An appeal has been launched by the Royal British Legion to recruit new members for its Brussels branch.
Globally, the RBL, the UK’s largest armed forces charity, has a 180,000-strong membership and Brussels has just over 100 members.
It is a well-established and friendly branch but, with an inevitably ageing membership, the search is now on to boost its ranks, particularly with Belgians.
The RBL has been helping the armed forces community – that is veterans, serving personnel and their families – since 1921 and the message is: “There’s never been a better time to join.”
Dennis Abbott, chair of the Brussels branch, told this site: “We live in a dangerous world and the RBL is needed more than ever today.
“While we are probably most visible to the public at commemorations, funds raised from subscriptions and the Poppy Appeal allow us to provide financial and emotional support, whenever or wherever that help is needed by beneficiaries.
“But to carry out our role effectively, we need to grow our membership.”
As well as running or taking part in commemorations, the branch also meets regularly in and around the Brussels area for social events – and has been doing so since it was created by a group of British officers in May 1922.
It currently has British, Belgian, French and German nationals among its members. The branch’s local patron is the UK Ambassador to Belgium, Anne Sherriff, who often attends its commemorations.
Some of the Brussels branch members are the children or grandchildren of British servicemen who helped end the Nazi occupation of Belgium in the Second World War, married local women and stayed. Around 6,000 Anglo-Belgian couples wed following the Liberation of Brussels and Antwerp in September 1944.
Abbott said all its members, regardless of age or nationality, “honour the enormous sacrifice of the Allied forces in Belgium during the two world wars.”
He added: “It’s important that we never forget what they did. As a branch we have a responsibility as ‘passeurs de memoire’, that is keepers of memory, sharing the stories of the past with new generations.
“Unfortunately it sometimes appears that a few of today’s leaders have forgotten the lessons of history. Or at least need reminding occasionally.”
All RBL members are encouraged to get involved in Remembrance ceremonies, social events, fundraising and welfare work.
“As a member of the Brussels branch, you will hear the latest news, events and stories. You will also receive a regular branch newsletter plus a copy of Legion, the official RBL magazine, six times a year,” said Abbott.
Membership of the branch costs only €30 a year and is open to everyone. A military background is not necessary, although many members have an interest in the military and military history.
Membership is free for anyone who is a Youth Standard Bearer or part of a licensed RBL band aged between the ages of 14 and 17.
You don’t have to be able to speak English if you’re a member, although some knowledge of the language is useful for members who wish to serve on the committee. Its friendly committee team will answer any questions about joining.
Abbott says: “As a member people can take an active role in all our branch activities and there are opportunities to serve on the committee, write for our website or train as a welfare case worker.”
The Brussels branch includes one life member, Count Henri d’Oultremont, who served in the latter stages of the Second World War in the British Army with the famous Belgian unit, the Brigade Piron. He will celebrate his 101st birthday on 31 May.
Abbott says: “There could be no better example of the Belgians who have long supported the RBL.”
Henri lives with his son Juan in Woluwe Saint Lambert. His father and grandfather, a national hero, both served in the Belgian Army.
The Royal British Legion also has branches in Antwerp and Ieper. Details of how to join Brussels branch are available here:
