'Silent Soldier' Campaign

The Silent Soldier stands as a tribute to those who didn't return home and to those whose lives would never be the same again.

Buckinghamshire Poppy Appeal is inviting sponsors to get involved in the country wide Silent Soldier campaign.

These Silent Soldier silhouettes will appear across the country as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Companies, community groups and individuals can donate to receive a Silent Soldier to display, they can also choose to display their company name on the base of the silhouette and join the nation to remember our fallen heroes during 2018.

When the soldiers got back to England they were given a railway ticket to their home station. From there they were on their own, and would be seen across the country, walking back home, down the roads and across the fields, returning to their families.

More than 1.1 million British and Empire service men and women gave their lives during the First World War so that future generations could live theirs. The Royal British Legion aims to ensure that we pay our respects to those who gave so much.

The First World War changed communities across Britain and the allied countries forever. These same communities are coming together in many different ways to reflect and remember the huge sacrifice that so many made during the First World War and say thank you to those who rebuilt the country after the war. The Silent Soldier stands as a tribute to those who didn't return home and to those whose lives would never be the same again.

Why a Silent Soldier?
Following the end of the war in November 1918, the process of demobilisation and discharge was still a long process as the British Army still had commitments to fulfil in Germany, North Russia and in the garrisons of the Empire. On arrival back in England the men would move to a Dispersal Centre, this was a hutted or tented camp or barracks where they received a railway warrant or ticket to their home station. From there they were on their own, and would be seen across the country, walking back home, down the roads and across the fields, returning to their families. Most of the war service men were back in civilian life by the end of 1919.

How to get involved
The Royal British Legion is inviting organisations, community groups and individuals to support the Silent Soldier campaign by donating for and displaying a Silent Soldier to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, from now to the end of December 2018. The Silent Soldier could be placed on a roundabout, in gardens, fields, on buildings, in the countryside, towns and cities across the nation. The silhouette is supplied with both wall and ground fittings to make sure it stays put.

The First World War changed the world forever. If you would like to find our more, get involved and show your gratitude to a generation who fought for our freedom, please contact:

Steve Kingsford
Community Fundraiser, Buckinghamshire
Email: skingsford@britishlegion.org.uk
Tel: 07500 126613