The Returned and Services League of Australia (often abbreviated to RSL) is a support organisation for men and women who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
It was formed as the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia in 1916, became the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia in 1940, and became the Returned Services League of Australia in 1965. The change to its current name was made in 1990 to reflect the organisation's concern for current as well as former servicemen and servicewomen. The patron of the RSL is Queen Elizabeth II.
The current National President of the League is Rear Admiral Ken Doolan, AO RAN (rtd).
As of 31 December 2009, the League comprised 186,652 members from 1,306 sub-branches and 5,533 members of the League's women's auxiliary from 381 sub-branches. Membership levels have been declining for at least ten years.
Read more about Returned And Services League Of Australia: Mission, History, Influence, Organisation, Licensed Clubs, Notable RSL Members
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—Alex Atkinson, British humor writer. repr. In Present Laughter, ed. Alan Coren (1982)