ARKELL'S has created a new ale for autumn which pays tribute to British forces on the Royal British Legion's centenary.

The mild tipple is called Contemptibles. the nickname given to the British expeditionary force who served in France and Flanders in 1914.

Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany reportedly issued an order to “Exterminate the treacherous English and walk over the contemptible little army”.

So the survivors of the regular army dubbed themselves The Old Contemptibles.

The Arkell military connection dates back to chairman James Arkell’s great-great-great-grandfather who joined the Second Wiltshire Rifle Corps in 1888.

Sir Noel Arkell and Graham Arkell fought in WW1 in 1914 and survived, although Noel returned wounded after being shot in the shoulder. They both feature on the beer's pump clip design.

Head brewer Alex Arkell, said: “This is a perfect brew for Autumn; we’ve used chocolate malt for the dark colour, which also adds warm roasted and sweet tones, with a light hop aroma to compliment. At four per cent this is considered strong for a mild, but this way we get a little more flavour into the lighter bodied beer.”

Noel’s sons James and Peter fought in World War 2. James served with the Gurkhas in Burma and Java, where he was killed in action at the age of 26.

His brother, Peter Arkell, served in the RAF, flying Lysanders into France under cover of darkness to retrieve secret agents by moonlight. He later transferred to Burma where he completed many landings behind Japanese lines. After a serious crash behind enemy lines he was finally invalided out of the RAF.

James Arkell was in the Territorial Army and has commanded The Royal Yeomanry Regiment, he is President of Swindon Branch Royal British Legion.

He added: “We have beer and military service running through the family veins. From my great-great-great-grandfather to my son John, who served in Afghanistan.”

George and Alex Arkell were joined at The Tawny Owl pub by Swindon branch RBL Chair, Graham Jackson; Vice Chair and Treasurer, Phil Nobbs; and Poppy Appeal Organiser April Porter to toast the new ale which is available in participating Arkell’s pubs now.

George Arkell said: “The Royal British Legion is a fantastic charity whom we love to support. This year we are an official sponsor of their centenary cookbook ‘Cooking with Heroes’ with a page dedicated to our brewery amongst the delicious recipe ideas from acting or former members of the military."

The book is available online at www.poppyshop.org.uk/products/legion-100-cookbook or from Arkell’s Grape & Grain Wine & Brewery Warehouse.