Main Menu
Links
History

    HISTORY

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

GENERAL STEWART BRANCH # 4

 

The Lethbridge branch of the Great War Veterans Association "Legion" started just after the end of World War I. Those first meetings were held in the old Land Titles Office on 1st Ave. South almost directly across from the C.P.R. Station. The first meeting was held in January 1918. Election of officers took place July 2, 1918 with approximately 35 Veterans in attendance.

The election went as follows:    President: Thomas Longworth

First Vice-President: M.A. Morrow

Second Vice-President: R.G. Andrews

Sergeant-at-Arms: Jimmie Steele

Secretary-Treasurer: H.P. Madison

Executive Committee:  J.F. Ritchie, Holmes Jowett, J.Cunningham, K.P. Stewart, E.C. McKenzie.

Patron: J. Russell Oliver.

 In 1919 during a visit from the Prince of Wales (King Edward VIII) the Prince granted the Land Titles Office building to the Veterans of the Great War Veterans Association to be used as a meeting place at a cost of $1.00 a year taxes provided it be used specifically for Veterans Affairs. The building later reverted to the City of Lethbridge after World War II and thus became subject to city taxes much to the displeasure of the "Legion".

The members of the Lethbridge Branch of the Great War Veterans Association took an active part in the affairs of the growing city following Armistice in November 1918, with many outings and variety shows put on by the Veterans.

 In 1926 the Veterans Associations held a Unity Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After that Conference the name was changed to Canadian Legion, British Empire Service League. The Lethbridge Branch was known as Branch No. 4.

The Branch continued to progress in the years following the Unity Conference, being led by such Presidents as T. Earl Morris and George Shirley until the outbreak of World War II in September 1939. During the war years the Branch supported the sale of War Bonds and lent support to the many war efforts put on during the war.

Following World War II the First World War II veteran to assume the office of President was R.A. "Bob" Reagh who took over from George Shirley. During his term., the "Legion" grew to 1000 members. Then in 1949 another World War II vet. James McLaughlin took over the office of President. It was during his time in office that the name change took place. In 1951 in honour of Brig. General J.S. Stewart, CMG, DSO, ED, distinguished Lethbridge soldier and Statesman, the name was changed to The General Stewart Branch No. 4 Canadian Legion British Empire Service League.

In 1960-61 the Crown granted the prefix Royal to the Canadian Legion. Thus the Lethbridge Branch became: The General Stewart Branch No. 4 Royal Canadian Legion. British Empire Service League was dropped thus making the "Legion" a wholly Canadian Veterans Organization.

2006 marked the 80'h Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. As we move forward into the new millennium we are very much aware that with the changing times the "Legion" must change also in order to continue to grow and serve our Community as well as our Veterans. The General Stewart Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion has contributed a great deal to the community of Lethbridge both through financial contributions and support to many community activities. The "Legion" of our Great Grandfathers, Grandfathers and even our Fathers is changing. We live in a world of constant change and those of us in The General Stewart Branch No. 4 Royal Canadian Legion want the "Legion" to continue to change and grow.