The Branch was formed in August 1944 as a means of continuing the comradeship which we had all shared during our service in the Forces and also to try and further the British Legion Principles in our own community. The foundation stone was well and firmly laid by those members whom we still remember although some have now passed from our midst. Without trying to place them in order of status we recall such names as: Colonel G. B. Duff, Jackie Ledingham, Bill Leggat, Roddy Campbell, Eion Macpherson, P. D. Turnbull, Bill Spence, Adam Simpson, Sandy Gibb, Bertie Reid, Ned Angus and Stanley Robb.
The first meeting to consider forming a Branch was held in the former picture house on Tuesday 29th August 1944 and it may be of some interest to name those who were present – P.D.Turnbulll, A. Findlater, E.Angus, R.Ingram, C.Anderson, F.Donald and D.Carroll. At a meeting held in November of the same year, also in the Picture House, Colonel Garden B. Duff of Hatton Castle, whose name and war service are still revered in the Turriff area, presided and a branch was formed with the following office bearers; President Colonel G.B.Duff, Chairman Capt.G.T.Spence, Secretary P.D.Turnbull, Treasurer A.J.Rennie, Committee – W.Ironside, E.Angus, A.Findlater and J.Hopkins.
The meetings moved from the picture house to the Union Hotel in 1947, and in March of that year Captain Bryson, owner of the Union Hotel, presented the Branch with its own colours, these being dedicated and handed over at a special service held in St. Andrew’s Church.
The Branch bought premises in Sinclair’s Lane in 1956 and by much voluntary labour converted these into clubrooms. The effervescent James Scott, who was entertainments secretary at the time, made sure that there was always “something on” at the Legion. In 1963 our woman’s section was officially formed.
In July 1975 the Branch bought the Commercial Hotel in High Street Turriff. Again by much voluntary labour and prudent use of the local tradesmen the premises have been transformed into first class Clubrooms.
