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'This story was submitted to the People’s War site by a volunteer from CSV London on behalf of Douglas Charles Chandler and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site's terms and conditions.'

Please go to Part 7 for the previous section of this story:

Freedom and hope for the future

Like everyone else, the POW’s arrived home with little more than their lives, on the way home Dad managed to get a set of silver liqueur “glasses for his parents 25 th wedding anniversary, these naturally became a family treasure.
Once back in England they had to first get back to being fit, and then armed with a “demob” suit and little else it was time to rebuild your life and the Country. There was no back pay, the government in their wisdom determined that the Germans had provided “room and board” for the past 4 years so this assumed cost was deducted and wiped out any pay. Imagine that in this day and age!

Dad went on to marry the most wonderful lady, Agnes Harrison Brown. Together they built a family, Mum worked as a shorthand typist as well as secretary to numerous community organisations, while Dad advanced to general manager for Pauls' Maltings in the east of England. Together they put everything into my brother and me, we have a fantastic family, Alan and I could not have had better parents, they are the best.

Royal British Legion

My Grandfather was a strong and loyal Legion member from the First World War. As young boys my brother and I always thought it was a great joke to tease my Grandfather about being in the “French Foreign Legion” and he took the joke well. As we grew a little older and more mature it became clear that the RBL was more than just a club. The realisation came to me the first time I stood beside my Dad one Remembrance Day
and I learned that Dad had an elder Brother Percy who didn’t make it back from the war.
The emotional connection is powerful and valuable as I make my way forward.

As we all know the RBL developed and has been the backbone of all support for the WWI and WWII Veterans. In spite of rebuilding the country many have never been given a fully fair deal. During the great economic times, which the veteran population created since the war, society simply left support to the RBL, a volunteer group organised and largely funded by the Vets themselves. No government since the war has made any real effort to look after the medical and living support for many of the most needy. Instead the governments appear to be relieved, because “now there are less than 30 WWI vets left and the WWII Veterans are rapidly declining”. In just one recent case of government apathy, the medal earned for a campaign in WWII was delivered by mail!!! just dropped through the letterbox. This reduced the value to little more than a metal disc and a piece of ribbon, fortunately the local RBL heard about the incident and DCC arranged a proper presentation by the lord lieutenant of Norfolk. In addition to deeds like this the RBL have provided income support for a huge number of their peers, as well as raise funds in support of other community groups like Scouts, Guides, Cadets, and many more.
It’s too late for financial support for many. In monetary terms perhaps the main thing would be real and sincere medical support regardless of the individuals needs and eliminate the perception that “it’s not worth putting new artificial knees into an old dog, better to defer treatment as long as possible and eventually the problem will go away”. Our leadership, the aristocracy and the well heeled will of course be just fine. Thankfully the young Vets have minimal financial need from the RBL (thanks in large measure to the efforts of the old Vets, the Services now provide solid benefits and linked pensions).

What do the WWII Veteran really want?

In speaking to many RBL members there are three observations
® To a man they all stand tall, loyal and proud of the Standard, they ask for very little.
® They gave everything they could during the war years and subsequently gave unending and selfless help and support to their fellow Comrades.
® They have concern and fear that the Legion, which has been the backbone of support for many, could fold perhaps sooner than later.

It is this last point where I believe we the younger generation can play a valuable role, in supporting a legacy for the RBL and upholding the dream of the RBL Comrades. We could perhaps expand the influence of the Poppy to become a day of Remembrance and Peace. This would encourage a stronger link with new generations.

A day of Remembrance and a time for Peace

“they gave their today for our tomorrow”.

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