A long serving member of the Guernsey’s military veterans’ community has had his endeavours recognised with a national award from the Royal British Legion.
Major Robert (Bob) Place MBE received the Royal British Legion Gold Badge at a ceremony at Government House earlier this week.
The Royal British Legion said the award forms part of its commitment to formally recognising exceptional voluntary service at a national level. For Major Place this has included the work he has done in recent years as President of the Guernsey Branch of the Royal British Legion.
Major Place retired from that role earlier this year, meaning he has given 66 years in total to the military.
His ‘boy service’ started in 1959, with his military career including service in Nepal assisting Gurkha veterans with prosthetic limbs and contract service in the Sultanate of Oman. He completed his formal time in service as part of the Reserves during which time he was appointed Major.
He became Guernsey Parade Commander in 2003 and was latterly President of the Royal British Legion from 2016 onwards.
Among the accolades he has been awarded over the years, Major Bob Place was made a Member of the British Empire for his work in Nepal.
His wife has also been recognised for her commitment to members of the armed forces with Mrs Marlene Place awarded the BEM in 2022 for services to military veterans in the island.
Major Place’s latest award is in honour of his work “far beyond the call of duty” said the Royal British Legion.
The Gold Badge reflects the Legion’s long-standing tradition of honouring members who have gone far beyond the call of duty in supporting veterans, fundraising, governance, and community engagement, it said.
A memorable evening as National President of @PoppyLegion VAdm Paul Bennett CB OBE presents The Royal British Legion Gold Badge to Mr Bob Place MBE TD for his outstanding service to the charity in #Guernsey. Many congratulations and thank you for all you've done for #Veterans! pic.twitter.com/tgpbfjbVFT
— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) October 8, 2025
Major Place was presented with his Gold Badge at Government House on Wednesday by the National President of the Royal British Legion, Vice Admiral (Retd) Paul Bennett CB OBE.
Vice Admiral (Retd) Bennett was appointed Commander of Guernsey’s affiliated ship HMS Daring in 2008 making the occasion even more personal for Guernsey’s Major Place.
Guernsey’s Lieutenant-Governor Sir Richard Cripwell hosted the presentation of the Gold Award.
“Many islanders will know Major Place, who has worked tirelessly over many years for the Royal British Legion,” he said.
“I am delighted that he has been recognised with this prestigious national award, which is a fitting acknowledgement of his sustained endeavours in support of our veterans.”