George's Story

After witnessing the tragic impact of the First World War, Major George Howson MC was driven to improve the lives of the many former soldiers who returned with life-changing injuries. Recognising an opportunity, Howson began making Remembrance poppies and wreaths for the Royal British Legion. As the Poppy Appeal gained popularity, he expanded the workforce and moved to a larger factory in Richmond-upon-Thames.

By 1931, the Richmond factory was producing nearly 30 million poppies each year, supported by a community of 320 men, women, and children housed in purpose-built flats. Alongside individual poppies, the workers quickly began crafting Remembrance wreaths for both the Royal British Legion and the Royal Family.

Today, veterans in the production team continue the tradition, handcrafting around 100,000 Remembrance wreaths annually, including approximately 250 Royal and special wreaths.

Discover George’s full story here: https://www.poppyfactory.org/100-george-howson/