The LMS Patriot Project, which is building new-build Steam Locomotive The Unknown Warrior to steam on the railway, have released a statement about their relationship with the Royal British Legion.
In 2009, the Projects secretary, Richard Sant, and Andrew Laws, who is Marketing and Publicity Director… had a meeting with the Royal British Legion about their new locomotive. They met Mr Stuart Gendall, who is the Director of Corporate Communications at the Royal British Legion. Mr Gendall said whilst they could not support the project with money, they said that the project could use the Legion Crest.
The group have since used the crest and have promoted the project in the correct manner.
This year, The Project wrote to the legion about their potential involvement in their Armistice Centenary events next year.
Unfortunately, they have announced that Terry Whittles, who is head of the Legion’s Board of Trustees, replied saying he was unaware of the decisions taken by Mr Gendall. He was not authorised to make them decisions without consulting the board.
As a result, Mr Whittles has asked the group to stop claiming the Royal British Legions involvement. Also to stop using the crest.
Last month, the Project had a meeting with Mr Whittles. He made it clear that there was no possibility of endorsement by the legion, including the use of the crest. In his words “doing so would, in the Legion’s view, imply that we had received financial support from the Legion”
The project are as expected very disappointed. But have no choice other than to comply with the wishes of the Royal British Legion.
What next?
A new crest will be mounted above the nameplates, which the group will now produce. LMS Patriot Project will also continue to have good relationships with local branches in their common aim to promote Remembrance.
- Visit the LMS Patriot Project Website
For more information
How pathetic… Phil
(Ex-Wolverhampton LMS and GWR fan. Been in Australia since 1965)
Really miss Trainspotting UK Style 🙂
Just typical of RBL.
The RBL must have paided for 86244 then. That must have cost them a few quid. I am disgusted!
Easy to solve methinks. One of the scraped Patriot Class of locos was named “St Dunstans” honouring those who served who lost their eyesight while serving their country. I am sure that would be a satisfactory solution.
Simple: I was once a RBL member but to behave in such a childish way towards something which would bring them a vast amount of publicity needs to be addressed simply by all Rail Enthusiasts voting with their feet and not supporting any of the Legion’s activities until they come to their senses.
Such a shame RBL could not support worthy cause , accountants rule at the present, short term decision which will rebound on the RBL. Carry on LMS PATRIOT PROJECT your doing a great job that the nation will appreciate.
Just leave blank that part of the nameplate intended for the crest . Or add the strapline “Royal British Legion has declined to be associated with this project”.
What a load of rubbish. Did the RBL sponsor Royal Scot no. 46170? Or did the Home Guard sponsor Patriot 45543? I don’t know of anyone who would assume a financial link with these or other named locos, although no doubt permission to use the name was sought from the relevant organisation.
The RBL is associated with the arms trade. Lockheed Martin, the world’s biggest arms company, is the main sponsor of the British Legion Young Professionals’ Poppy Rocks event. The UK’s biggest arms company, BAE Systems, is also a long-standing ‘supporter’. My adivce would be to steer clear of them.