HAMILTON

 James (Jim) Brown 

The Hamilton branch is sad to announce the passing of Mr James (Jim) Brown on 16 Jan 2022 at the age of 88. He was an active member of the branch for well over 40 years, in which time he held many of the committee positions and helped organise lots of activities for fellow members. 

Jim served with the Scots Guards in the Canal Zone, Egypt, during his National Service. On return to civilian life, he took employment with the Philips Electrical Company. He and his wife Susan have a daughter Pamela, who herself has two children, Jimmy and Megan.

 Even in recent years, when Jim was unable to attend branch meetings due to ill health, he always maintained an interest in what was going on. He also did sterling work during poppy collecting time every year. 

Jim's funeral took place on 9 Feb 2022 and was attended by many of his Legion comrades.

HAMILTON 

Ian Forsyth MBE

 

Tributes from across Legion Scotland have been paid to Ian Forsyth MBE, who passed away recently at the age of 97. Ian held several senior positions within Royal British Legion Scotland, including President of the Hamilton branch, and of the Glasgow, Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway area. He also sat for six years on our National Board of Trustees, retiring from this position in 2020. 

Ian served with the 15th/19th Royal Hussars during the Second World War in Egypt, Palestine and Europe. He was part of the Normandy landings at Gold Beach in June 1944 and was subsequently among the first soldiers to liberate Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in 1945. 

Although haunted by these memories, Ian was always determined to share his testimony to ensure the world never forgot about the horrors of the Holocaust. 

He played a crucial role in the 2004 creation of the Millport Garden of Remembrance and Memorial on the Island of Cumbrae. Dedicated to the memory of the many servicemen with no known grave who were killed in the Atlantic between 1939-1945, the memorial has provided a much-appreciated focus for the surviving relatives of those lost with no trace. 

Ian also masterminded the annual Hamilton Festival of Remembrance for many years, as well as acting as the local Poppy Appeal Area Organiser for several decades, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds in the process. 

Awarded the MBE by HM Queen in 2011 for voluntary services to charity, Ian’s passing is a huge loss to the Legion Scotland family, although his legacy will be felt for many years to come.

ROSLIN

 Frank Bell

 

Frank Bell, a longstanding member of Roslin branch who served on the branch committee as Social Convener and Branch Secretary, has passed away at the age of 91. 

Born on 24 December 1930 in Burton-on-Trent, Frank completed his National Service with the RAF in the Logistics & Transport Section at Edinburgh Waverley station. He loved Edinburgh and later joined the Edinburgh City Police where he rose to the rank of Chief Inspector. He retired in 1987 after 25 years of service. His first wife Sadie died suddenly in 1982, and he subsequently married Anna with whom he enjoyed many happy years until her death in 2002. Frank will be greatly missed by his extended family and all his friends at Roslin branch.