RBL branches and clubs … they are all different in attitudes which in general reflects the views of the 'established' hierachy rather than the members.

Bob Dove – Colchester

Dear Mr Gendall,

I am rather concerned that for a non political organisation the RBL, has written to The Guardian newspaper condeming Nick Griffin MEP for wearing a Poppy pin during the recent Euro election campaign. Like or loathe the BNP, Mr Griffin has every right to wear a Poppy. No doubt that he has had family members killed or injured during WW1 and 2, and maybe in conflicts since. Don't you think it was the protesters that threw eggs at Mr Griffin are the true Facists here, ie "You can say what you like, but only if we agree with it". Don't forget it was Tony Blair that sent our troops to an ILLEGAL war in Iraq, and also to war in Afghanistan, where British interests were not at risk.
I have noticed a seemingly political correctness creep into the RBL. The words Royal and British are in smaller type font to Legion.

I joined the Legion as I wanted to help our serving and ex service personnel. I am the loving girlfriend of a former Royal Green Jackets serviceman, and he suffers combat PTSD. I have recently completed a Caseworker course and I look forward to start helping our veterans and their families. I also have started a scheme with my local RBL to send parcels to our troops in Afghanistan. I do not wish to get bogged down in pc-ness. I am tempted to withdraw my services to the RBL for this slur on Mr Griffin. He WAS democratically elected by the electorate. However if I withdraw my services it will be the servicemen and women who suffer, and I do not wish to punish them for the actions of a minority.

I would like to add that I would much rather stand with Mr Griffin in an act of Remeberance, than I would with politicians from any of the three main other parties, who had the audacity to claim for wreaths on expences. At least Mr Griffin pays for his own, and he has the interests and welfare of our service personnel and veterans at heart.

Yours sincerely

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,
Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,
Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs
And towards our distant rest began to trudge.
Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots
But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;
Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots
Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.

Gas! Gas! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud
Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie; Dulce et Decorum est
Pro patria mori.

I'm just waiting for the Gravatar Police to kick the door in!

Why the bleep don't those idiots at Trough minister adapt minesweeping technology to our military vehicles and send small, remote controlled geiger drones to precede infantry in compromised area.

d'uh!

We have enough inventors and garden shed scientists (my late English born brother would have set that up in a day!) to create preventive, life saving tech. Was hoping to develop it myself, but am putting it out there as life has taken unexpected turns.

Poppies for me!

You've proven our spirit will never die!