer and RBLI President, The Lord King of Lothbury KB GBE were joined by guests including senior representatives of many major UK employers of veterans.

Introducing the results, Lord King made an impassioned speech highlighting his belief in the impact and importance of Lifeworks.

Evaluation outcomes

When delegates first join the Lifeworks programme, about a quarter start by saying they feel completely lost, that they’re in a void. Our aim is to train the delegates to make them realise their skills are not lost but extremely valuable. It helps them to readjust and assess their own life.

80% of veterans gained employment, training or volunteering within 12 months.

Lifeworks has supported 5,800 veterans since its launch in 2012.

Before the course, a third of veterans saw employment as their main goal. This grew to 57% after the course.

The programme saves the economy £5.65 million each year.

For every £1 invested in Lifeworks, the UK economy gains £8. The average cost of Lifeworks, dependent on location and delivery methods, is as low as £2,000 per person.

Veterans who had undertaken Lifeworks were guests of honour at the reception.

Patrick Okla, aged 39 from Hampshire, who served for four years in the Army, and six in the Royal Navy, spoke about the challenges he faced after leaving the services. Patrick spent eight months without a job when he felt that he was in limbo and described it as a state of mental oblivion.

“Despite having served in the Armed Forces for 10 years, job hunting, and interviews were daunting. I’ve worked with people from every part of the world, in hostile and peaceful environments, but not knowing what civilian life would hold - and if you’ll fit in was hard.”

“The first email from the Lifeworks team was life changing. I attended the four-day residential programme

and felt at home with the other veterans. I took everything onboard, it changed my mindset, and within three weeks I got the job in cyber security that I wanted.”

Lifeworks taught me many valuable lessons. Life isn’t easy, and like so many veterans, I’ve experienced the lowest of lows, but I want to encourage people that there is hope and support, but you must make a choice to accept it and make a change. Every veteran who’s looking to find work or change their job should go through the Lifeworks programme.

To find out more about RBLI’s Lifeworks programme visit: rbli.co.uk/lifeworks

Remembering Don Keiller (1920-2023)

Tommy Club pays tribute to Founding Patron and remarkable fundraiser

Donald (Don) Keiller

In the summer of 2020 Don Keiller became the oldest person in the UK to indoor skydive. He was 100 years old and flying high with arms outstretched was Don’s way of marking this landmark birthday.

With a massive smile on his face, Don’s daredevil antics saw him in the news and on TV - tremendously raising £4,500 for RBLI.

Don sadly passed away in 2023, aged 103 years. Together with Don’s family we would like to pay tribute to him.

In a life filled with achievement Don served as a soldier throughout the Second World War, achieving distinguished service in The Royal Artillery, Royal Tank Regiment and the Royal Marines.

Aged just 17 in 1938, he enlisted in the Territorial Army as a gunner. At the outbreak of war he joined the Royal Artillery (Anti-Aircraft Battery) encountering heavy enemy attacks in Norway and Gibraltar.

In 1944 he was transferred to the 44th Royal Tank Regiment where, in an anti-tank role Don was part of the D-Day campaign – landing on Gold Beach along with hundreds of others to continue the allied push against Germany.

Fortunate to survive the advance on Europe, Don returned to England where he was promoted to Warrant Officer and seconded as an artillery instructor with the Royal Marines.

Reflecting on his father’s war service, Don’s son said; “Dad recalled that he had a lucky war and always missed the camaraderie with the men he fought with. He was also very modest, saying that he was in no way special, he just did his duty, like all the other men around him.”

Don’s passion for RBLI was driven by a desire to support veterans less fortunate than him. His inspirational comment when undertaking his Skydive was:

It

goes to show that it doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are or what you’ve been through in

life,

there’s nothing to stop you getting out there, fulfilling your ambitions and doing something worthwhile.

Don truly embodied the spirit of Tommy - selfless and brave to the end.

On behalf of Tommy Club and RBLI, we thank you and salute you.

What’s coming up

There are plenty of ways to support RBLI and the Tommy Club this summer

D-Day 80 Challenge – June

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, could you take on 80km challenge throughout the month of June?

Location: Anywhere Fundraising Target: £100

rbli.co.uk/d-day-80

Become a Silver Champion

Raise or donate over £100 in your subscription year to achieve Silver Tommy Club status and receive your exclusive Silver Tommy lapel pin!

Set up a regular gift today by visiting tommyclub.co.uk/donate

Host a Tommy Tea Summer Party

Here comes the sun – and garden party season! Why not host a barbecue, garden party or work event? Gather your friends, family, colleagues or neighbours and raise money for RBLI.

Order your Tommy Tea pack online rbli.co.uk/tommytea

Remember the sacrifices paid by the members of our nation’s Armed Forces on June 6th 1944. This entire collection is made or fulfilled by vulnerable veterans and those with disabilities employed by RBLI.

Get ready, set, bake!

Tasty Tommy Brownies

Makes: maximum of 48 Recipe can be halved

Ingredients

• 375 grams soft unsalted butter

• 375 grams best-quality dark chocolate

• 6 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 500 grams caster sugar

• 225 grams plain flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 300 grams chopped walnuts

You will need a tin measuring approximately 33 x 23 x 5½cm or 13 x 9 x 2¼ inches

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/350°F/gas mark 4. Line your brownie pan (maybe line the sides as well as the base with foil or baking paper).

2. Melt the butter and chocolate together in a large heavy-based pan. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla. Measure the flour into another bowl and add the salt.

3. When the chocolate mixture has melted, let it cool a bit before beating in the eggs and sugar, and then the nuts and flour. Beat to combine smoothly and then scrape out of the saucepan into the lined pan.

4. Bake for about 25 minutes. When it’s ready, the top should be dried to a pale brown, but the middle still dark and dense and gooey.

And even with such a big batch you do need to keep alert, keep checking: the difference between gungy brownies and dry brownies is only a few minutes; remember that they will continue to cook as they cool.

Share, eat and enjoy!

Brownies are always a crowd pleaser and so easy to make

Photo by

Making a lasting difference

Can you help Royal British Legion Industries continue its work for another 100 years?

After providing for your family and loved ones, leaving a gift in your Will to RBLI ensures we can give a brighter future to those who gave so much in service to others. The reality we face today is a constantly growing demand for our support and receiving gifts in Wills help us change lives

They help provide emergency accommodation for veterans who find themselves in crisis; they help us build family homes that are in constant demand; they help us offer employment opportunities and build confidence. They help sustain the vital welfare support to lead veterans back towards an independent life.

Everyone should make a Will

Whatever your age, making a Will ensures your wishes are carried out, your loved ones are taken care of, and you have made a lasting difference.

Having a Will, especially one written by a solicitor, is the only way of ensuring that your family and chosen charities will be supported as you wish.

What can I leave?

Every contribution counts, even a small percentage of your estate could support RBLI’s work caring for veterans, for years to come.

Is it difficult to make a Will?

No. It can be done online - and free of charge to you.

RBLI works with Make a Will Online. You can get a solicitor checked Will, free of charge to you, by going to: makeawillonline.co.uk/rbli

I would prefer to talk to someone

If you would rather have a face-toface meeting with a solicitor, RBLI can refer you to The National Free Wills Network, a dedicated service which will send you details of three participating solicitors in your area, for you to make your Will through, free of charge to you.

You may choose to write a Will through your own solicitor

If this is the case and you were considering leaving a gift to RBLI in it, all you need to do is give your solicitor the following information:

Charity name: Royal British Legion Industries

Charity number: 210063

Registered address: Royal British Legion Industries, Hall Road, Aylesford, ME20 7NL

To find out more, contact us directly:

We’re always happy to help with any queries about gifts in

Pete’s story

Pete, now a resident at RBLI’s veteran village, is the son of a D-Day survivor

Like so many who experience the horrors of war, Pete’s father, Arthur, didn’t speak about his experience in the Second World War until Pete himself had served during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

Pete, who joined the Army Ordnance Corps in 1970, said, “My father was the type of man who, no matter what the task, gave it 100%, even if he didn’t like what he had to do. That’s what he did on D-Day. He didn’t want to be there. Who did?

“My father said how horrible it was in the landing craft. All round they could hear the guns going off in the background. The ramp lowered onto Sword Beach, and before they got halfway down, men were dropping as bullets showered them. As he ran, he saw so many men just dropping all around him.

My father said “All I did was put myself over the barbed wire, as the guys couldn’t get over it. They were just dropping, and you could feel the bullets hitting your mates as they went over”.

Arthur’s story, shared through Pete’s words, is just one of so many that took place on this fateful and historic day. It is important that we keep these stories alive, no matter how much time passes, to commemorate the sacrifices made by so many for us.

London Landmarks Half Marathon

#TeamBrave smashes London Landmarks target!

In a truly ‘landmark’ year for RBLI’s Team Brave, more than 60 supporters helped raise £30,000 for RBLI by running the famous 13.1 mile route.

Among the familiar faces striding past and braving the fresh spring day was Tommy Club Founding Patron Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE, who ran as always with a smile on his face and words of encouragement.

The crowds, the energy and the atmosphere of the London run were as memorable as ever and our runners were cheered all the way by RBLI’s fantastic team of staff and volunteers.