Hundreds of Islanders attended a special event celebrating the President of the Royal British Legion (RBL), Major Bob Place, who is stepping down from his role after years of service.
Major Place has played a key role in organising Guernsey’s military parades and received Germany’s Silver Cross of Honour for his 58 years of work with the German Army and his efforts in strengthening British-German relations.
Through the RBL, he actively leads annual fundraising, generating around £50,000 yearly to support ex-service personnel with medical, housing, and social needs.
Pictured: Bob Plaice’s retirement party at The Oak, Les Rocquettes Hotel, Monday 21st July 2025, Image Credit Chris George. 
Pictured: Bob Plaice’s retirement party at The Oak, Les Rocquettes Hotel, Monday 21st July 2025, Image Credit Chris George. 
Pictured: Bob Plaice’s retirement party at The Oak, Les Rocquettes Hotel, Monday 21st July 2025. 
Pictured: Bob Plaice’s retirement party at The Oak, Les Rocquettes Hotel, Monday 21st July 2025. 
Pictured: Bob Plaice’s retirement party at The Oak, Les Rocquettes Hotel, Monday 21st July 2025.
The event took place at Les Rocquettes, as the hotel’s operations director, Calum Le Noury, has military links and works closely with Major Place’s wife, Marlene. Together they host a ‘Banter Breakfast’ once a month for people who served in the military.
It took on some of the focus when Major Place spoke to the crowd: “Thank you for coming this evening. The reason I invited you was, for the last 20-odd years, people have given me a lot of support.
“I will mention Sarnia Hotels, and Calum and Mel, and certainly I will mention Rodney who sponsored the Banter Breakfasts. We have lots of events which have brought the veterans out of the woodwork and that was one of them. And he has continued to sponsor us.
“We have 60 to 70 people in here for breakfast every month, which goes down really well. And it also gives us a chance to have a look at any veterans who might need assistance.”
Major Place continued: “I have to mention at this stage that although I’m leaving, it’ll be a seamless change because I’m leaving in really capable hands with Ben.
Major Place finished his speech by thanking those who attended; “I will try to get around you all and say thank you personally, but once again, thank you. Thank you for coming and making this evening a memorable one for me. Thank you. Thank you.”
In attendance was His Excellency Lieutenant General Sir Richard Cripwell CB CBE, who described Major Place as “an exemplar of what an Islander should be.”