The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) under the Grand Lodge of England has been in the community since 1822. History has shown that the organisation has taken on several guises. For example, during the First World War it provided ambulances and crews to the front line. It also took on running of orphanages and convalescent homes. After the Second World War and with the advent of the National Health Service with cradle to grave care there was no longer a need for Orphanages – so it carried on running Convalescence Homes. Over many years it has provided much tangible assistance to its members and to many external charities.

The First World War led to temporary or even permanent closure of many Lodges due to the enlistment of members. The Buffs supported the war effort through supplying motor ambulances to bring wounded soldiers back from the front lines. Initially six motorised ambulances were purchased, and sent with each one operated by volunteer Buffs. More followed, with the figure quoted being between 18 and 22.

The post-war period was a boom time for the order, particularly in the British forces. There was a lodge opened in Japan as part of Japan occupation forces following the end of the war. There were Lodges opened in Royal Air Force bases all over West Germany. There was a Buffalo Lodge set up on Christmas Island. There was a Lodge opened in Korea during the Korean War as well and Lodges opened in Malaya, and Borneo and Singapore. Buffalo Lodges were opened in Royal Air Force bases in Great Britain while new Lodges were also opened in far flung communities such as Jinja, in Uganda.

The RAOB in its various forms continues to exist throughout Great Britain and around the world as a social and benevolent and charitable movement, helping its members to assist in times of difficulty or need.

As with many organisations dating from the pre-Victorian period, there has been a noticeable decline in membership since a boom in the 1970s.The Grand Lodge of England remains the largest Buffalo Order and some of the most historic Lodges remain open such as Albion No 1 in Liverpool. There are Grand Lodges within the GLE system in operation in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Cyprus, and Northern Ireland.

Information provided from Wikipedia