The first talk of the year for the Royal British Legion's Dilwyn, Eardisland and Monkland branch was when Mr Brian Davies addressed the branch in February at the Crown Inn. Born in Cardiff, Brian joined the RAF in 1941 with his sights set upon winning his wings. This ambition was achieved after a rigorous training period in Britain and the USA. Listening to his experiences as a young Flight/Lt. Pilot who flew both the Halifax and the Dakota was most interesting. Chairman Richard Hall thanked Brian for sharing his exploits and happy times at Shobdon Airport, training as a glider tug pilot, the more serious posting to Bomber Command and night flying over Germany, and his time in West Africa flying Dakotas after 1945 for what was to become West African Airways. The March meeting heard of Weobley-born Warren Jones's wartime experience with the Merchant Navy. He began with an analysis of the U-boat threat, the convoy system and the role of developments in radio and radar technology that was to turn allied fortunes in the Battle of the Atlantic. Immediately following the D Day landings, Warren found himself on a round-bottomed Baltic Sea tanker, ferrying petrol between the Solent and the Normandy coastline to fuel the advancing armies. It was a fascinating talk that left members moved by the vulnerability of those who served in the wartime merchant fleet. Michael Moult thanked Warren for sharing his exploits. The Dilwyn, Eardisland and Monkland grand draw held in February for the branch local charity fund raised £781. President Richard Hall extended thanks to everyone who raised the prizes for their generosity.