About us - our history

In the late 1920s, a group of downtown Toronto businessmen, all veterans of World War I, initiated a luncheon club that by 1929 had evolved into the Businessmen's Branch of the British Empire Service League. These early beginnings blossomed under the leadership of Brigadier-General D.C. Draper, CMG DSO.  Later the club became Fort York Branch #165 of The Royal Canadian Legion.

Current membership is in the 300 range. Although our membership has traditionally comprised World War II and Korean veterans, there is now an infusion of post-war regular force and reserve personnel, both serving and retired. In addition, we have a small but growing number of Associate Members and an increasing number of female members. This mixture of gender, age and background is a significant element of the Branch's vibrant well-being.

Branch 165 is not a typical Legion Branch.  We do not have a Legion Hall and the majority of our members are officers. Our activities are oriented mainly to a number of speaker’s dinners and luncheons at top quality private clubs for our members and their guests, a Christmas dinner dance, [an annual live theatre outing] and a spring garden party. 

Our meetings attract audiences of 50 to 100 members and guests, and include a social hour, dinner with a short Legion ceremony, followed by a guest speaker.  Dress for some of our dinners is designated 'Mess Kit/Black Tie', others as business suit or a combination of both.  

Our speakers' subjects are predominately military themes but general interest topics are often addressed as well. Our meetings are never covered by the media, thus making 'off the record' comments candid but secure. Guest speakers can expect an interested, well-informed and friendly audience with good rapport in the question period which is sometimes the highlight of the evening.