The present Branch 'Mid Torridge' is formed from a number of parishes and village branches within the Middle Reaches of the River Torridge, and hence it's name.

The first meeting to discussing the possibility of forming a local British Legion Branch, was held on 12 March 1925 at the Foresters Hall Sheepwash, with 30 ex-Service personnel from local parishes present.

The meeting was chaired by Major A Scott Browne of Buckland Filleigh, who introduced the speaker General Campbell, who in turn explained the principles and objectives of a British Legion Branch.

The intention to form a local branch was expressed, and the following officers elected:
  President: Major A Scott Browne
  Vice-President: Colonel G C Cornegie
  Chairman: H H Earle
  Treasurer: Rev B Vaughan

A second meeting was held on the 30 March 1925 at the Reading Room Black Torrington. At this meeting a committee of 15 members was elected from the parishes of Shebbear, Black Torrington, Buckland Filleigh, Sheepwash and High Hampton, and it was also decided that 6 members were to form a quorum. Branch Bye-Laws were proposed, discussed and formally accepted. It was also agreed that the HQ for the Branch was to be at the residence of the Secretary, Mr H H Earle, at Lovacott Shebbear.

At the commencement of the Branch, a Welfare Committee was appointed. They were to consider any petition by a member suffering hardship, or who was in distressed circumstances. On numerous occasions the committee would award vouchers equivalent to a specific sum of money, to be exchanged for groceries at the local grocery stores in Black Torrington and Shebbear. This practice ceased with the creation of the Welfare State. Eligible persons and their dependents who now require help are considered and assessed by the local case worker, and reports passed to the County Field Officer.

Little is known of the early days of the Newton-St Petrock Branch of The Royal British Legion, which was founded on the 30 June 1930, but later, Langtree and Milton Dameral villages both belonged to this Branch. Unfortunately, on 30 June 1988, the Branch ceased to exist as a separate unit, and some of it's members along with members of Milton Dameral and Langtree joined the Mid Torridge Branch. The original Newton-St Petrock Standard is now laid up in St Petrock's Church and there is another Newton-St Petrock Standard in Langtree Parish Church.

During the WWII, many members became part of the Home Guard, with Captain Jackson Page their local commander. For his organisation, training and service, he was awarded the MBE. After cessation of hostilities, Branch membership considerably increased, and later again due to the enthusiastic recruitment of the Secretary, Mr O B Ward who also successfully entered the Branch for various cups and trophies.

Remembrance Services are held at the various churches within the Mid Torridge area, and wreaths are always laid at the respective war memorials.At these services, Legion Members parade under the Mid Torridge Standard.