Guidance

Operational legacy investigations and inquests: help for veterans

The Army Operational Legacy Branch provides help and support to those involved in inquests, investigations and other legal matters relating to past operational deployments.

If you have been contacted regarding an inquest, investigation or other legal matter relating to a past operational deployment, you can contact the Army Operational Legacy Branch:

Contact Us

Phone help available between 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Telephone: 07813 007392

Email: APSG-AOLB-Legacy-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Postal Address:

Army Operational Legacy Branch
Army Personnel Services Group
Ramillies Building
Army Headquarters
Monxton Road
Andover
SP11 8HJ

Overview of Army Operational Legacy Support

The Army Operational Legacy Branch (AOLB) is the British Army’s welfare lead for those involved in legal issues arising from any past operational deployments, including those related to Op BANNER (Northern Ireland), Op TELIC (Iraq) and Op HERRICK (Afghanistan). The main role is to provide information and welfare support to all army personnel and veterans involved in these matters. This includes supporting those who may be involved in criminal investigations under the Service Justice System, civilian criminal investigations, civil litigation, inquests and, when directed, public inquiries. It can also help enable personnel to access legal support.

What is the support available?

Welfare

The AOLB provides dedicated welfare support for those involved in operational legacy matters. This includes a contact helpline and Veteran Visiting Officers who can visit veterans involved in these legal processes and who can provide welfare and pastoral support throughout the duration of their involvement. The branch can also arrange access to other specialist welfare services through its close links with the Veterans Welfare Service in Vets UK and through links with other welfare organizations.

Free legal support is often available to veterans contacted as part of operational legacy processes. This is not provided directly through AOLB but veterans are invited to contact the branch who can put them in touch with the relevant organization who will be able to determine their eligibility and provide assistance.

What support is available to Royal Air Force or Royal Navy personnel?

Personnel from the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force affected by operational legacy matters are invited to contact the AOLB who will be able to provide details of the support available from their respective single services.

Published 19 March 2021
Last updated 23 September 2021 + show all updates
  1. Edited the page with up to date information.

  2. First published.