It is with deep sadness that I share the news of the death of our National President, Sir Clive Johnstone, aged 60. He died yesterday evening shortly after the end of our Annual Conference that had been taking place in Newport.

 

I know this will come as a huge shock to you all, especially when he had so capably led us through Annual Conference.

 

Clive was extremely honoured to be National President for Royal British Legion. Only a day before his passing he addressed Members at our Annual Conference in Newport, sharing his love for our charity calling us ‘the best and most amazing charity’.

 

Sir Clive Johnstone assumed his role as the National President of the Royal British Legion in May 2023, taking over from Lieutenant General James Bashall. Clive came from a family who served in the Royal Navy and British Army over many generations, and he served in the Royal Navy from 1985 to 2019. After his retirement from the military, he became Corporate Strategy Director for BMT Group Ltd. He was knighted in the 2019 New Year’s Honours.

 

In his short time as our National President, he made a huge impact, and we’re all deeply saddened by his death.

 

Our thoughts and support go to his wife, Alison, and their two daughters, Phoebe and Emily.

 

Jason

 

Jason Coward

National Chairman