Dear Reader,

For nearly 90 years The Royal British Legion has been listening and caring - providing help and support to anyone who has served, or who is currently serving, in the British Armed Forces, and their dependents - which means that nearly 9.5 million people are eligible to call on us for assistance.

Having just celebrated the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Legion takes its roles as custodian of Remembrance and safeguarding the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces seriously. As well as caring about those involved in World Wars and the many conflicts since 1945 we increasingly support those fighting for their country today in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families. Those we help are often much younger than you might think.

This year, as always, British troops have been posted to the forefront of some of the world's most hazardous hotspots and we rely on your help to offer the wholehearted support they deserve.

We're grateful to Ni Bell and fully support the spirit of his remembrance book. Your contribution means we can continue to provide the financial, social and emotional support to those who need it.

The Legion is probably best known for its famous red poppy emblem as well as its annual Poppy Appeal in November but our services are needed all year round as the demand for our support continues as Service personnel, young and old, call on us for help and guidance. Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk for more information about our work.

All the profits of this book will be going to the Poppy Appeal, please help us to help those to whom we owe so much.

Thank you.

Ann Bedford

Fundraising Assistant - Royal British Legion.