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Unveiling the Untold: Help us tell the Story of our Branch

At the Staple Hill and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, we are excited to announce a new initiative – Operation Look Back. This project is all about gathering the stories, memories, and experiences of local veterans, serving personnel, and anyone with a connection to our branch. It’s a unique opportunity for you to come forward, share your story, and have a professional portrait taken by student photographer, Herbie Hocking.

The committees of the staple hill branch and club committees
Members of the British Legion Branch and Club Committees pose for a group photo in 1973, showcasing their community and camaraderie.

Our community has a rich history, filled with brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. Each person has a story to tell, and we want to help capture those stories before they are lost. Operation Look Back is about remembering and celebrating the courage, sacrifices, and experiences of those who have served, and creating a lasting tribute to their service. Herbie Hocking, a talented student photographer, will be capturing portraits of each participant. These portraits will not only commemorate each person’s individual service, or connection to our branch, but also bring attention to the diversity of experiences that make up our community. Each photograph tells a story – your story.


If you are a veteran, currently serving in the armed forces, or have any connection to our branch, we want to hear from you. This is an open invitation for anyone with a story to tell or a history to share. Whether you served in the armed forces, or you were on a branch or club committee, your story matters. Operation Look Back is about recognising your service, no matter when or how you served, and ensuring that your legacy is not forgotten.


The band of the royal marines march through staple hill for the branch's 50th anniversary
The Band of the Royal Marines parades through Staple Hill, marking the branch's 50th anniversary with a ceremonial march.

Taking part in Operation Look Back is simple. You’ll start by sitting down with us to share your story – the highs, the lows, and any memories you’d like to pass on. Then, Herbie will take a professional portrait of you, capturing your unique spirit and the pride that comes with serving. Finally, your portrait and story will become part of a local display, helping us celebrate our armed forces community and share those memories with others.


If you’re interested in being part of Operation Look Back, simply get in touch with us at the Staple Hill and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. You can take part by clicking here. We’ll also provide you with details on how to share your story and make the most of this experience. There is no cost to participate, and we welcome veterans, current service personnel, and anyone with a connection to the Legion to take part.


Herbie Hocking is a student photographer with a real passion for portraiture. Through Operation Look Back, he’s hoping to capture not only the physical likeness of those who have served, but also the essence of their experiences and the pride they feel in their service. His portraits will help showcase the bravery and resilience of our armed forces community, and will be a lasting testament to the contribution of our branch locally and nationally.


The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading charity supporting the armed forces community. From providing lifelong support to veterans and their families, to ensuring that the service and sacrifices of our military personnel are always remembered, the Legion plays a crucial role in the lives of our armed forces community. At the Staple Hill and District Branch, we are dedicated to supporting and connecting veterans and service personnel, offering help and guidance wherever it’s needed, and ensuring that the sacrifices made by so many are never forgotten.


If you’d like to take part in Operation Look Back or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing your story and seeing you in front of the camera.



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© 2025 The Staple Hill and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. Created by Ian Campbell

England, United Kingdom

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