Royal British Legion

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 aren't so far away, and our Recovery Team are working hard to support Team UK and their friends and family. Roll on 2025!

Prince Kunzang Choley Namgyal, better known as Paljor Namgyal, was born in the small Himalayan state of Sikkim in 1921, where Buddhism is deeply woven into the fabric of life. Paljor was the Crown Prince and eldest son of Maharaja Sir Tashi Namgyal, but despite his royal heritage, Paljor dreamed of flying. Driven by his passion and encouraged by a British official, Paljor joined the Indian Air Force (IAFVR) in 1940. Training was tough, as Paljor and his training group honed their skills in Tiger Moth biplanes and complex aircraft like the Hawker Audax and Westland Wapiti, equipped only with compasses and maps to rely on for navigation. Paljor successfully qualified in 1941 as the first and only pilot in his royal family, and was soon assigned to No. 1 Squadron IAF - one of the first to be equipped with the new Lysander II Aircraft. Paljor’s career was to be tragically cut short only months later, as the risks of flying a new aircraft proved to be too dangerous. On 20 December 1941, Paljor became the first pilot to lose his life flying the Lysander. The cause was determined to be a landing undershoot, and while his observers escaped with minor injuries, they later left flying duties. Paljor was flown home to Sikkim and was cremated with honours. This South Asian Heritage Month we remember those personnel of South Asian descent who have proudly served in the Armed Forces, and thank them for their courageous and noble sacrifice. RBL are proud to offer tributes that represent various faiths each year during Remembrance. This year, with the help of The Buddhist Society, we have introduced a tribute which represents the Buddhist faith. You can see our Tribute Collection on our Poppy Shop website: https://lnkd.in/gWRU6Gpw We shall never forget Paljor’s service and sacrifice, and all members of the South Asian Armed Forces community. #SAHM24 #FreeToBeMe

Something that we’re sure that every member of the Armed Forces community would agree with - there is nothing like the bond you make with your oppos in service. You go through life-altering experiences together, grow up together, and experience true camaraderie. Today we are celebrating the truly unique friendships that are born in the military. Tag your military mates below and share your stories of serving together. #InternationalDayOfFriendship #FriendshipDay2024 #ArmedForcesCommunity

Having empathy for others, increased problem-solving skills, and spreading joy through humour – we asked our Staff Disability Network to share the strengths they find in their disabilities. This Disability Pride Month, their stories highlight the positive pride felt by people with disabilities. RBL is an organisation where differences are celebrated, and we’re committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture, where everyone can reach their potential and feel valued. Share your disability pride with us! Tell us about your strengths and achievements below. #DisabilityPrideMonth #Inclusion

“Thinking about volunteering? Go for it! You’ll meet amazing people, learn new skills, and make lifelong friends.” Meet Charlie, a dedicated Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO) since 2019. Inspired by her brother’s involvement and the support her husband’s grandad received, she’s been making a difference with the Royal British Legion ever since. “My journey began when my younger brother, an air cadet, asked me to crochet poppies for their stalls. He served as a PAO for a few years, and I always helped out.” Charlie spends her time delivering poppies to local shops and supermarkets, chatting with the public, and working alongside other volunteers. “Volunteering has expanded my skills and introduced me to wonderful people. Yes, being a PAO can be hectic, but it’s incredibly rewarding. After the two-week appeal, seeing the impact of our hard work is priceless.” As a mum of two, Charlie has involved her entire family in the effort. “I’m a proud mum of two amazing girls who share my passion for helping others. Even my husband gets stuck in (and he loves it - or at least that’s what he says!). “Volunteering has brought my family closer and allowed us to contribute to a cause that means so much to us. It’s fun, fulfilling, and a fantastic way to connect with our community.” If like Charlie, you want to have a positive impact on veterans and their families, join our most important fundraising campaign of the year—the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal: https://lnkd.in/eanyi_qi

A lot has happened in Westminster since the result of the General Election. Our Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns, John Williams, shares RBL and Poppyscotland's learnings from the first three weeks of this new parliament.

Pratyusha “Prats” Dasgupta is proud to be one of RBL’s Poppy Appeal collectors, who takes to the streets each year to encourage members of the public to pick up a poppy in remembrance and support of our Armed Forces community. “Having lived in four countries, I’ve seen how the Royal British Legion operates in ways that I’ve not seen other countries do. When I lived in Singapore, a teacher told us about the Poppy Appeal, what the poppy stood for, and a brief overview of the Royal British Legion. I couldn’t believe that an organisation that was so British had made its way across the Indian Ocean to Singapore, a tiny island country in South-East Asia! It was interesting for 17-year-old me to see and experience that.” Prats got stuck in and started collecting for the Poppy Appeal at Sloane Square Tube Station in London, and told us how much she enjoys interacting with the public and spreading the word about RBL’s work with the Armed Forces community. “It’s interesting to interact with the local community and tourists alike as I was collecting in an area which is loved by both! I enjoyed explaining to tourists from many different countries about the RBL and the meaning behind the Poppy. “If anyone was considering becoming a collector for the Poppy Appeal, I’d tell them that they would be doing something worthwhile for the people who keep you safe, and they deserve to feel safe too.” Each year we are so grateful to welcome thousands of generous volunteers, who dedicate their time to collecting for the Poppy Appeal, and stand by our side as we lead the country in Remembrance. If, like Prats, you want to have a positive impact on veterans and their families, join our most important fundraising campaign of the year—the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal : https://lnkd.in/d5HzCciF

“Recovery is very much at the forefront of our minds.” We caught up with Team UK as they tried out some of the sports that will feature for the first time at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. At these Games you can expect to see new winter adaptive sports including Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Skeleton and more. For many competitors, both the preparation and the Games themselves are crucial parts of their recovery and rehabilitation journeys. We’ll be with them every step of the way. Let’s go Team UK! UK Ministry of Defence | The Invictus Games Foundation #InvictusGames #ArmedForcesCommunity #UKVeterans

It’s coming home - by which we mean the Invictus Games!   We are delighted by the news from The Invictus Games Foundation that Birmingham, UK will be the host city for the 2027 Invictus Games.   As Team UK prepare for the upcoming 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Team Captain Stephen “Hoops” Hooper shared how much the announcement event will mean to our participants:   “This will mean the world to Team UK, not only so their friends and family can watch them compete, but so the British public can cheer them on.   “As we prepare for Canada next year, it’s great to know the Games are coming home in 2027.”   From the city’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital treating wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, to the nearby Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Birmingham is a city steeped in military history and connection and a poignant venue for the Games.   It is also a location close to the hearts of Team UK participants, with RBL’s Battle Back Centre - our home for recovery through sport - being a short drive away in Lilleshall.   “Birmingham is a special place for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans, as they all come through here at some point,” Hoops said.   On behalf of everyone at the Royal British Legion and Team UK, we look forward to welcoming teams from nations across the world to celebrate our serving personnel and veterans through adaptive sport, and to create memories to last a lifetime. Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 UK Ministry of Defence  #InvictusGames #IG27 #ArmedForcesCommunity #UKVeterans

We are honoured to once again be working with South Asian Heritage Month to share stories which exemplify the incredible contribution of people of South Asian descent in the Armed Forces, and thank them for their courageous and noble sacrifice. Inspired by his father and grandfather, WOII Khadak Bahadur Chhetri is the third generation of his family to serve in the same regiment of the British Army. Khadak’s grandfather, Subedar Major Kalu Chhetri Sirdar Bahadur OBI MBE MC (pictured in slide 2), served in the 2nd King Edward’s Own Gurkha Rifles and suffered harsh conditions as a Japanese Prisoner of War in WW2. Seventy years after his grandfather’s remarkable service, Khadak accepted an MBE on his behalf. Growing up in Hong Kong, Khadak watched his father, Capt (QGO) Bishnu Bahadur Chhetri (pictured in slide 3), dutifully serve in the British Army but sadly he passed away in 1982 when Khadak was just nine years old. Seeing his father’s life and service cut short, fired Khadak’s determination to honour his legacy through service. In 1992, he was accepted into the same regiment as his father and grandfather. "It was simply icing on the cake.” Having now served over 32 years, Khadak is grateful for the opportunities to blend traditions and experiences while away from home and fondly remembers observing Tihar in the jungle in Kenya, and Dashain with fellow Gurkhas during his tours in Afghanistan. "The army is a diverse organisation, and there is a place for people from all backgrounds,” he says. We are so grateful to Khadak and his family for their dedicated service. #SAHM24 #FreeToBeMe