The bloodiest conflict in human history had ended but for some of its veterans, the fight for survival was only just beginning.
Of the six million men to serve in the First World War, nearly a third were left with some sort of disability.
And with hundreds of thousands killed, many families had been left destitute.
But then, a century ago on Saturday, The British Legion was formed, offering hope and support to those most in need as the country began to recover from years of war.
The work of the charity, which was given royal status to mark its 50th anniversary in 1971, remains as vital as ever.
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Prince Charles said in a video message marking today’s anniversary: “There are few organisations which hold a place at the heart of society in the way the Royal British Legion does.
"For one hundred years, the RBL has been a constant, through the annual Poppy Appeal, leading the nation in remembrance, and providing a life-long commitment to every veteran and their families.
“I wanted... to offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have helped build this wonderful organisation we know today, and to all those who will be part of its future.”
At 9am 100 years ago, veterans from four welfare organisations, brought together by Earl Haig and Sir Frederick Lister, laid wreaths as a symbol of unity and formed the British Legion.
The poppy was adopted as a symbol of remembrance because it carpeted former battlefields in red after the guns fell silent.
The first Poppy Appeal raised the equivalent of £5.21million today.
In 1922 the charity opened its first poppy factory, with 40 disabled men soon making 1,000 a week.
Events each November included the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph in London, traditions that continue to this day.
In 1928, 11,000 veterans, widows and orphans visited the battlefields of France and Belgium to mark the 10th anniversary of the 100 days that led to the end of the First World War.
The Legion would later be instrumental in post-war planning during World War Two.
The charity went on to lobby the Government successfully on the passing of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act of 1944 and War Pensions Act of 1949, both of which continue to benefit thousands.
The Legion has always played a key role in supporting veterans through injury and illness.
The Royal British Legion Village in Kent helped gassed and injured soldiers on their discharge from Preston Hall hospital and the charity took over a 50-bed hospital at Arlesey, Beds, to treat rheumatism and arthritis patients, to name just two examples of its work.
The charity spends £105m each year on welfare support.
The organisation, which employs 1,100 welfare staff, has 220,000 members and 2,500 branches across the country.
Today wreaths will be laid at the capital’s Cenotaph as well as at towns, cities and villages across the country.
The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will conduct a flypast as part of the centenary celebrations, with a route taking them over the Galanos House care home in Warwickshire.
Charles Byrne, the unit’s director general, said: “In this, our centenary year, we are focused firmly on our future.
“We remain committed to our mission to ensure that those who have given so much for their country get the fair treatment, support and recognition they deserve.”
