In Memoriam
The In Memoriam Royal British Legion safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces. We are one of the UK's largest membership organisations and recognised as custodians of Remembrance.
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Joe Kitchener
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It is with sadness that I report the Death of Joe Kitchener, who died on Saturday 12 May at 2am in the 'Care Home' at Sittingbourne where he lived.
He died of phenomena and old age; he would have been 97 in July. Having been in and out of hospital over the last year or so since his fall, just after Christmas 2022.
Joe has been a Branch member since the 1980’s, although not living locally in his later life was always interested in the goings on at Petts Wood Branch.
Joe was a Branch Vice President, and had been a Branch Secretary, and along with his wife, Entertainment Secretary, they organised some wonderful 'Fish and Chip suppers with entertainment at the Branch H.Q.
He and His wife were ardent Poppy Appeal collectors, with twenty-five yearlong service awards. Joe was also Secretary of the Branch Welfare Committee and a home visitor, along with Brian Owens they ran our Welfare Committee for a considerable number of years.
After Committee meetings Joe would tell us stories of his time in the Navy and the different antics he and his mates got up to.
Joe was involved with the 'Bob Hope Theatre' along with his wife were performers in every sense of the word, Joe was a great entertainer and raconteur.
Joe will be sorely missed by me with our regular chats over the phone in his later years, from the Home in Sittingbourne.
John Rosenbaum
Petts Wood Branch President
May 2024
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