A brief history of the Andover Branch

In 1946 George Stuart, then branch Vice-Chairman and Manager of the local Savoy Cinema, offered the use of a temporary canteen hut at the back of the cinema as club premises. This was just a short term measure and after frantic fund raising 3 Union Street was purchased. This was possible due to a lengthy list of donors, and a substantial gift and interest free loan from Major Potter, the then President.

In 1961 we were threatened with compulsory purchase of the garden and stabling. By 1968 it became apparent that we would be forced out eventually, so 3 Union Street was put up for auction. The prime mover was Major C Dalton MC, the Branch President. He did so much for the Legion that the Union Street club house was named Dalton House. It is obvious that he spent an enormous amount of time on the Union Street property and in looking for a new location. He saw an advert in the local newspaper for the sale of 4 Western Road. This was a house with six bedrooms, bathroom, three reception rooms, domestic offices, cellar, garage etc, in all 2,400 sq ft: and he decided that it was suitable for the Legion.

The Union Street property was sold for £17,500: and 4 Western Road was bought for £12,750. However, since the Club wanted to extend the building and turn the garden into a car park, the total cost of the move was £29,000; to which the Club contributed a substantial amount.

The Club occupies 4 Western Road to this day: and next to it, on the corner site, is Charles Dalton Court (a further tribute to Major Dalton). This is a residential complex of 28 double and 25 single flats, with a three bedroom flat for the warden. It is built on the site of the Central Hotel, which was acquired by The Royal British Legion Housing Association in the early seventies. Construction was completed in December 1977 and the flats were progressively let to ex-Servicemen or their dependants.

At the inauguration in April 1979 there were 32 standards from all over the country. After 28 years of working closely with the Legion, the Royal British Legion Housing Association felt that it had to alter direction in order to meet changing needs. It now draws its clientele from a much broader population base and the previous emphasis on the ex-Service community has been much reduced. This is recognised by the change of title to “Housing 21” and the severance of links with the Legion. However, Charles Dalton Court is still thriving.

Grave of SSgt Wilson, RE/RFC, killed in a flying accident 5 July 1912. Photo' 11 Nov 04

The Andover War Memorial, 11/11/11 2003