What is the Royal British Legion ?
The Royal British Legion, was founded in 1921 on the initiative of Field Marshal Earl Haig following the dreadful aftermath of the First World War which left thousands injured and scarred by their experiences. For those who returned home leaving millions dead, particularly on the battlefields of Northern France and Belgium, the world would never be the same. Haig’s aim was to provide dignity and self-respect through employment, particularly for the disabled.
The Swiss Branch was created in 1947 by British and Commonwealth ex- Servicemen and women who came to live and work in Switzerland after the Second World War.
There have been many casualties in conflicts since the two World Wars, some of them resulting from United Nations peace keeping operations. The Legion is today the United Kingdom’s leading charity safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the Armed Forces and their dependants. The Legion currently spends more than £73 million pounds providing welfare services and relieving distress. Support is given at every level – from advice about benefits to grants for household appliances, as well as the provision of nursing homes.
Who can be a member of the Royal British Legion?
The Legion welcomes men and women of all ages as members. Anyone can join whether or not they have a connection with the Armed Forces. All we ask is that you are in sympathy with the aims and ideals of the Legion. Our motto is “Service Not Self” There are currently 370,000 members in the United Kingdom and a further 11,000 overseas.
The Royal British Legion Swiss Branch
The Swiss Branch was created in 1947 by British and Commonwealth ex- Servicemen and women who came to live and work in Switzerland after the Second World War. The Branch today has around 100 members who participate in various social activities, such as a D-Day remembered lunch, range day, a Summer Social or an Annual Dinner in the autumn often with a distinguished guest speaker. The Annual General Meeting takes place before the annual dinner and all members are encouraged to attend.
There are also joint social activities with other British associations such as the Royal Air Forces Association Swiss Branch and the British Residents’ Association of Switzerland. The Branch participates in Remembrance Ceremonies, particularly in November, ANZAC Day in April organized alternately by the Australian and New Zealand Consulates General and Victory in Europe Day in May in association with French veteran organisations.
Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk for details of RBL global initiatives
RBL SWISS BRANCH COMMITTEE 2026
Committee members
| ROLE | INCUMBENT |
| President | -Gapped- |
| Chairman | Eric Kohn TD VR |
| Vice-Chairman; Co-Membership and Digital Officer | Anne Peden TD |
| Treasurer; Co-Membership | Myles Stott |
| Honorary Secretary | Vacancy |
| General Member | Rupert Fryer |
| General Member | Mark Philips |
| General Member | Vacancy |
| General Member | Vacancy |
| General Member | Vacancy |
Honorary Vice Presidents (living)
- Michael Type
- John McKillop
Our Honorary Vice-Presidents provide guidance to the incumbent committee members. They are not committee members and therefore have no vote if invited to meetings; however we are most grateful to these people who share their knowledge and past experiences of running the Swiss Branch and help the committee to steer the ship through difficult times.
Standard Bearers & Bugler
- Zachary Boaron Standard Bearer
- Noel Jackson Standard Bearer
- Vacancy Bugler
Regional Poppy Appeal Coordinator - Switzerland
- Lorraine Clay – Assistance Defence Attaché for Switzerland. The Assistance Defence Attaché is a permanent role based at the British Embassy in Bern.