The Royal British Legion Ceremonial Handbook
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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CEREMONIAL HANDBOOK Version 1.4 April 2018 CEREMONIAL HANDBOOK – SECTION A FOREWORD Members should constantly bear in mind, when appearing before the public that the immense prestige of the Legion is in their keeping. Those involved in the ceremonial procedure must, at all times, strive to ensure continuity and uniformity that their dress, turnout and bearing are of the highest order. The electronic hand book is designed to give clear direction as to the Standard required when representing TRBL (the legion) also gives additional guidance of Drill and Dress with suggested techniques for the preparation of check lists for major Legion events involving ceremonial, and dates for flying the Union Flag. Other sections include notes for the guidance of Parade Marshals and Judges at competitions. The Ceremonial Working Group’s is to give guidance to the Legion, including the Women’s Section, on certain matters of procedure connected with Legion ceremonial, parades and services. (Hereafter the word “Legion” includes all Branches and the Women’s Section, equally the word “male” includes all genders where applicable). This electronic updated edition of the Ceremonial Handbook is a living document; should any member Branch or County wish to submit amendments to be made on any aspect of the Ceremonial hand book they should be sent to the Chair of the Ceremonial Working Group (CWG) at Haig House. The Membership Council is grateful to all those who contributed to the preparation of this handbook. Mr John Morrison Chairman The Membership Council Ceremonial Working Group MEM6120 – V1.4 – APR 2018 2 CEREMONIAL HANDBOOK – SECTION A INTRODUCTION This Ceremonial Handbook is intended to provide County/District, Branches and the general public with guidance and Legion Policy on all aspects of Legion Ceremonial activity. It is divided into two sections: Section A – Internal Ceremonial Policies Section B – Ceremonial Guidance for the General Public The latest version of the Ceremonial Handbook is available to Counties/Districts and Branches in the Membership Policy Documents Area. Log in details can be provided by your Membership Support Officer. Section A Section A is divided into four parts: Part 1 provides information regarding internal Legion ceremonial at County/District and Branch events such as the appointing of Officers, the opening of committee meetings and dress for Legion occasions. Part 2 provides information regarding The Royal British Legion Standard, standard bearers and marshals with the object of ensuring uniformity throughout the Legion. Part 3 provides information regarding standard drill, parades, procedure and protocol on ceremonial matters. Part 4 provides internal recommendations on the organisation of Legion ceremonial activities including Standard Bearers Competitions and external events organised by the Legion. This section is not accessible by the general public. Section B Section B provides guidelines on the format of public events as well as making recommendations for how such events can be organised. This section is accessible to the general public through the Legion’s knowledgebase. MEM6120 – V1.4 – APR 2018 3 CEREMONIAL HANDBOOK – SECTION A GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Used in this handbook AGM - Annual General Meeting DL - Deputy Lieutenant MOD - Ministry of Defence NCO - Non Commissioned Officer NPM - National Parade Marshal NYSB - National Youth Standard Bearer RAF - Royal Air Force RAFA - Royal Air Force Association RBL - The Royal British Legion RBLWS - The Royal British Legion Women’s Section RN - Royal Navy RNA - Royal Navy Association SOP - Standard Operating Procedures TAC - Tabulated Action Checklist TRBL - The Royal British Legion VIP - Very Important Person Throughout the document: The term “Legion” means The Royal British Legion and The Royal British Legion Women’s Section. The term “Women’s Section” means The Royal British Legion Women’s Section. The male gender includes the female gender. Near relative is Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Wife, Husband, Daughter and Son and Grandchildren. MEM6120 – V1.4 – APR 2018 4 CEREMONIAL HANDBOOK – SECTION A VERSION CONTROL DATE VERSION CHANGES 14 May 2015 1.0 Full document revision 15 November 1.1 Foreword 2015 A 5.1.7 – Youth Standards A 5.3 – Insurance of Formation Standards A 5.7.1.1 – Anniversary Pennants A 5.7.1.2 – Regional Standard Bearer Winners Pennant (Deleted) A 5.7.1.3 – Regional Youth Standard Bearer Pennant (Deleted) A 7.5. – Selection Process for the NPM A 15.3.1.4 – Lone Competitors A 15.3.2.4 – Arranging Regional Competitions A 15.3.3 – Limit of three consecutive terms as National Standard Bearer B 3 – Days specified for flying the Union flag B 4 – Funeral Representation for Ex-Service Members of the Armed Forces 1st April 2018 1.3 A 6.2.1.10 .–The Royal British Legion (Male and Female Dress) A 3.3.2. – Closed Branches Standard Bearer Equipment A 6.1.1. – Standard Bearer Age Risk Assessment A 15.2.2. – Youth Membership Age / Standard Bearer A 15.3.1.7. – Competition Date Deadline A 15.3.2.1. –Regional Standard Bearer Competition Regions MEM6120 – V1.4 – APR 2018 5 CEREMONIAL HANDBOOK – SECTION A Contents FOREWORD ................................................................................................................................................................... 2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................... 4 VERSION CONTROL .................................................................................................................................................... 5 PART 1 - NOTES ON INTERNAL LEGION CEREMONIAL .................................................................................... 9 CHAPTER 1 - CEREMONIAL FOR OPENING / CLOSING OF BRANCH MEETINGS ................................. 9 CHAPTER 2 - PROCEDURE FOR INSTALLING COUNTY/DISTRICT/BRANCH OFFICERS ................... 11 CHAPTER 3 - AMALGAMATION AND CLOSURE OF BRANCHES ............................................................... 13 CHAPTER 4 – DRESS FOR LEGION OCCASIONS (MEMBERS) ................................................................. 14 PART 2 - THE STANDARD, STANDARD BEARERS and MARSHALS ............................................................. 18 CHAPTER 5 - STANDARDS OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION ................................................................... 18 CHAPTER 6 - THE STANDARD BEARER .......................................................................................................... 25 ANNEX A TO CHAPTER 6 ................................................................................................................................. 32 BLOCKING THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION BERET – HINTS AND TIPS .......... 32 CHAPTER 7 – MARSHALS .................................................................................................................................... 34 ANNEX A TO CHAPTER 7 ................................................................................................................................. 37 Job Description – National Parade Marshal ..................................................................................................... 37 ANNEX B TO CHAPTER 7 ................................................................................................................................. 38 Job Description – County/District Parade Marshal/ Ceremonial Officer ...................................................... 38 PART 3- CEREMONIAL PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................ 39 CHAPTER 8 - STANDARD CEREMONIAL POSITIONS .................................................................................. 39 ANNEX A TO CHAPTER 8 ................................................................................................................................. 41 STANDARD CEREMONIAL POSITIONS ........................................................................................................ 41 CHAPTER 9 - STANDARD CEREMONIAL DRILL MOVEMENTS .................................................................. 42 ANNEX A TO CHAPTER 9 ................................................................................................................................. 45 Movements At The Halt - From the Order to the Carry (Three movements) .............................................. 45 ANNEX B TO CHAPTER 9 ................................................................................................................................. 46 Movements At The Halt - From the Carry to the Order (Four movements)................................................. 46 ANNEX C TO CHAPTER 9 ................................................................................................................................. 47 Movements At The Halt - From the Slope to the Carry (Three movements) .............................................. 47 ANNEX D TO CHAPTER 9 ................................................................................................................................. 48 Movements At The Halt - From the Carry to the Slope (Five movements) ................................................. 48 ANNEX E TO CHAPTER 9 ................................................................................................................................