A major Ex-Service organisation comprising former members of the Armed Forces of the British Commonwealth and its Allies. The Legion was formed in Sydney in 1942 and incorporates the Demolished Soldiers' Associations. The purpose of the Legion is to: (1) Uphold and maintain allegiance to the British Crown; (2) To safeguard the interests of Ex-Service personnel generally and Legion members in particular in regard to (a) Ex-Service entitlements through Acts of Parliament; (b) Welfare assistance where and when required; (c) Foster the continuance of the spirit of comradeship so evident in the armed forces. Incorporated under the Laws of the States of the Commonwealth, the Legion has direct approach to the Federal and State Governments and also direct contact with the headquarters of the various Commonwealth and State instrumentalities. By virtue of its membership of the World Veterans' Federation, the Legion is able to participate in the global conferences of the WVF and is therefore privileged to contribute through these conferences to the United Nations and its many specialised agencies. The Legion is controlled by the following elected bodies: (1) National Level - Federal Council on which each State Council is represented, such representatives being elected by and from their respective State Councils; (2) State Level - State Council, members of which are elected by Sub-branch members on a divisional basis, with the State President being elected by all members of the State Branch regardless of divisions; (3) Local Level - Each Sub-branch is controlled by its Executive officers, who are elected by members at the Annul Meeting of the Sub-branch. The Legion is financed by the following means: (1) Annual subscription from each member - fifty percent of each subscription is retained by the Sub-branch and the remainder remitted to the State Branch; (2) By fund-raising activities of each individual Sub-branch; (3) By an annual Button Day Appeal in which the Sub-branches and their Ladies Auxiliaries participate; (4) By donations from members and supporters. Eligibility for membership of the Legion is open to anyone who at any time has been (1) A serving member of, or attached for duty and discipline to, any Naval, Military or Air Force, Merchant Navy Service or any similar force or Service of the Commonwealth of Australia, the British Empire or any part thereof, or of any Ally of the Commonwealth or the Empire, for a continuous term of full-time duty of not less than six months during a period of hostilities; (2) A serving member of any Naval, Military or Air Force of the British Commonwealth for a continuous term of full-time duty of not less than twelve months during a time of peace, shall be eligible, subject to the provisions of the Articles for Membership of the Association provided that the State Council may in its discretion admit to membership any person who has served for a period less than that above mentioned. Ladies' Auxiliaries - Most Sub-branches have their own Ladies' Auxiliaries, membership of which is comprised of the wives of Sub-branch members and other ladies who are supporters of the Legion.