James Curran, Royal British Legion (St Helier)

Area	Morden
Picture Reference	MerMor_28_18-1
Original Format	Photo
Notes / History	James Curran, aged 89, pictured on Remembrance Day. The British Legion was established to care for those who had suffered as a result of service during the First World War and has supported our servicemen and women ever since. It was formed on 15 May 1921, bringing together four organisations of ex-servicemen that had established themselves in the years that followed the war. The first ever Poppy Appeal was also held that year. The poppies sold out almost immediately and raised over £106,000; a considerable amount at the time. This money was used to help WW1 veterans with employment and housing and this assistance has continued through WW2 to the present day. With money raised by the annual Poppy Appeal, the legion is also able to provide expert advice and guidance, recovery and rehabilitation, and to support members of the Armed Forces and their families as they transition to civilian life. The charity’s support starts after seven days of service and continues through life, long after service is over. By 2020 it was the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 235,000 members and 110,000 volunteers (britishlegion.org.uk).