Torquay's Royal British Legion pays tribute to 'dear friend' after sudden death of chairman

Torquay's Royal British Legion has been stunned by the sudden death of its chairman.

David Flatman played a big part in the rejuvenation of the branch after the pandemic.

He served with the British Army of the Rhine in the Tank Regiment. He returned from Germany and transferred to the Coldstream Guards as a Bandsman. He took part in ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

The Torquay RBL branch said: "It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague, Torquay Royal British Legion chairman David Flatman. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them."

Club secretary Richard Pearce said: "David's death has come as a total shock and is a sad loss. He will be sorely missed.

"He helped to get the Torquay RBL branch up and running again. It had been a bit in the doldrums due to Covid but between myself and Dave and a couple of others we managed to revive it."

Mr Flatman, married and living in Torquay, was a member of the Torbay Brass Band.

His funeral service will be held at Torquay Crematorium on Thursday January 18 at 12.15pm.