Legion Scotland Autumn 2020

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Virtual Remembrance How we will mark the day in 2020

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JACK RANSOM AND OTHER VETERANS REFLECT AS WE MARK VJ DAY 75

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ALEXANDER ESSON’S WWI DIARIES, BRANCH NEWS, VOICES OF VETERANS, LAST POST, POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS, KEEPING YOUR LOCAL MEMORIALS IN SHAPE, MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

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The official magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 27 Autumn 2020 www.legionscotland.org.uk

In house legacy ad

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LEAVE A LEGACY IN YOUR WILL Leaving the Armed Services can feel like leaving your family and your purpose behind.

Many miss the camaraderie and the support that comes from being part of a serving family.

The Royal British Legion Scotland makes a difference every day to the lives of veterans in Scotland and their dependants. We are a support service charity providing comradeship, volunteering opportunities, Remembrance activities and frontline Veterans Community Support.

All of these services require the dedication of volunteers and members, but we also need to be able to financially support the services so we can continue to be there for veterans and their families.

continue supporting those that have sacrificed their time, life and energy in service to others. For those that have given so much we can all give a little to make a huge difference.

If you would like to leave something to The Royal British Legion Scotland and need guidance on how to go about it, please contact us on 0131 322 1076 for more information.

You too can help. By leaving a gift in your Will, your Legacy will help us to

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LEGION SCOTLAND New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HQ Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Lieutenant General Sir Alistair Irwin KCB CBE MA National Chairman Martyn Hawthorn

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National Vice Chairman David Paton National Treasurer John Whitelaw (interim) Chief Executive Officer Claire Armstrong

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EDITOR FOR LEGION SCOTLAND Claire Armstrong MANAGING EDITOR Fiona McKinlay DESIGNER Felipe Perez

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SUB-EDITORS Sian Campbell, Andrew Littlefield ACCOUNT DIRECTOR John Innes john.innes@thinkpublishing.co.uk STORIES TO SHARE? Please contact magazine@legionscotland.org.uk or call 0131 322 1076.

Submissions received by 6 February 2021 will be considered for inclusion in the next issue, but we appreciate your stories at any time and may be able to share them through other avenues such as social media. Articles are likely to be edited and inclusion is not guaranteed.

Sending high-resolution images as email attachments will increase the chances of us being able to use your story.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Published on behalf of Legion Scotland by Think Publishing Ltd Red Tree Business Suites, 33 Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow G40 4LA 0141 375 0504 ADVERTISING Alison Fraser alison.fraser@thinkpublishing.co.uk 0141 946 8708

It’s incredible how we have adapted

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ONE OF us expected our 2020 to end up this way, yet here we are in October facing the distinct possibility that our Remembrance Growing our commemorations will be very different from online community any other year. opens up huge We have already had to mark two important anniversaries this year virtually possibilities – VE Day and VJ Day (you can read more about the latter on page 14) – so we are prepared to observe Remembrance fittingly on Facebook if the usual services and events are not possible.

See page 6 for our provisional plans.

More of you than we had ever imagined have joined us online for our virtual events, which have clocked up thousands of views, not only from Scotland but from around the globe. Growing our online community opens up huge possibilities for our future and helps us to reach you – which is especially important in a time when many feel safer at home.

On page 13, the Jedburgh branch tell us how they responded in the summer to the exciting news that they would be able to reopen their club premises, and how they put into action new measures to secure the safety of their patrons.

Friend of Legion Scotland and judge of our annual Best Kept War Memorial (which was forced to take a break this year due to the pandemic), Bill Tait takes us through the history of the campaign and what judges are looking for in entries – worth keeping in mind for next year’s competition. See page 24.

If you are feeling isolated during these difficult times, don’t forget that our Veterans Community Support Service can lend a hand. See legionscotland.org.uk/befriending for a referral form.

Take care and stay safe.

Copyright © Legion Scotland 2020.

All rights reserved.

Legion Scotland is a trading name of the Royal British Legion Scotland SCIO, Scottish Charity No.SC003323

Dr Claire Armstrong CEO Legion Scotland AUTUMN 2020 www.legionscotland.org.uk 3

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Welcome

WELCOME

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The official magazine of The Royal British Legion Scotland Issue 27 Autumn 2020 www.legionscotland.org.uk

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Virtual Remembrance How we will mark the day in 2020

VICTORY AT LAST JACK RANSOM AND OTHER VETERANS REFLECT AS WE MARK VJ DAY 75

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ALEXANDER ESSON’S WWI DIARIES, BRANCH NEWS, VOICES OF VETERANS, LAST POST, POPPYSCOTLAND NEWS, KEEPING YOUR LOCAL MEMORIALS IN SHAPE, MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

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ON THE COVER 100-year-old Jack Ransom, survivor of the Thai-Burma Railway, was among veterans involved in our VJ Day service.

See page 14.

SOCIAL MEDIA facebook.com/ LegionScotland twitter.com/ LegionScotland

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LEGION NEWS The latest from Legion Scotland including our provisional plans for Remembrance Day BRANCH NEWS Stories from Legion Scotland branches across the country LOCAL HERO How Jedburgh branch got their club ready to reopen after lockdown earlier this year

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VIRTUAL VJ DAY An online service and concert marked the 75th anniversary

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GUNS ROARED AND SHELLS SHRIEKED A Highlander’s diaries from WWI

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LOOKING THEIR BEST Bill Tait on the history of our Best Kept War Memorial campaign

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VOICES OF VETERANS Falklands veteran Robbie Ross on his Ordnance Corps experiences

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LAST POST Appreciation of recently departed members of Legion Scotland

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DIRECTORY Get in touch with local branches 30 YEARS ON Remembering the Gulf War

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AUTUMN 2020

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Keeping you up to date with Legion Scotland’s latest

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REMEMBRANCE

A TIME TO COMMEMORATE

Even during the pandemic there are ways we can remember the fallen in 2020 THE COVID-19 pandemic has led to huge changes in all of our lives. At the time of going to print, it is not yet clear how we will be able to mark Remembrance Day this year, whether we will be able to hold in-person events, or how the Scottish Poppy Appeal may proceed.

We hope many of our usual events will be able to go ahead in some way, with limited attendance. The Festival of Remembrance usually held in Dundee has, sadly, already been cancelled for 2020.

After the success of our virtual events for VE Day and VJ Day, we are prepared to mark Remembrance Day online. Please keep an eye on facebook.com/legionscotland for details.

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PROVISIONAL DATES 26 OCTOBER

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE Edinburgh Dedication service at the Scott Monument at 11am.

This will be a closed event with minimum attendees but will be streamed live on Facebook.

27 OCTOBER

GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE Glasgow Dedication service at George Square at 11am.

This will be a closed event with minimum attendees but will be streamed live on Facebook.

8 NOVEMBER

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – NATIONAL EVENT 2020 Edinburgh A private wreath-laying ceremony at the Scottish National War Memorial at 11am with the Lord Provost, representatives from Scottish Government, UK Government and the Armed Forces community.

This will be streamed live on Facebook. Wreaths will be laid on behalf of other organisations, associations and charities at the Stone of Remembrance by staff and volunteers.

11 NOVEMBER

ARMISTICE DAY SERVICE Edinburgh At Princes Street Gardens on Wednesday 11 November. This will be a closed event with minimum attendees but will be streamed live on Facebook.

Although we cannot plan our normal large-scale events, we will make every effort to mark Remembrance in a fitting manner and encourage those who are not able to take part this year to follow the coverage online.

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Poppies in the Garden of Remembrance, Edinburgh

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COMMUNITY

MARK OUR CENTENARY NEXT YEAR

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Legion Scotland is ready to celebrate a 100-year landmark in 2021 FOUNDED BY Earl Haig (inset) in June 1921, Legion Scotland has been bringing together veterans across the country ever since. We have been looking forward to making our centenary special for a while, and hope that we will be able to celebrate with you all.

It’s a difficult time to make plans, but we hope to confirm some at the start of 2021.

We also hope that Legion

Here’s hoping we can all get together next year

Scotland branches will plan their own local events. If you would like to get involved, have

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

By keeping up your membership of Legion Scotland you help the charity to support veterans through comradeship, befriending and much more

MEMBERSHIP DETAILS – WHY THESE ARE IMPORTANT

New membership packs are on their way to your branch representatives ready for the new membership year beginning on 1 November. If you are renewing you will receive your letter along with a 2020/2021 sticker for the back of your membership card.

If there are any changes to your personal details, or you have moved address or changed branch, please notify us as soon as possible so the database can be kept up to date, and to ensure your renewal letter and vote registration reach you in good time.

ONE MEMBER ONE VOTE

All membership letters will include a Vote Registration Form which allows you to register and have a say in April next year. Please follow the instructions on the form. You can choose to have a postal or electronic

vote when the time comes. If you have an email address, we encourage you to register for an electronic process as it is secure, efficient and more cost effective for Legion Scotland. Remember to include your membership number (the six-digit number on your membership card).

DIRECT DEBIT

Covid-19 has really affected renewals for branches this year, who had many unpaid members at the time of lockdown, despite this being five months into the membership year.

One way to help your branch and ensure your membership is renewed and up to date annually is to register for Direct Debit. There is still time to have this ready for the 2020/2021 membership year. Ask your branch for a form or get in touch with us at Head Office and we will send one to you. It’s never too late to do this as the Direct Debits are processed on the 1st and 15th of every month.

any suggestions on ways we can celebrate this landmark occasion, or need support planning your own centenary activity, contact Brian Ward on 0131 550 1562 or b.ward@legionscotland.org.uk

GIFT AID

This year we really do want to see an increase in the number of members signed up to Gift Aid. It costs you nothing personally and would make such a difference to our income for the year. You can sign up using the slip at the bottom of your renewal letter and you only need to do it once. We still have 70% of our members not signed up for Gift Aid. You can check if you are eligible to be a donor through gov.uk/claimgift-aid If you are eligible to do Gift Aid, please speak to your branch or phone Head Office on 0131 550 1548.

Thank you for your continued membership through the last 12 months, which has been a particularly difficult time for all. Please be assured that your continued membership makes such a difference to us.

If you need any further information on membership matters please see legionscotland.org.uk/join, talk to your local branch, or call the membership department at Head Office on 0131 550 1586

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VJ DAY ANNIVERSARY

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Red Arrows stop off in Prestwick on VJ Day

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THREE WWII veterans met the Red Arrows at Glasgow Prestwick Airport to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. When the pilots stopped to refuel during the Red Arrows’ nationwide tour, veterans Whitson Johnson, Albert Lamond and Barney Roberts

got the chance to exchange their stories, having served over seven decades apart.

It was a dazzling flypast from the world-famous Red Arrows

BACK TO SCHOOL University recognised for its support GLASGOW CALEDONIAN University has received a Gold Award from the Ministry of Defence. By supporting veterans after they leave the Army, or who are reservists, the university helps ex-military personnel reintegrate into society and develop their transferrable skills.

Jim Castle, who leads the Learning Partnership, said: “I’m delighted and honoured that the prestigious Gold Award has been bestowed on Glasgow Caledonian University. It has been an absolute pleasure to have led the charge to support this fantastic group of people.”

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CEO of Legion Scotland Dr Claire Armstrong said: “I can think of few better ways of commemorating the end of the Second World War than a dazzling flypast from the world-famous Red Arrows.”

Read more about how Legion Scotland marked VJ Day on page 14.

A red letter day for the veterans

MAGAZINE CHANGES Look out for monthly newsletters NEXT YEAR will see a reduction in the number of physical copies of Legion Scotland Today, from four to two, the spring and winter editions.

To ensure members receive important and up-to-date information in a timely fashion, from January we are introducing a monthly newsletter which will be emailed directly to all members with an email address.

If we do not currently have

Let us know your email address

your email address and you would like to receive the latest news from us, please let us know using the tear-off slip on your renewal letter.

If there is anything you would like to see covered in the monthly newsletter, please get in touch.

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WELLBEING RESEARCH

Veterans’ mental health explored in new study

Help is at hand for ex-service people over the age of 65

UNFORGOTTEN FORCES

FUNDING BOOST FOR VETERANS

Extra £750,000 pledged to charity consortium THE SCOTTISH Government has pledged an additional £750,000 to support The Unforgotten Forces consortium, comprised of 16 separate charities including Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland.

The consortium’s existing funding arrangements were due to stop at the end of June 2020. However, this new government funding will ensure that the charities receive £250,000 a year for the

next three years to help in their efforts to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for veterans aged 65 and over.

The Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Graeme Dey, said: “The work that these charities are doing for Scotland’s community of older veterans is having a remarkable and positive impact. As Minister for Veterans, I have great admiration for them.”

RESEARCHERS AT Glasgow Caledonian University have been brought in to play a key role in a UK-wide, two-year study on the psychological health and wellbeing of families of exservice men and women.

Commissioned by the Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), the university’s team of psychologists will offer support through a survey, in-depth interviews and focus groups.

The FiMT awarded a £306,956 grant to an academic at Queen’s University Belfast, who will lead the two-year study in collaboration with a number of other educational establishments.

Military families need support

CAMPAIGN

LET’S SHARE THE CUP OF KINDNESS Scotland’s oldest housing charity for veterans launches a vital new campaign VETERANS HOUSING Scotland launched a new postcard campaign, #cupofkindness, earlier this year to bring its community together during this stressful, isolating time.

By sending out postcards by email and mail, the campaign aims to encourage its tenants to share a cup of kindness and look out for their neighbours.

The campaign takes its name from Scotland’s famous anthem Auld Lang Syne.

Kevin Gray MM, Chief

Executive of the charity, said: “Veterans Housing Scotland is proud of its Scottish history and identity and, in looking for ways to communicate with our tenants across Scotland during the Covid-19 crisis, we are asking them to ‘Share a Cup of Kindness’, which speaks to the situation facing the whole world right now.”

Legion Scotland encourages anyone sharing a cuppa to do so within current government guidelines.

The best drink of the day

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Branch news

BRANCH NEWS

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PORTOBELLO BRANCH proudly raised the Queen’s colours and officially opened its beer garden on 6 July after some three months’ closure due to Covid-19.

The opening day was well attended by both members and guests, many of whom appreciated their first draught pint in a long time and enjoyed some fine food in the spacious beer garden.

Social distancing means limiting the numbers in attendance but the beer garden was full throughout the day with people coming and going, and the branch was delighted to welcome members, friends, family and guests back to its headquarters.

The hotel rooms and restaurant reopened later in the summer.

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A pint and a blether in the spacious beer garden

John Webster’s 100th birthday surprise TAIN

100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS ON SUNDAY 7 June, John Webster from the Tain branch celebrated his 100th birthday.

Local councillor Alasdair Rhind wanted to give John a nice surprise. So two pipers and two standard bearers escorted Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty Joan Whiteford to John’s home to deliver a card from Her Majesty the Queen and a birthday cake. (Social distancing was of course adhered to.) John served with the Desert Rats in WWII. On VE Day he was in hospital in Italy.

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RAFFLE AND REFURB Members get stuck in over the summer

memorial on Saturday 18 July. Local THE PREMISES at Roslin branch club businesses were a great support with needed some serious refurbishment, so during lockdown members played The Original Rosslyn Inn, Dolly’s Tea their part in cleaning Room, the Mini Mart and and painting to make Scotmid all supplying it ‘Covid-ready’ for prizes for the raffle. It e us A good ca reopening. proved a great success for alarm The branch also with £1,511 raised, which arranged a raffle will help with the muchand table sale on the needed upgrade to the common next to the war building alarm system.

WREATH LAID ON D-DAY ANNIVERSARY A WREATH was laid and poppy crosses placed at the 3rd British Infantry Division (D-Day) Memorial on the seafront at Nairn on Saturday 6 June, the 76th anniversary of D-Day. The memorial commemorates where 3 Div trained on Nairn and adjoining beaches prior to the Normandy landings.

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Local Hero VERSION

Looking at the excellent work carried out by our branches and members

LOCAL HERO

Send your inspirational stories to magazine@legionscotland.org.uk

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S SCOTLAND moves cautiously out of lockdown and public life adapts to a ‘new normal’, the Jedburgh branch and its dedicated committee have risen to the challenge of keeping their club afloat, while making sure that members and veterans are kept safe.

“You can’t see the virus, it wouldn’t be so bad if you could see what you were fighting, but you can’t actually see it,” says Shaun Carroll, Jedburgh branch Chairman. “Putting stuff in place is what we can do to try and stop contact.”

Prior to the grand reopening, Shaun, his wife Marie, Branch Secretary Heather Smith and committee member Margaret Taylor deep-cleaned the club house and installed several new safety measures in line with government guidelines, including hand sanitising points, track and trace forms and screen dividers.

“We scrubbed the place from top to bottom and put Perspex up at the bar, and we’ve partitioned all the seating booths so that only four can sit in a kind of bubble,” says Shaun. “The partitions can be moved for a bigger family, but we discourage that; it’s for small groups of members.”

To give ample room for social distancing, and to keep members protected, numbers into the club have had to be limited. Only 80 people are permitted in the spacious downstairs area, with a further 24 spaces in the popular outside seating area, which Shaun tells us has been much in demand since the club was allowed to reopen.

It wouldn’t be so bad if you could see what you were fighting, but you can’t actually see the virus

Branch club back in business

Marie and Shaun Carroll, and Heather Smith

A socially distanced catch-up

“When the weather’s good they go outside anyway, but we’ve marked everything out with road marker paint and a tape measure to keep within the guidelines.”

However, with three months of inactivity during lockdown, Jedburgh’s future, along with the other Borders’ clubs, is uncertain.

The new, reduced capacity and loss of revenue from the cancelled festivals in the summer means the club faces financial difficulties.

“It’s been quiet, because people are still unsure,” Shaun explains. “We’ve been monitoring whether it’s going to

Follow the advice to stay safe

be viable to stay open with the reduced numbers for our takings and wages.”

Despite these setbacks, though, getting the regulars and the veterans back to the club has been a welcome sight for Shaun and the Jedburgh branch committee.

“They didn’t have a place where they could put the world to rights. So as soon as we got things in place, they were sitting outside drinking coffees because we weren’t allowed to open inside,” says Shaun. “But they were there drinking coffee, because that’s what they’d missed; they were banging at the door at 11am to be let in!”

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Legion Scotland marked the 75th anniversary in August with an online service and tribute concert

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MPERIAL JAPAN surrendered on 15 August 1945, finally bringing World War Two to an end. Legion Scotland, in partnership with Poppyscotland and the Scottish Government, had big plans to mark the 75th anniversary this year, but had to adapt them because of coronavirus restrictions.

A virtual Service of Remembrance was broadcast from the Legion Scotland

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Hon Lt Mel Gurung (ESGRA) William Ramage served as a wireless operator in the RAF Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Scotland Brass Quintet National Colours ceremony in Edinburgh Pipe Major Ian Hughes plays ‘Flowers of the Forest’ Legion Scotland chaplain Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell Edwin Ledbetter, a former Royal Navy able seaman Jack Ransom, who read the Kohima Epitaph Thomas Brackenridge, a former RAF wireless operator Jenny Martin lays a wreath on behalf of COFEPOW Jenny was interned with her mother in Singapore Bill Ramage’s proud family, with his commemorative coin

Facebook page on Saturday 15 August. It was conducted by Legion Scotland Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell and included a two-minute silence at 11am.

The programme featured readings from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Charmaine McMeekin, daughter of the late Eric Lomax who was a prisoner of war and author of The Railway Man, an account of his experiences in Burma.

Another survivor of the Thai-Burma railway, Jack Ransom, read the Kohima Epitaph at the service. The 100-yearold Burma Star recipient was captured in Singapore in 1942 and marched through south-east Asia before being forced to work on the infamous ‘Death Railway’. There Jack endured terrible conditions and witnessed the deaths of close comrades. He was left so severely

The Far East campaign began on 7 December 1941 when Japan attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbour. The British colony of Hong Kong was attacked the following day and, over the subsequent weeks, the British retreated to Singapore, where they were forced to surrender with more than 9,000 men killed or wounded.

A further 130,000 were captured and became POWs, facing years of appalling conditions.

The Allied fightback began in 1944 and was led by the British Fourteenth Army, said to be the largest all-volunteer army in history with 2,500,000 men and comprised mainly of units from India and East and West Africa, as well as from Britain. The campaign to recapture Burma was one of the longest fought by the British in WWII, but they finally entered the capital, Rangoon, on 2 May 1945. Just as they prepared to progress onwards to Malaya and Singapore, the atom bombs fell on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This led to the Japanese surrender on 15 August 1945, officially marking the end of the Second World War. malnourished he ate charcoal to try to prevent dysentery. Jack weighed only six stone at the end of the war.

Other veterans whose stories were shared in the virtual commemoration programme included Royal Navy able seaman Edwin Ledbetter, and RAF wireless operators Thomas Brackenridge and Bill Ramage. Sadly, Bill passed away before he could see the service.

Another person featured was Jenny Martin, whose parents lived in Singapore and were taken as prisoners of war when Japan invaded the island in February 1942. Jenny’s mother was pregnant with her at the time and gave birth in Changi Prison Camp, in eastern Singapore. Jenny spent the first three years of her life there, before being freed following the Japanese surrender in August 1945.

The service was followed by a virtual tribute concert featuring Amy Hawthorn, Sam Scott-Thorne, Stuart McLean and Barbara Bryceland.

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MARKING THE OCCASION Commemorative coin presented to Scottish VE and VJ Day veterans 1

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EGION SCOTLAND has paid tribute to the contribution made by Scottish veterans with the presentation of a special commemorative coin (pictured above).

The gold-coloured coins were presented to ex-service personnel who contributed to the Allied effort in the Second World War during either VE Day or VJ Day. Almost 200 commemorative coins have been handed out to veterans so far.

An inscription on the coin reads: ‘In Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Victory by the Allies in World War II – 1945-2020.’

Ben Birch Bullar Singh Bill Touch Alexander Diack Whitson Johnson with his medal and in Rangoon in July 1945

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‘I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY’ One veteran to have received the coin is 96-year-old Whitson Johnson from Portobello, near Edinburgh.

Whitson joined the RAF in November 1942 and served until March 1947. “I wanted to fly,” he says, but after completing all the training, he was told the bad news that the flying programme had been terminated, and he would be given a new assignment.

Whitson takes the story on: “After being told that I would not be flying, we were put on leave and told to report to London thereafter.

Eventually, after sitting some tests,

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I was offered another job. That job was learning about top-secret codes and ciphers for the RAF. I had to sign the Official Secrets Act.” It was at this point that Whitson found out he would be deployed to the Far East. “You just did what you were told,” he adds.

His unit worked in support of the Fourteenth Army and went where they went. Whitson spent time in Bombay, Calcutta, Chittagong and Hmawbi.

Whitson has vivid memories of VJ Day: “As far as I was concerned, the 15th of August was when the war ended. That was a great day. I will never forget it.

By dropping those bombs, so many lost their lives, but so many others would have died had that not happened, as Japan would have fought to the last man. A lot of lives were saved on both sides because the bombs were dropped.

“War is a terrible thing. I learned that lesson and I realise there is no point in war. I am glad that the war finished when it did and the Allies were victorious. I can hardly believe that it has been 75 years since that day. I have had a great life and a wonderful family, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have been very lucky.”

FORGOTTEN NO MORE Whitson Johnson was presented with his commemorative coin – from a safe distance – by Martyn Hawthorn, the national chairman of Legion Scotland.

Martyn said: “It is vital that the bravery and sacrifice of the men who fought in the Far East campaign is forgotten no more.

The commemorative coin is our way of providing a symbol of their immense efforts during what was an arduous campaign. We would like to pay tribute to Whitson Johnson and the scores of others receiving this special coin for all that they did in service of our country.”

Legion Scotland has put together a video documenting our travels around the country to present veterans with the coins. It is available to view on our Facebook page. Please visit facebook.com/legionscotland

WHAT BRANCHES DID...

A glimpse of your local responses

Legion Scotland members across the country found ways to mark VJ Day. These are some of the activities you told us about.

Riders at McDuff Monument

RIDERS Three members of District 2 Riders embarked on a cross-country trip to place 75 crosses on 75 memorials to mark VE Day and VJ Day this year. Chris Noble said: “It was extremely poignant for me as I had two personalised crosses with me to commemorate two relatives killed in action whilst serving in the RAF.” GOLSPIE A parade and service were held, and Davie Beaumont was presented with his commemorative coin.

CARNOUSTIE A socially distanced service was conducted at the Carnoustie War Memorial.

WICK The branch had a ceremony to mark VJ Day.

HAWICK A service was led by Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin at Wilton Lodge Park.

NAIRN A socially distanced service took place at the Nairn War Memorial, attended

by Legion Scotland members and the public.

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‘THE STRETCHER-BEARER PARTY’, LIEUTENANT CYRIL HENRY BARRAUD, 1918

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EAFING THROUGH the pages of his great-grandfather’s diary which recounts, day by day, his experiences of the First World War, Roger Esson shakes his head in disbelief.

“It’s amazing to think that was over 100 years ago, that this book is still in existence and that he took the time to write it all down. So many men came back from the First and Second World Wars and just wanted to forget about it.

He went into it thinking it was a great adventure,” says Roger.

Alexander Esson was 23 when he received his call-up papers, just days after war was declared. A meal miller from Denmill in Tough, Aberdeenshire, who had only been married for a year, Alexander joined the 6th Gordon Highlanders and gave four-and-a-half years of active service. A signaller, he

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It’s a really emotional read, and some parts of the diary are very upsetting. You just want to cry was involved in key battles from Neuve Chapelle to Loos and received a shrapnel wound in his shoulder, but thankfully returned home safely to his family.

The most astonishing aspect of Alexander’s war was the fact he documented it, narrating in striking detail everything from the earliest weeks of training and his first apprehensive sight of France from a foggy English Channel to the seconds that seemed to last forever, crouched in a mudbound

trench, before German gunners roared into life and shells shrieked overhead.

Alexander’s descriptions are so vivid you’re by his side every step of the way.

You can feel the biting cold and stinging rain on the long marches, hear the shouts of men in the trenches and watch dogfights in the skies overhead.

Handed down through generations of the Esson family, the diary was thought to be lost at one point. Then Roger discovered it when he was decorating his mother’s house.

“I read it around the time of the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Following the dates in the diary, it was interesting to see where he would have been on particular days,” explains Roger.

Using technology his greatgrandfather could only have marvelled at, by reading the diary out loud,

WWI diary 18-19 ‘Football Remembers’ memorial for the 1914 Christmas Truce of WWI, at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, Staffordshire

THE TRENCHES In the early months of the war, Alexander described the trenches as being “in a deplorable condition”.

“The Battalion went in wearing shoes and spats but had hardly gone a hundred yards when the mud sucked off shoes, spats and, in some cases, socks.

“Some of the men had to be pulled out. One chap was stuck for five hours.

Life under such conditions can be better imagined than described.”

The 43rd Battalion, a Canadian Highland infantry unit, painted by Cyril Barraud

Alexander Esson in dress uniform

recording it on an iPhone and then uploading it online Roger found a way to transcribe the pages and turn them into a readable document that could be shared with the family.

The project was finished during lockdown when Roger researched online maps and photographs to bring the diary to life.

“It’s a really emotional read, and some parts of the diary are very upsetting.

You just want to cry,” says Elaine Hart, Roger’s cousin and Alexander’s granddaughter. “I was only five when my grandfather died but I remember him as a loving family man. My father spoke often about Alexander’s war service.”

Alexander was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Here are some extracts from his diary.

THE 1914 CHRISTMAS ARMISTICE “On Christmas Eve, a German came across to the trench held by the 2nd Gordons and asked if we would be in favour of an armistice on Christmas Day. Next day, after some hesitation on both sides, they began to show themselves and after confidence had been established, both sides were soon mixing together in no man’s land, exchanging small gifts such as cigarettes for souvenirs. During the afternoon, it was arranged that the armistice would be extended for a few days. It actually lasted until the 3rd of January.

“It was a regiment of Saxons who held the trench opposite us, a good many of whom could speak English, having been in England before the war. One of them showed us a New Testament which had been a presentation from a class of Sunday school scholars, which he taught in Blackpool.

“During those 10 days, both sides were busy collecting the dead lying in no man’s land. These were all gathered together, friend or foe alike and a combined funeral service held, both sides attending. This was at least one good point about the armistice for otherwise those bodies would never

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Things were so critical the 2nd Gordons had to be reinforced across the open in broad daylight

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have been recovered as no advance was ever made in that part of the line, so they would have gone to swell the list of missing believed killed.”

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THE BATTLE OF NEUVE CHAPELLE, 10-13 MARCH 1915 “The 20th Brigade to which we belonged held the position of Corps Reserve on the morning of the 10th. This meant we would be the last of the Corps to be called upon, if required at all.

“As it turned out, we were required, very much so and sooner than was expected and had by far the worst of it.

“During the forenoon of the 12th, the 6th were heavily shelled, and had to be sent back to the reserve trenches. They had only been there half an hour when they had to be recalled and sent forward to the old German front line.

“All that day, the Germans kept up a heavy shellfire. By the next morning things were so critical the 2nd Gordons, who had been in an advanced position since the first day, had to be reinforced across the open in broad daylight.

This fell to the 6th.

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Gordon Highlanders and Colonel William Eagleson Gordon VC CBE (1914)

1ST BATTALION AT NEUVE CHAPELLE, FORTUNINO MATANIA 1915

1915 painting by Fortunino Matania depicting the Battle of Neuve Chapelle

“It was about 9 o’clock on the morning of the 13th that another orderly and I handed the fateful message to Colonel McLean. In half an hour, he had been killed and the Adjutant wounded (he died on reaching hospital).

“At no period in the attack had such a fire to be faced. Guns of all calibre lashed the ground until hardly a yard remained untouched. All day, they lay taking what cover they could from a storm of shrapnel. By the time darkness came down, about 60 men remained.”

RECOLLECTIONS OF ARRAS Alexander was very much aware of the cost of war – not just to his fellow soldiers but also to the civilians caught up in the crossfire. He visited Arras after the major British offensive there.

“We marched to Arras, this was my first visit, so next day we had a stroll through the town, a large portion of

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Without a doubt, it was a trying experience yet I’m sure all have had some pleasant times they can look back on

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which was in ruins. It was pitiful to see some of the sights, houses split in two with all the things scattered about, beds hanging through the floors from above, china hanging on the walls and scattered about on the floor.

“It made one feel for the people who had to flee for their lives and leave them all behind.

“A large cathedral near the centre of the town was little more than a heap of stones.”

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BATTLE OF THE MENIN ROAD RIDGE, 20-25 SEPTEMBER 1917 The tension is palpable when Alexander remembers the minutes before the fighting starts.

“The attack was timed for 5.40am.

A few shells had been going over all night. At 5 o’clock, everything was quiet. This was the worst time of all – the silent waiting.

“As the time wore on, you could see the men glancing at their watches, then someone would say ‘a minute to go’.

Then, almost to a second, every gun roared. It would be impossible to describe the noise, the roar of the guns and the moan and shriek of the different shells passing over. The whole German line was a mass of flames and smoke.

Only 10 seconds elapsed before the German gunners replied.”

WAR IS OVER At the end of the war, Alexander wrote: “On February the 6th, I left Edinburgh for home and in a fortnight’s time I was back into the old rut I left that fateful day in August 1914.”

A gathering of Gordon Highlanders

Gordon Highlanders surrendering to German soldiers during WWI

Handwritten diary entry (left) and Alexander Esson’s Victory Medal, British War Medal and 1914-15 Star

The final diary entry felt particularly poignant to Roger when he read it all those years later during lockdown.

“Without a doubt, it was a trying experience yet I’m sure all have had

some pleasant times they can look back on. We also got a glimpse of the other world and brought us into contact with people of different nationalities from the Far East to the Far West, all gathered together behind the fighting line in Flanders.

“The conditions under which these people live and many in our own country do when seen with your own eyes, gives you a different outlook upon life and does away with all narrow mindedness so common among those who have never seen how much the lives of their brothers and sisters out in the world depends on their own.”

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LOOKING THEIR BEST Bill Tait recalls the history of the Best Kept War Memorial campaign, which has been paused for 2020

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HE IDEA that there should be a competition for the Best Kept War Memorial and Garden was germinated in the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh in around 1983.

Two Royal British Legion Scotland officials, David Lawson and John Pollington, occasionally had a lunchtime stroll in the garden ‌ which is where they met me.

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THE CONVERSATION THAT STARTED IT ALL The pair commented that some of the war memorials and gardens were not well maintained, and I suggested that there ought to be a competition, as the Beautiful Scotland in Bloom competition had started a

few years earlier to encourage improvements in cities, towns and villages by planting flowers.

The suggestion was put to a meeting at New Haig House and a trial held to see if this would be feasible. It proved to be a success, with some outstanding entries.

The first judge was David Mclean, a potato farmer from Crieff, who judged the Champion of Champions for four years until his untimely death.

At this point, I took over the role.

Routes had to be planned carefully to find the most direct journey around competing memorials. Travelling from Edinburgh, the Borders could be a day trip but the north would require an overnight stay.

Gretna War Memorial

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A candle lit during lockdown at Carnoustie War Memorial

DON’T THEY LOOK GREAT? Some branches have sent us images of their local memorials in tiptop condition this year

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In the years that the competition has been going, no less than 11 names have been added to the trophy 2020: A RELUCTANT YEAR OFF It’s extremely disappointing that we are unable to run the Best Kept War Memorial campaign this year, especially when I hear of the great efforts made around the country.

In the years that the competition has been going, no less than 11 names have been added to the trophy. This shows the dedication of so many – and the runners-up were often just a single point behind the winners.

I was once asked by two elderly men who looked after the Methlick War Memorial what they could do to improve it to win it before they died. As I did not have that one to judge, I advised them to contact a local head gardener for some advice and assistance – and they won it the following year.

Bill Tait did his National Service in the Royal Air Force, was garden supervisor at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh and horticultural advisor at Dobbies Garden Centres Millport War Memorial

HOW TO WIN (OR LOSE) POINTS I have now judged the Champion of Champions category for 31 years, along with additional smaller memorials on my route. These are some of the things I have observed when judging.

Plant and floral displays are usually very good, but these can be affected by weather conditions – which can be more or less severe in different parts of the country. Close scrutiny is given to see if flowers have been dead-headed or the borders have weeds.

I feel that it is important that seating is provided at memorials, especially for those who are infirm. It’s pleasing to see seating in good condition, and some of

the more recent benches feature memorial scenes of their own.

Lettering is very important and can be badly affected by weather in exposed places. At Panbride, lettering on the red sandstone memorial at one point was almost worn away, and a new plaque was installed. On others, the black lettering can become faded and difficult to read.

Sometimes judging can raise problems. The first time I visited the Carnoustie War Memorial, there were broken paving slabs and uneven steps that could have been a trip hazard.

Forres had similar issues. Following my comments, both were rectified.

MARK CANTLE

Last year’s Champion of Champions: Carnoustie, photographed in 2019

Ballater War Memorial

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Robbie Ross remembers the vital part he played as a baker in the British Army

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HILE SOLDIERS and combat may be the first thing most people picture when they think of who serves in the British Army, many more departments and personnel are working behind the scenes to allow those serving on the frontline to do their jobs.

Men and women working in the supply lines, providing essential items like food, petrol and ammunition, are vital to the Army’s operations, argues 78-year-old Robbie Ross from Nairn, whose time as a baker in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps saw him serve in both Borneo and the Falklands War. Robbie joined the 4th/5th battalion Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders (TA) in 1958, when he was just 16. He was the Army’s only master baker when he left in 1983.

For three years Robbie trained as a soldier, before joining the Royal Army Service Corps in 1961 (disbanded in 1965). “I was a trainee in the bakery trade when I joined up,” he says.

“I asked if they take bakers in the Army and they said, ‘Oh yes, within the Royal Army Service Corps.’ I trained at Buller Barracks in Aldershot for two months, and that was for soldier training, and then I was transferred to a bakery training school in Aldershot for three months.”

Robbie’s career has allowed him to travel the world, and he has been deployed in places like Norway, Denmark, Northern Ireland, Germany and Turkey. During his time working at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Paris in 1963, he got to spend his free time travelling all over the city.

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“It was a cushy posting that was,” he says. “I drove past the Palace of Versailles every day to go to work.”

Much like men on the frontline, Robbie’s job also meant he’s had to sacrifice time with his family, sometimes missing out on important life events.

“Two years after Paris, in 1965 I was posted to Borneo,” Robbie tells us.

“I had to leave my wife at home, who was pregnant at the time, and she had to go home to her parents. She had the baby there. It was 10 months before I saw my daughter.”

Voices of veterans

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I got my certificate from Major General Thorne saying that we produced more than 180,000 loaves in the Falklands

Robbie Ross, pictured above, and left (back row, far right) with the bakery training section, 6 Training Battalion, Royal Army Service Corps, in 1963

Thankfully, as his family grew, Robbie was able to take them with him when he was deployed. From 1969 to 1972, he was in Cyprus, and took his family with him to live in the married quarters.

“I’ve had 14 married quarters my whole career,” he laughs. “My daughter has been to 10 schools; that’s far too many schools.”

After Cyprus, Robbie was stationed in Germany, where he served in the British Army of the Rhine. He was only home for 10 weeks before he was deployed to the Falklands.

“I was down there for five months, and it took six weeks to get me there.

We went there by boat, in a crosschannel ferry, in 1982.”

He was attached to the 5th Infantry Brigade and worked with his colleagues to provide food and supplies to the men fighting.

“I got my certificate from Major General Thorne saying that we produced more than 180,000 loaves of bread in the Falklands.

“When I first joined there were three static bakeries in the UK, but now they’ve closed them all, and they buy their bread from the supermarket.”

Leaving the Army in 1983, Robbie was to spend the next six years in the Army Reserves. To this day he feels proud of the contribution he and others serving in the supply lines made during their deployments, for they are just as vital as those serving on the frontline, even though their contribution is often overlooked.

“For every man you see serving on the frontline,” he says, “there are seven more men backing him up.”

SHARE YOUR STORY Voices of Veterans is a Legion Scotland campaign that pays tribute to veterans of all ages by sharing their stories. If you have a tale to tell, whether you left service yesterday or 50 years ago, or know someone with a story and would like to nominate them, let us know.

Please call 0131 322 1076 or email magazine@legionscotland.org.uk

Soldiers in the Falklands BETTMANN / GETTY

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Usman Ali, Poppyscotland’s Public Affairs & Campaigns Manager

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THE ROAD TO 2021

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DELIVERING FOR SCOTLAND’S ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY

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The pandemic has not lessened Poppyscotland’s passion for change IN JANUARY 2018, Poppyscotland recruited a Public Affairs & Campaigns Manager to lead on developing public policy and campaigns in the interest of Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

Since then, Poppyscotland’s Usman Ali has been working with colleagues, government and sector-wide stakeholders, as well as the beneficiaries Poppyscotland supports, to make positive change happen.

The annual Poppyscotland Policy and Research workshops have led the organisation to identify and develop a range of public policy positions affecting both those still serving and the veterans’ communities. This includes health, housing, life skills, employment and social security. Underpinned by an evidence-based approach, Poppyscotland’s policy work takes account of both published research and the experiences of beneficiaries and support staff.

Numerous recommendations have been proposed with action taken including lobbying UK, Scottish and local governments, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, and public agencies to

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take decisive steps to improve the lives and wellbeing of the Armed Forces community. Poppyscotland has also been engaging beneficiaries and all political parties while drawing up a manifesto to be published in late 2020, ahead of the next Scottish Parliament elections scheduled for May 2021.

ARMED FORCES COVENANT 2021 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Armed Forces Covenant coming into being. As such, Poppyscotland is working with The Royal British Legion to undertake a review of the Covenant, assessing its implementation and effectiveness.

Poppyscotland is also working with partners in Veterans Scotland and Legion Scotland to gather evidence and seek opinions from sector organisations, beneficiaries and Legion Scotland members. If you or anyone you know has any evidence by way of published documents, or if you just want to share your experiences of the Covenant, then please email Poppyscotland at publicaffairsscotland @poppyscotland.org.uk

Lastly, another positive change for veterans and their families has been in the making for some years now.

Poppyscotland’s Count Them In campaign, which calls for the inclusion of a Veterans Question in the next Census, has also been successful, after being approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Thanks go to colleagues across the veterans’ sector for working with Poppyscotland, National Records of Scotland and the Scottish Government to make this change happen. This will now allow statutory and third sector support providers to better plan and deliver welfare services in support of the Armed Forces community.

The road to 2021 has been long – especially with the difficulties this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic – but Poppyscotland’s commitment and passion for change remains the same.

By working together across the military and governmental sectors, and alongside the veterans’ community and Legion Scotland members, Poppyscotland will continue to make more positive change happen.

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STRONG SPIRIT WILL SEE US THROUGH An update from Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising

THIS YEAR has been one that we only thought we would be reading about in works of fiction! The impact that this devastating virus has had on the whole nation has been immense, and the challenges it has brought to many homes are hard to comprehend at times.

If a silver lining can be taken from the experiences of the first part of 2020 it could be the rebirth of a national community spirit. This community spirit has certainly never been missing within our family of Legionnaires, whose motto “Service, not self” is so appropriate in these turbulent times.

The pandemic has certainly had a direct impact on the work of Poppyscotland and our income generation and, as such, over the summer we have taken the difficult but correct decision to cancel many of our planned events. This is primarily to safeguard our participants, but also the wider communities in which these events would have been held.

OPERATION RESCRIPT We were in the final stages of planning for our concert tour with The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland for 2020 when lockdown happened, and these serving soldiers went on to become involved in Operation Rescript, the UK military’s support in the pandemic. The good news is that we will be back in 2021 with the Scots Band to help celebrate the 100th Poppy Appeal.

After the cancellation of our events, the focus

Strange times Clockwise from top left: A masked Alister Jack MP visits Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in August; promoting Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland’s original VE Day 75 programme; Poppyscotland’s 2020 Sportive in September was cancelled

has turned to Poppy Appeal 2020.

Legion branches and members the length and breadth of the country are instrumental in delivering the Scottish Poppy Appeal every year.

My main focus now is to ensure that an Appeal that protects our fantastic army of volunteers from harm can be achieved in as normal a way as possible while, of course, following government guidance. That way, we can safeguard the income that helps us deliver our vital life-changing support for the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

The Appeal this year will be different – of that I have no doubt. We

will be introducing some new digital tools that will allow you to raise money online, and we are also developing a contactless option that can be fitted on every box of poppies that are distributed to allow members of the public to pay using the technology on their mobile phones.

Knowing many of you as I do, I am certain that the spirit of The Royal British Legion Scotland will ensure that – just as when we served – we will rise to any and all challenges that are thrown at us, and that together we will deliver a successful Scottish Poppy Appeal. I can assure you that anything we can do to help from Head Office we will do.

Please just ask.

Finally, to those that have lost loved ones during this pandemic please accept my personal condolences and those from everyone at Poppyscotland.

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ANDY ALEXANDER Born in Peterhead in 1939, Andy carried out his National Service between 1956 and 1959, enlisting first with the Gordon Highlanders and then as a bandsman with the East Lancashire Regiment.

He re-joined the Army in 1962, reaching the rank of Sergeant and serving with the Royal Army Pay Corps until 1977. After that, Andy studied and received his accountancy degree,

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JOHN SUTHERLAND John was born in Dundee in 1933.

An accomplished drummer and electrician by trade, John was already a member of the Territorial Army when he was called up for National Service in 1951, serving until 1953, first with the Black Watch and then with the Royal Engineers.

When John joined the City of Dundee branch in 1999 he took on various roles, including Chairman and Secretary, and was the branch Standard Bearer for many years. He died on 23 April 2020 and will be sadly missed by all.

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ESTHER (ETTA) JARVIS For many years Etta was the Cupar branch Social Convener and, with a small committee, helped to organise many successful fundraising events. Last year she received a special certificate from the branch for all her diligent work, and prior to that was voted Cupar Citizen of the Year.

Etta sadly passed away on 22 July 2020. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.

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ALLAN (PADDY) DICKSON Enlisting in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in 1964, ex-Sergeant Allan Dickson (also known as Paddy) served in various parts of the world until 1980. After leaving the Armed Forces, he joined the Dumfries & Maxwelltown branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland and for many years laid the wreath at Dumfries War Memorial during the Armistice Service.

Paddy passed away on 4 July 2020 after a long illness. Our thoughts are with Honereen, Denise and Allan and the extended families.

DUMFRIES & MAXWELLTOWN

JAMES (JIM) HENDERSON Jim passed away peacefully at his home on 13 July 2020.

After serving with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers from 1968 until 1977, Jim returned to Civvy Street and

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which led ultimately to his appointment as National Treasurer for Royal British Legion Scotland in 2000. He was also the first Area Secretary for Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dumfries & Galloway.

Andy sadly passed away on 10 July 2020, just five days before the Diamond Anniversary of his marriage to Margaret. He is much missed by all his family – children Drew and Denise, grandchildren Kelsey, Charlotte and Lewis, and greatgrandchildren Kaide and Ayla.

worked for Dumfries and Galloway Council until he took early retirement.

On leaving the Armed Forces, Jim became Standard Bearer for the Dumfries & Maxwelltown branch, a role he made his own for 20 years. He will be sadly missed.

the WRAC. After leaving she was involved as an SSAFA Caseworker and cared for many veterans in her work at local care homes. A wellrespected member of Fort William branch, Janette will be missed by her family and many friends.

EDINBURGH

ALISTAIR MARTIN After a short illness Alistair passed away peacefully on 22 July, surrounded by his loving family. Having served with the Royal Navy as part of the 8th Destroyer Flotilla, Alistair became one of Fort William branch's longest-serving members and was a fountain of knowledge regarding other past members.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues.

FORT WILLIAM & DISTRICT

JOHN K BROWN John K Brown sadly passed away in April. At the age of 19 he joined the Royal Army Service Corps for his National Service, and then enlisted in 908 Coy RASC at Alnwickhill. He reached the rank of WO2 as Sergeant Major of 230 Sqn RCT (V) and left the service in 1973. John was very active in the RASC/ RCT Association, where for many years he was Scottish Regional Chairman and latterly Honorary President of the Edinburgh branch.

FORT WILLIAM & DISTRICT

JANETTE COWIE Janette was born into a military family and went on to serve with

INVERGORDON

RONALD (RONNIE) FINNIE Ronnie served with the Royal Engineers and was a stalwart member of the Invergordon branch.

He died peacefully on 29 March after a short illness.

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Elizabeth (Betty) for 60 years, Ronnie will be sadly missed by all.

KIRKWALL

GEORGE (EDMOND) REID Edmond passed away peacefully on 16 July, aged 85 years. He was called to do his National Service in 1955, joining the Royal Artillery and serving in Gibraltar and Malta. He joined the Kirkwall branch in November 1964 and participated in many Legion events. Much missed by all, Edmond is survived by his daughter Fiona and sons Nigel and Michael.

KNIGHTSWOOD

ROBERT HARRISON Robert served as a Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers from 1954 to 1956. A member of Knightswood branch since 1971, Robert was involved with the branch’s Management and Disciplinary committees and regularly attended the club until his passing in March, aged 85. He was also a keen rugby fan and regular visitor to Wales, where he had many friends.

PETERHEAD

MICHAEL COWIE Michael was a local Peterhead man and a longstanding member and supporter of the Peterhead branch.

He and his wife, Wilma, were a common sight at many Legion events, from dinners and dances to the AGMs and the Armistice Parade. Having spent 20 years in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Michael was also well respected in the community and will be sorely missed by all.

PETERHEAD

EILEAN-DONNA FORBES It is with sadness that we mark the passing of EileanDonna Forbes, a true stalwart of the Peterhead branch. Along with her mother, EileanDonna got heavily involved with the running of the weekly bingo and various other events, eventually becoming Chairwoman of the Women’s Section.

She went on to serve as Honorary Branch Secretary and Treasurer.

ROSLIN

JEANETTE CLYNE Jeanette, who passed away suddenly at home in September, met her husband John at a local dance and they married in 1974. John and Jeanette first set up home in Penicuik and then moved to Roslin in 1983, where they became parents to Judith and the late John.

Jeanette was Roslin Branch Secretary for a number of years and loyally served and supported the club.

Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.

ROSLIN

KEITH WILBUR KELLY Keith was born a Yorkshireman on 20 January 1935 but adopted Scotland as his homeland and made his professional career providing design services to the building trade. He served for three years with the Royal Air Force in Air Sea Rescue.

Keith, a valued member of Roslin branch, passed away at his home on 26 April after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Ann. STIRLING

LIVINGSTON (LIVY) WAUGH We are sad to report that Livingston Waugh, a longstanding member of the Stirling branch, passed away in April. Born in June 1945, Livy, as he was generally known, served with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from 1963 to 1972. He held the post of branch Treasurer in the early 2000s and organised the branch-sponsored prize bingo. Livy worked equally tirelessly for Poppyscotland, eventually taking on the role of Convener for Stirling for many years.

SUBMITTING A LAST POST

Please submit dedications to recently departed Legion Scotland members to magazine@ legionscotland.org.uk by 6 February 2021 and we will endeavour to include them in the next issue.

Submissions will be edited so as to give as fitting a tribute as we can to each and every person. We recommend a word count of around 100 words. If you are able to attach a photograph, we will make every effort to include this as well.

Do you need help?

Our support visits offer reliable relationships, through our Veterans Community Support Volunteers, to anyone who is socially isolated.

It all starts with a cuppa and a chat and, before you know it, you could be enjoying new activities you never knew about in your local community.

Find a referral form at www.legionscotland. org.uk/befriending and send it to support@ legionscotland.org.uk If you would like to become a Community Support Volunteer, please contact Tommy Douglas on 0131 550 1560

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COME AND SEE US FIND YOUR NEAREST LEGION SCOTLAND BRANCH

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ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE 01224 707768 Aberdeen Aboyne Alford Ballater & District Banchory 01330 822347 Buckie & District 01542 832636 Bucksburn Dufftown 01340 820711 Ellon & District 01358 720512 Fraserburgh 01346 518964 Fyvie 01651 891292 Inverurie 01467 620567 Keith & District 01542 882320 Kincardine O’Neil Longside Lumphanan Methlick New Deer 01771 643933 New Pitsligo 01771 653766 Oldmachar 01224 704717 Oldmeldrum 01651 872527 Peterhead Stonehaven 01569 763655 Strichen 01771 637792 Tarves & District Turriff & District 01888 563231 Upper Donside ANGUS, PERTHSHIRE & FIFE 07530 380545 Alyth Arbroath 01241 873964

Blairgowrie & Rattray (sub-branch Perth)

01250 873882 Brechin 01356 622562 Callander Carnoustie 01241 854940 Ceres & District City of Dundee Crail Crieff 01764 652937 Crossgates 01383 511478 Cupar Dunblane Dunfermline 01383 723921 Dunkeld & Birnam 01350 727773 Forfar 01307 463204 Glenrothes Kennoway 01333 350332 Kirkcaldy Leven 01333 426058 Montrose 01674 672406 Newburgh Pitlochry & Blair Atholl St Andrews Stirling Tayport EDINBURGH, LOTHIANS & BORDERS 0131 550 1590 Bathgate 01506 631989 Cockenzie & Port Seton 01875 810103 Coldstream 01890 882109 Dalkeith 0131 663 3235 Dunbar 01368 863275 Duns

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ABERDEEN, BANFF & KINCARDINE

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS

ANGUS, PERTHSHIRE & FIFE

GLASGOW, AYRSHIRE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

Edinburgh Central 0131 557 8164 Edinburgh HQ Eyemouth Galashiels 01896 752457 Haddington Hawick Jedburgh 01835 863201 Kelso 01573 224506 Liddesdale

Linburn Livingston Longniddry 01875 853241 Melrose Newbattle & Gorebridge Penicuik 01968 672095 Portobello 0131 669 5418 Prestonpans 01875 811446

EDINBURGH, LOTHIANS & BORDERS

Roslin 0131 440 2174 Selkirk & Ettrick Forest GLASGOW, AYRSHIRE, DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY 07825 633187 Annan Biggar & District Bridge of Weir 01505 613530 Cambuslang

Directory

LEGION SCOTLAND has more than 145 branches across Scotland, from Kirkwall to Dumfries, and the Isle of Bute to Edinburgh.

Every branch is run by volunteers and every one is different. What they all have in common is their desire to work towards improving the circumstances of ex-service people across Scotland. When you join your local branch

Campbeltown Castle Douglas & District 01556 504499 Clackmannanshire & District Cumbernauld 01236 735263 Dalbeattie Dumfries & Maxwelltown Easdale East Kilbride 01355 233545 Forth 01555 811317 Glasgow HQ Grangemouth 01324 483040 Hamilton Inveraray Irvine 01294 313164 Isle of Bute Kilmarnock Kilwinning Knightswood 0141 959 2721 Largs Maybole Millport 01475 530052 Moffat Monkton & Prestwick including Ayr Newton Mearns Newton Stewart Paisley Comrades 0141 889 9281 Saltcoats, Ardrossan & Stevenston Sanquhar Stranraer Troon

of Legion Scotland your membership also entitles you to use any other branch across Scotland. A separate fee may apply for using a branch with a club.

Branches are listed under five areas, in alphabetical order. Those marked also have a Legion Scotland social club affiliated to them. Clubs that offer accommodation are marked with a .

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS 0756 807 3190 Assynt Aviemore & Rothiemurchus 01479 810892 Badenoch Beauly Black Isle Creich & Kincardine Dingwall (sub-branch Strathpeffer)

01349 863278 Forres 01309 672131 Fort Augustus 01320 366247 Fort William & District Glenurquhart Golspie Helmsdale Invergordon Inverness 01463 234378 Kirkwall 01856 873297 Lerwick 01595 692325 Lewis Lochalsh Lochbroom Lossiemouth Nairn 01667 453201 North Skye Sanday Scalloway 01595 880355 Strathspey 01479 873690 Stromness 01856 850731

Tain Thurso 01847 893417 Uist Wick, Canisbay and Latheron RIDERS BRANCH 07884 004890 Across the country HEADQUARTERS BRANCH 0131 550 1586 Ideal for those abroad, or with no branch nearby WOMEN’S SECTION 07826 104879 Arbroath Ayr & Prestwick Coldstream Crail Dingwall Earlston Ellon Forfar Galashiels Inverness Inverurie Larkhall Loanhead Lossiemouth Methilhill Montrose Oldmachar Oldmeldrum Stonehaven Turriff

Legion Scotland key contacts Main Switchboard 0131 322 1076 Membership and Branch Support Alastair Duff 0131 550 1586 a.duff@legionscotland.org.uk Disablement Pensions Service James Johnston 0131 550 1566 j.johnston @legionscotland.org.uk Veterans Community Support Tommy Douglas 0131 550 1560 t.douglas @legionscotland.org.uk Events and Remembrance Brian Ward 0131 550 1562 b.ward @legionscotland.org.uk Legion Scotland Today Magazine 0131 322 1076 magazine @legionscotland.org.uk Accounts Lorna Kane 0131 550 1548 l.kane@legionscotland.org.uk

91LEGSEP20125.pgs 06.10.2020 14:22

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HISTORY VERSION

30 YEARS ON

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Remembering soldiers who fought in the Gulf War

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The entry into Kuwait by coalition forces began on 24 February 1991 ART PRODUCTION THE TIMES / NEWS LICENSING

CLIENT

O

N 28 February 1991, President Bush declared a ceasefire.

This brought to an end the Gulf War, a sevenmonth battle between coalition forces, led by the United States, against Iraq, after its invasion and annexation of Kuwait in early August 1990.

The 1st Battalion Royal Scots’ valiant service during the conflict earned them the Theatre Honour ‘Gulf 1991’ The 1st Battalion Royal Scots’ valiant service during the conflict earned them the Theatre Honour ‘Gulf 1991’.

Pictured above, Major John Potter OC B Company from the 1st Battalion Royal Scots is seen

celebrating with a clenched fist victory salute as his Regiment crosses the border into Kuwait, February 1991.

Nine Scots troops lost their lives during the Gulf War, and a permanent memorial to them can be visited inside Glasgow Cathedral.

34 www.legionscotland.org.uk AUTUMN 2020

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