THE Walthamstow Royal British Legion has been resurrected by a soldier in honour of a comrade killed in Afghanistan.

The area’s legion ceased operations five years ago, but following a tour of duty Territorial Army Warrant Officer Rob Richier, 54, vowed to re-establish the branch to help local members of the armed forces past and present.

Mr Richier, landlord of the Warrent Officer pub in Higham Hill Road, decided on the move when Walthamstow-born Darren Chant, a Warrant Officer with the Grenadier Guards, was shot dead by a rogue Afghan policeman in Helmand Province in November 2009.

The branch, which now has 40 members and is based at the pub, will be officially launched with a British Legion Standard Flag dedication ceremony later this year.

It is believed it will become the first branch to be relaunched in London in 30 years.

He said: “Once servicemen leave the army we are their support network.

“If they fall on hard times we are there to assist.

“We also offer back to work services and education services.

“We try to accommodate those who have been injured and who feel isolated and find it hard to get back into normal society.”

The Royal British Legion was formed in 1920, in the aftermath of the First World War.

Those interested in joining the branch should call Mr Richier on 8279 1939.