The Longest Day – RNBT’s support then and now

As the newly appointed Chief Executive of The RNBT it gives me an immense sense of pride to pay tribute to the veterans of ‘The Longest Day’.

A letter written to The RNBT In May 1944, from the Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth said: ‘The heaviest call on organisations, will not come during the war or immediately after it, but at a period several years later when the many thousands of wartime personnel who will have left the service at the end of the hostilities, who will have a claim for assistance find themselves or their dependents in need of help’.

Eighty years later, a small number of those veterans are still supported by The RNBT through financial grants awarded to pilgrims returning to pay their respects to their fallen comrades and those living in our care homes as they enjoy the later stages of their life. Remarkably many of the issues we face today are as familiar as they were in 1944. War had a devastating impact on Sailor’s families not only because of casualties but also with debt, which had been affordable until the loss of the husband.

Many of the principles applied during the war apply today. In June 1945, a letter written to The RNBT by the Admiralty Board stated, ‘The work of your trust, carried out so well and so readily no matter what the difficulties during the past long and trying years, has been of invaluable help and comfort to the personnel of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.’ During the war RNBT worked collaboratively with others, adapting to change as needed and helping in times of distress and hardship.  Those guiding principles remain as strong today as they were in 1945.

It is hard to imagine that over 100 years later, the work of The RNBT is as relevant today as it was when the Trust was formed by the Admiral Jellicoe in 1916 and incorporated under Royal Charter in 1922. Created with a desire to do good, to act with kindness and give charitably to others, The RNBT continues to proudly serve the Navy family.

Last year alone 1,059 individual grants were given and 673 regular charitable payments were awarded to individuals on a low household income. Already this year we have seen a continued increase in grants awarded, with most awarded to provide food, furnishings and to cover rent. In response to the 55% of naval veterans aged 65 or above, the Trust has extended its care home provision with the opening of Admiral Jellicoe House in June 2022, RNBT’s centenary year.  Reminded of the words of the Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 1944, some of our greatest challenges are faced now. It takes courage to ask for help and it is ironic that many of today’s issues are similar to those faced in 1945. Under careful stewardship, The RNBT remains the principle naval benevolence charity. It is my privilege to honour those who have served and continue to serve and the volunteers and staff that make The RNBT what it is today.