LegionLive

Now this sounds like a fascinating way to find out more about the history of British battles! To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the BBC is broadcasting The Battle of Britain season where a number of compelling history programmes will be shown across BBC1, BBC2 and BBC4. The season celebrates the courage and sacrifices of those who fought during this period, and really brings to life history for modern audiences (I will definitely be tuning in!).

A particular highlight is BBC1’s one-off documentary, The Real Battle of Britain, featuring actor Ewan McGregor and his RAF pilot brother, Colin. The pair relive the experiences of young airmen during the Second World War by flying together across the skies of England in a fighter aircraft. This should make gripping viewing as the programme promises to capture Ewan’s first rush of excitement, pressure and strain of air combat and Colin’s views on comparing a Spitfire to a modern RAF fighter jet.

The BBC2 is also offering a drama, First Light, based on the best-selling memoirs by Geoffrey Wellum. It tells the story of 19 year old Geoffrey - who was one of the youngest pilots to participate in the Battle of Britain, despite never having flown a Spitfire before.

This sounds like must-see viewing to me and is sure to provide some great insight into the Second World War and the lives of the people who lived during this time!

It all kicks off from early September (stay tuned for a confirmed broadcast date), and the BBC Archive’s Battle of Britain collection is available to view now. Just head over to the website.

Exciting news - Miss England (aka, Lance Corporal Katrina Hodge) and former England football manager Graham Taylor have just confirmed that they will be taking part in The Royal British Legion’s Pedal to Paris event.

Speaking at the French Embassy in London today, the two said that they will be joining the 300-strong team as the ride celebrates its 15th anniversary. Kicking off on Thursday 2nd September, the route will take them from Greenwich in London to France’s iconic Arc de Triomphe on Sunday 5th September.

Twenty-two year old L/Cpl Hodge, a long time supporter of the Legion, said, ‘I’m so privilaged to be asked to take part in this event. People often think of the Legion as only being there for the ex-ervice community, but it’s not. The Legion is there for serving personnel like myself just as much! Pedal to Paris is going to be a huge physical challenge, but I’m sure we’ll have a lot of fun along the way.’

Graham Taylor, who has recently returned from the World Cup in South Africa where he has been commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, agrees whole-heartedly that the Legion is a worthy cause. He said, ‘The work they do is so important at the moment, what with events in Afghanistan. I’m really looking forward to testing myself on the ride, I hear it can be pretty gruelling. I’m confident, however, that I will finish the ride. I am already looking forward to the champagne celebrations at the Arc de Triomphe!’

The riders are hoping to raise in excess of £500,000 for the Legion.

To sponsor Miss England, just head over to her Just Giving page or text ‘Miss England’ to 70222 (text messages cost £3.00, plus standard network charges). To sponsor  Graham Taylor you can visit his Just Giving page or text ‘Graham’ to 70222 (again, text messages cost £3.00, plus standard network charges).

Now this is a nice idea - and perhaps of particular interest to the flower enthusiasts out there!

A JustGiving page has been created that is inviting people to name a new variety of dahlia on behalf of a loved one. All entries require a £2.00 donation to The Royal British Legion, and will go into a draw to finally name the seedling. The flower - perhaps bearing the name you have chosen! - will then be registered at the RHS Gardens at Wisley.

Sounds like a lovely idea; pay a visit to the creator’s website for more information.

In a piece in The Guardian today, playwright David Edgar comments on British Political Theatre and how it has recently made its mark in the debate on Afghanistan.  In the last  12 months alone, 12 writers have written 12 plays on the subject…

Edgar believes that there has been a ’theatrical sea change’ in this genre of theatre since 9/11, with a focus on fact based drama, and seasons such as The Great Game at The Tricycle Theatre.

The season sounds interesting. Described as a ‘festival,’ it’s aim is to explore Afghan culture and history through plays, exhibitions and films. The theatre hopes to play a part in stimulating the public’s discussion on Afghanistan.

What do you think about the theatre’s role in the debate?

Our friends at Hounds for Heroes were deployed to RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, at the invitation of 99 Squadron to raise awareness of the charity’s work amongst current serving personnel and also gain a better understanding of the squadron’s role.

A busy military airbase is not quite the normal environment one would expect a Hound for Heroes assistance dog, but both dogs, EJ and Ikea took the day touring around the various aircrafts such as C17s, Tri-Star jets and the back ground support units in their stride.

 

Have you ever wondered how you could raise money for The Royal British Legion? Well today I am thrilled to reveal that in honour of the Legion’s 90th Anniversary, on 22nd and 23rd September you can not only raise money, but experience the phenomenal adrenaline rush of tandem skydiving with the best in the business, the Red Devils!

There are 90 exhilarating spaces in the ‘90 jump for 90′ fundraiser where for the small cost of £90 each diver will not only be raising valuable funds for the Legion, but will be fortunate enough to receive an exceptional package! This includes a personal greeting by the Red Devils’ Officer, a full briefing including a safety film and even an individual Red Devils instructor to make your skydive completely worry free.

They’ll accompany you on your short flight to altitude, shuffle with you to the door and even release your parachute. With experience literally behind you, you will be left completely able to enjoy every minute of your extraordinary skydive with greater opportunity to wave at family and friends down below! 

So how can you get your hands on this once in a lifetime experience? First of all, you’ll need to be able to reach Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton, Devon (beautiful landscapes by the way!) by 8am on either the 22nd or 23rd September. If that seems possible, then to book or simply find out more about ‘90 jump for 90′ just give Louise a call on 020 3207 2417 or email her at lravula@britishlegion.org.uk

Last night’s BBC 2 documentary, ‘On the Frontline’  was a real eye opener. It showed the dangers that our Service men and women face daily, particularly from IEDs.

Over 300 soldiers’ lives have been lost during the war in Afghanistan, and as the documentary showed, the effects on those who serve and their loved ones are profound.

What did you think of the documentary? Do you think there should be more programming like this to raise awareness of what the Armed Forces go through on operations and once they return home?

At the weekend the last of the 250 First World War soldiers found in a mass grave in Fromelles was finally laid to rest in northern France.

Prince Charles and scores of relatives gathered at the Fromelles Military Cemetery to attend a ceremony that bestowed honours upon the British and Australian men who were killed in a largely forgotton episode of World War I 94 years ago. The cemetery was created 2 years ago following the discovery of the remains of 250 men in a grave, where they had been buried by the Germans. Work soon began to excavate and identify them, incorporating complex DNA testing. Of the bodies recovered, 205 have been identified as Australian, 3 as British and 42 unknown.

The ceremony saw the relatives of those killed read moving extracts from diaries and letters home, and Prince Charles proceeded a general service wagon carrying the coffin of the last soldier’s remains. The Last Post was sounded and a one minute silence held. The Prince of Wales and the Govenor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce, laid the first wreaths.

Dedicating the ceremony, the Prince said, ‘In laying this last hero to rest, we honour them all.’ He was later accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall to a reception for the families.

The Guardian reported this weekend that 45,000 Service personnel are estimated to be leaving the Armed Forces towards the end of this year.

The worry is that this will put pressure on both the Service personnel trying to find jobs and the UK job market. The Legion is fully aware of the worries and pressures ex-Armed Forces can experience  when faced with a life on civvy street.

That’s why they provide a wealth of support for our returning men and women, including help with education, retraining and job opportunities via their Civvy Street service.

For more information I’d recommend visiting their website, or taking a look at this video…

750 miles for 7 days in the saddle has got to be tough! But that’s exactly what a team of soldiers from the Royal Engineer Close Support Troop are planning for 25th - 31st July.

They will ride in teams of six and aim to complete around 80 miles a day split into four 20 mile legs. Why you may ask? Well, the challenge, which has the rather sore-sounding title of the ‘Iron Saddle,’ is all in aid of The Royal British Legion and three other Armed Forces charities.

The soldiers have a target of £10,000 and if you’d like to help them along their wayyou can visit their website to donate.

Good luck lads!