LEGION OF PATRIOTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21250, 2 August 1932, Page 11

LEGION OF PATRIOTS

SERVICEMEN'S FRATERNITY A service organisation has recently been incorporated in Auckland under the title of the Legion of British Patriots. It has no political significance. It owes its origin to a small group of ex-soldiers who met regularly on Anzac Day to honour the memory of their dead comrades and preserve as an act of principle in their lives the spirit of the fighting forces in the Great War." _ . For membership, which can be obtained only by nomination and ballot, the qualifications are that a man must have been in action against the King's enemies with any Empire force in any war, that his character is approved, and that he takes an oath to uphold British traditions. In addition to periodical social gatherings the legion holds a dinner on the evening of Anzac Day after every man, in accordance with the rules, has attended at least one service of commemoration. Fees, are low, so that no financial bar is placed in the way of anybody entitled to join. The Army, Navy and Air Force are already represented, as well as all ranks from private to colonel. Bank, however, is not recognised in this fraternity, the surname being the only form of address.