Legion’s WWI pilgrimage
MEMBERS of the Abercynon branch of the Royal British Legion joined thousands of armed forces veterans in a pilgrimage of remembrance to some of World War I’s most poignant sites.
MEMBERS of the Abercynon branch of the Royal British Legion joined thousands of armed forces veterans and supporters in a pilgrimage of remembrance to some of World War I’s most poignant sites.
A spectacular two-mile march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial, led by 1,100 standardbearers, was the culmination of the three-day event which saw the 2,200 participants visit the World War I trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium.
Max Mckeown and Neil Yard attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of Abercynon Branch, as a standardbearer and wreath-layer respectively.
At the last minute, Neil was asked to parade a standard for another branch, so tour guide Jonathon Hinkin of Ledger Tours and an RAF veteran was asked to lay the wreath on behalf of Abercynon branch.
Mr Mckeown said: “Being part of such an historic event, representing the community of Abercynon in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something I will never forget.”
It is believed that the Abercynon standard that predates the royal charter was the oldest standard on parade, being nearly 50 years old.
Bob Gamble, the Royal British Legion’s head of commemorative events, said: “GP90 was the Legion’s biggest membership event in modern history and is a suitable tribute from the members of the Royal British Legion in honour of the First World War generation, echoing the way the British Legion community commemorated the 10th anniversary of the conflict in 1928.”
On Sunday there was a laying up of the retiring standard and dedication service of the new standard at the War Memorial in Abercynon.
For more information, visit www.britishlegion. org.uk or to find out how to get involved contact abercynonrbl@gmail. com