In Headingley the ex servicemen who had served in the Great War formed themselves into groups of comrades; to socialise, support each other and their families. They held social meetings, mainly at the public houses. Because of the immense suffering that war had caused to the widows of soldiers killed, to wounded veterans, and their families the numbers swelled; and other associations were established, with the collective aims of giving help and support. However it was argued that something was needed to unite all these groups together, and nationally, the Legion was formed with the amalgamation of four main associations:
- The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers
- The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers
- The Comrades of The Great War (later to become the Old Contemptible Association)
- The Officers' Association
The amalgamation of these four diverse bodies can be attributed largely to two men: Field Marshall Earl Haig and Mr Tom F Lister of The Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers. Lance Bombardier Tom Lister, a Lancastrian, decided that if the Government was either unable or unwilling to do anything to improve the lives of ex-Service men, he would do something about it himself. A conference was held at the Queen's Hall, Langham Place, London on Sat 14 May 1921, the Conference adopted a Draft Constitution. This Constitution was to become operative on the following day. Thus; On the 15 May 1921 at 9am at the Cenotaph, the shrine to their dead comrades, the ex-Service men sealed their agreement. The Legion had been born.
In our local area around Headingley and the University many veterans of WW1 had initially joined the Old Contemptible Association, and the Headingley Branch was not formed until the 26th of February 1930.
The Headingley Branch met at the Bennet Road Institute, the older building situated on Bennet Road, and with the image of St Michael, slaying the dragon carved on the outside front panel. At the time the institute belonged to St Michael’s Church. When the Officers heard that a nearby premises was being vacated, bids were placed and they became the owners of the once Quaker Friendship House, 56 St Michael’s Road, then worth £45,000.
The Headingley Royal British Legion Club opened on Thursday 11th of October 1973. The club was opened by The Rt Rev Ralph Emmerson, the then Bishop of Knaresborough and former vicar of St Michael’s Church; who said, “There is so much pressure in life it is nice to be able to go somewhere to relax.” Also at the opening was MP, and member of the RBL Sir Donald Karberry of Adel, Mr Winzer Rundle the then Chairman; the present lounge is named in his memory. The Club President was Mr John Haigh, who asked members; “to always obey licensing hours, respect the laws of the club, and keep it so they could bring wives and guests with pride.”
The Headingley Branch of the Royal British Legion, and armed forces Associations are proud to be hosted by the New Headingley Club, and events and meetings take place in the rooms. The gardener takes special care to look after the small memorial garden under the flag pole, outside the club’s main building.
The Branch meet every Wed in the Club at 7.30pm. There is usually one or more ex serving members who attend, who can meet and greet other veterans, provide reassurance, and point the way to support. This is an informal chat and get together to hear about the latest developments in Branch Community Support, plan events for the Poppy Appeal, provide an opportunity to meet each other, welcome newcomers, and share best practice with others in our local communities. More formal Branch Members meetings are every SECOND Wednesday of each month starting at 7.30pm. These are for the Headingley Branch Officers and Members to discus items on the RBL official agenda.
For details about membership of the RBL please use a membership form, found at the entrance lobby. Use the RBL online joining pages, for Branch insert Headingley BR 1129, pop in one Wednesday evening, or phone Martin 07951628963
When the RBL, RBL Women's Section and Associations paraded together the Standards came with them.
In this photograph the Standards are formed up in the car park. Union Flag leading the RBL Leeds Group Standard, RBL Women’s Section, RBL Headingley Standard carried by our present President Barrie Child, with the Association Standards in the rear.
The Band of the Leeds Old Contemptible Association became the British Legion Band, and met in Kirkstall. However the Kirkstall and district Branch of the Legion was not formed until the 23rd of February 1934 and met in a building on Sandford Road. They closed on the 23rd of April 1976, and the members affiliated to the Headingley Branch. However the Band then all Young People of the Women’s Section met and practised at Bennet Road, before the move to Friendship House. The RBL Band would lead the Parade of Standard’s, Veterans, Girl Guides, Scouts, and Cadets.
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