John Roberts, 92, a volunteer for the SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and retired RAF Wing Commander has been awarded the prestigious Badge of the Order of Mercy by the League of Mercy Foundation, recognising over 20 years of exceptional support to UK veterans and their families in France.
The ceremony took place on 11 July 2025 at Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.
According to the Foundation’s website, the League of Mercy was founded on 30th of March 1899 by Royal Charter of Queen Victoria. It was instigated by the Prince of Wales who became its first Grand President. The object of the League was to establish a large body of voluntary workers who would assist with the maintenance of voluntary hospitals and “otherwise relieve sickness and suffering”. When the 1948 National Health Act abolished these hospitals, the League was quietly wound up after performing its task extraordinarily well for nearly half a century.
The League of Mercy was re-founded as a UK registered charity on 30th March 1999 exactly 100 years to the day after its first establishment
John, SSAFA’s Divisional Secretary for central France, was nominated by Keith Cima, Chair of SSAFA France and Regional Chair for SSAFA Overseas.
Born in Llandudno and educated at Bangor University, John joined the RAF Police in 1956. He served for 35 years, including 13 years overseas in postings such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Christmas Island and Belgium. He was awarded an MBE for his work in Singapore and went on to command the RAF Police Training School. After retiring in 1991, he settled in France and was persuaded to become an SSAFA caseworker by the then branch chair.
John commented:
“I feel honoured to receive this award. I’ve enjoyed all my work with the charity. Particularly rewarding moments include securing a critical loan to prevent a widow’s home being repossessed, repatriating a seriously ill veteran and family, and successfully challenging a War Pension Board decision on behalf of a widow.”
Keith Cima, Chair of SSAFA France, said:
“John’s quiet determination, deep empathy, encyclopaedic knowledge and good humour have changed lives in his 21 years with SSAFA France, and in other organisations. His contribution to the welfare of our Armed Forces community in France is simply selfless, sustained and extraordinary.”
Lord Lingfield, President of the League of Mercy Foundation is quoted as saying:
“We believe that it is vital to recognise and honour the work of volunteers. By doing so we may develop public awareness of their work and encourage others to join them in giving up their time to the voluntary care of those in need.”
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.
