Penarth, South Wales (Parliament Politics Magazine): Police in South Wales are investigating after two Royal British Legion volunteers were allegedly abused and branded “racist” while putting up Remembrance Day flags and poppies in Penarth, South Wales.
The incident occurred on October 26 on Windsor Road, where Paul Galsworthy, a 60-year-old former Navy diver, and Patrick Stanton, a former Able Seaman, were hanging flags and attaching poppies to lamp posts as part of the annual Poppy Appeal.
The two veterans, both long-time Royal British Legion volunteers, said they were confronted by a man who accused them of being “racists” and “Reform UK supporters” while they were taking a short break after finishing their work.
“This gentleman came up to us and said, ‘You are all Reform racists and you can f— off,’” Mr Galsworthy told The Telegraph. “I was shocked. We were only putting up flags for Remembrance Day. It’s not racist to raise flags in remembrance.”
Flags Representing the Armed Forces
The veterans had displayed several flags, including the Union Jack, the Welsh flag, the White Ensign representing the Royal Navy, and flags for both the Army and Royal Air Force. They had also placed banners reading “Lest We Forget” to honour fallen soldiers.
Mr Galsworthy, who has been volunteering for the Poppy Appeal in Penarth for six years, said he was dismayed that a simple act of remembrance had been twisted into a political argument.
“Me and Pat joined the Navy back in 1985. We both fought for our country, and we’re very proud of that,” he said. “A lot of people in this country are proud of those who’ve served, and putting up these flags brings communities together. It reminds everyone of what was sacrificed for our freedom.”
Political Reference During the Confrontation
According to Mr Galsworthy, the man continued his verbal abuse, saying, “We won it – we won in Caerphilly!” — apparently referring to Plaid Cymru’s victory over Reform UK in a recent Welsh Parliament by-election.
The comment left the volunteers confused, as their work had no connection to any political organisation. “This has nothing to do with politics or parties,” said Mr Galsworthy. “We were there for the Royal British Legion and the people who died in service.”
Fear of Vandalism
After the confrontation, Mr Galsworthy became concerned that the flags and poppies might be vandalised or stolen. He contacted other members of the Penarth Poppy Appeal team, who advised him to report the incident to police.
South Wales Police confirmed that they had received a report of verbal abuse directed at volunteers and were investigating the incident as an alleged public order offence.
A police spokesperson said:
“South Wales Police is investigating a report of an alleged public order offence which occurred on Windsor Road, Penarth, on October 26. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Community Shock and Support
The confrontation has drawn widespread condemnation from the local community. Many residents expressed outrage that volunteers dedicating their time to honour fallen soldiers were subjected to abuse.
Karen Jones, a fellow volunteer for the Royal British Legion, wrote on social media that she was “disappointed and saddened” by what had happened.
“In a small, friendly town like ours, you do not expect Poppy Appeal volunteers to be abused while putting up memorial poppies and flags,” she wrote. “The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is not political. It exists to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that people can enjoy free speech.”
She urged anyone who sees someone tampering with the flags or poppies to contact police immediately. “Let’s remember this was hopefully an isolated incident,” she added. “It doesn’t represent the kind and supportive people of Penarth, who every year get behind the Poppy Appeal.”
Royal British Legion Responds
A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion (RBL) said the charity was “deeply concerned” by reports of abuse directed at its volunteers.
“We are concerned to hear of this incident, and the safety of our Poppy Appeal volunteers is our utmost priority,” the spokesperson said. “As the matter is being investigated by the authorities, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time.”
The RBL praised the thousands of volunteers across the UK who give their time each year to sell poppies and raise awareness for Remembrance. “Without our volunteers, the Poppy Appeal would not be possible,” the spokesperson added.
Symbolism of the Poppy
The red poppy has been a symbol of remembrance for more than a century. Inspired by the World War I poem In Flanders Fields, the flower represents the blood of fallen soldiers and the renewal of life.
Each year, the Poppy Appeal raises millions of pounds to support veterans, serving military members, and their families. Volunteers like Mr Galsworthy and Mr Stanton hang flags, set up donation stands, and sell poppies throughout the remembrance period leading up to Remembrance Sunday, which will be observed this year on November 9.
Debate Over National Symbols
In recent years, some national symbols such as the Union Jack and poppy have occasionally been caught up in political or cultural debates. A small number of activists have accused these symbols of being “nationalistic,” while many veterans and their supporters argue that they represent unity and sacrifice — not division.
Veterans’ groups say incidents like the one in Penarth highlight a growing misunderstanding about what the poppy stands for. “The poppy is not about politics,” said one online commenter in support of the volunteers. “It’s about remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom — including the freedom to express opinions like the one this man used against them.”
Volunteers Remain Determined
Despite the abuse, both Mr Galsworthy and Mr Stanton said they plan to continue their volunteer work. “We’ve done this for years, and we’ll keep doing it,” said Mr Galsworthy. “Most people are incredibly supportive. They thank us, donate, and tell us how much it means to them.”
He said he hoped that people would remember the real meaning of Remembrance Day. “It’s about respect, unity, and gratitude,” he said. “We should be coming together, not arguing or fighting over politics. The people we’re honouring fought for freedom and peace — that’s what this is all about.”
Police Continue Investigation
South Wales Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. No arrests have been made at this time.
A spokesperson urged anyone with information to come forward, saying, “We take reports of harassment and public order offences seriously and encourage anyone affected to report such incidents to us.”
National Reaction
The story has drawn attention across Wales and the UK, with many expressing support for the volunteers online. Messages of solidarity have poured in from veterans’ groups, community leaders, and local residents.
“It’s heartbreaking that people who give up their time to honour our fallen heroes are treated this way,” one local councillor said. “The Poppy Appeal is a tradition that unites people across generations. We must not let division take that away.”
