Book description
The Royal British Legion was founded in 1921. It is now the country's
leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to
those who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed
Forces and their dependants. The RBL is behind the annual Poppy Appeal,
the highest profile charity appeal in Britain.
This book has the full support of the Royal British Legion and will
tell the complete story of its history through exclusive access to its
archives, thus providing a celebratory, as well informative, tribute to
their work over the past 90 years. It will be the definitive history of
this much-loved organisation, charting its work with soldiers and
ex-servicemen through the stories of its heroes, famous as well as
unknown, during the highest-profile military campaigns of the past 90
years. The book will be divided into nine chapters, each representing
one decade in the RBL's existence. Each chapter will celebrate one hero
per year; 1921, 1922, 1923, etc. giving an account of that particular
person, and what they achieved. Within each chapter will be special
spreads that emphasise also the social history of the evolution of the
RBL as a charity. Each one of the heroes, from 1921 right through to
2011, has been personally chosen by decorated royal marine, and RBL
ambassador, Lance Corporal Matt Croucher GC. Men such as Major Robert
Henry Cain VC (1909-1974), who destroyed six tanks during Operation
'Market Garden' at Arnhem in 1944 and was one of the only officers from
his battalion to escape the German encirclement of the British 1st
Airborne Division.
The book was published in late autumn to coincide with the 2011 Poppy
Appeal, which will be the biggest in the Legion's history, with events
running nationwide, TV advertising, celebrity involvement and a
high-profile marketing campaign. Matt Croucher will be involved in the
campaign as an ambassador for the RBL. For any serving member of the
armed forces, or those retired from service, or members of the public
who are keen to know about this beloved organisation; this will be a
fascinating and valued purchase, knowing that royalties will be going to
the charity themselves. 'This book is a fitting tribute to recognise .
. . the Royal British Legion. Long may the Legion stand shoulder to
shoulder with all who serve within our Armed Forces.' - Rt Hon David
Cameron, Prime Minister
'A remarkable organisation; as valued and needed today as when it was
founded' - Jeremy Clarkson LANCE CORPORAL MATT CROUCHER GC grew up in
Solihull and joined the Royal Marines aged 16, passing through the
legendary 32-week training programme and into 40 Commando despite a
series of injuries. He served two tours with the Marines in Iraq before
becoming a reservist and returning to Iraq as a private security
contractor with the United Nations. He re-joined the Royal Marines for
the ultimate challenge of a tour of duty in war-torn Afghanistan in
September 2007. Five months later he faced down death by diving on a
trip-wired grenade to save the lives of his men. Awarded the George
Cross, his incredible story of heroism has features in newspapers, TV
and radio shows around the world. He is a key member of the
ambassadorial team for the RBL and will undertake all PR on their
behalf.
