Air Vice-Marshal Simon Ellard has been appointed the new president of the Thornbury branch of the Royal British Legion.

The serving Air Vice-Marshal studied mathematics and computing at Bath University as an RAF University Cadet. His early appointments included a squadron tour as the Phantom F4 junior engineering officer of 74(Fighter) Squadron as the aircraft retired from service, a station tour providing Tornado F3 avionic support at RAF Coningsby, and an exchange tour with the German Luftwaffe in Bavaria programming real-time software for the Tornado fleet.

He later served as the Tornado senior engineering officer of IX(Bomber) Squadron, which included operational deployments supporting the Iraqi no-fly zones, and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He then went on to work at Abbey Wood and led the foundation of the Eurofighter Typhoon Support Authority as the aircraft entered service.

Following promotion to Wing Commander, he served as the military assistant to the Chief of Defence Materiel during the creation of Defence Equipment & Support. This was followed by command of the Engineering & Logistics Wing at RAF Marham, supporting the Tornado GR4 Force during the transition from operations in Iraq to Afghanistan.

He has completed roles in multiple departments in the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall, as well as in Defence Equipment & Support as: the Group Captain Type Airworthiness Authority for Eurofighter Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; and the Air Commodore leading the Unmanned Air Systems Team. Posted on promotion to Air Vice-Marshal he most recently served at Headquarters Air Command as the Air Office Commanding Number 38 Group, Chief of Staff (Support) and Chief Engineer (RAF).

He was appointed as Director Combat Air within Defence Equipment & Support at MoD Abbey Wood in January 2021.

Air Vice-Marshal Ellard is also a Vice President of the Royal International Air Tattoo, President of the RAF Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association, President of the RAF Video Gaming and eSports Association, and President of 2167 Sqn (Tredegar and Rhymney) Air Cadets.

The 65 members of the Thornbury and District Branch of the Royal British Legion includes men and women who have served in all branches of HM Armed Forces; Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. Collectively, the branch has racked up a total of 741 years in uniform.

However, serving in the armed forces is not a requirement for joining the Legion. All that is needed is an interest in supporting armed forces personnel, veterans and their dependants.

Anyone interesting in joining should email rblthornbury@gmail.com or visit facebook.com/thornburybranchrbl

If you know someone who is either currently serving in the Armed Forces or who is a Forces veteran, and who needs help or support, contact the Royal British Legion on 0808 802 8080, britishlegion.org.uk or the Veterans Gateway on 0800 802 1212.