The Jack Sandy Shield of Excellence

Jack Sandy was born in 1919 and joined the Somerset Light Infantry at the
start of World War II. After being demobbed he found he missed the
comradeship of his Army friends and so joined The Royal British Legion. He
was Branch Chairman for many years and was presented with the highest
award given by the Legion, the Gold Badge, for loyal service. Jack Sandy
stood down as Chairman in 1993 and took up the office of President, which
he held until his death in November 1996. He was known locally as Mr
British Legion and was much admired and respected by all. The award has
been presented every year since Mr Sandy’s death and is seen as a fitting
memorial to a man who gave a great deal of his time to both the Ilminster
Branch of The Royal British Legion and the youth of the town.