DLI Memorial Book Appeal

The Durham Light Infantry Roll of Honour ‘Small Campaigns Book’ is held in the DLI Chapel in Durham Cathedral. The DLI Trustees have just begun a campaign to raise funds to enter the names of members of The Light Infantry 1969-2007 and The Rifles killed in action from 1967 to the present date into the book. To date there are 94 names to be added. For more information, please get in touch with us at the museum.

DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery
Aykley Heads
Durham
DH1 5TU
dli@durham.gov.uk
www.dlidurham.org.uk
03000 266590

Free Admission

Free Admission for all on Boxing Day 26th December 2013
& New Year's Day 1st January 2014

If you're wanting to get out and about on Boxing Day or New Year's Day visit us at the DLI Museum, where we will be opening our doors for free to everyone 10am-4pm. Enjoy a walk in our lovely parkland, visit the DLI Café (open 11am-3pm) for a coffee and a mince pie or have a wander round the museum and see our new exhibitions in the art gallery 'Aim and Fire' by Sarah Pickering and 'Shoot!' by Louise Taylor.

Wanted- Pte Russell

One of our readers has a zippo lighter engraved 24807060 Pte Russell, he would like to get it back to him. If you know Pte Russell please get in touch via the contact details above.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin December 2013

13.90 Minutes of the DLI Executive Committee Meeting of 20 November

These have already been distributed to Branch Secretaries and Presidents. Branch Secretaries should ensure that all relevant issues from the executive meeting are communicated to branch members at the next branch meeting to keep them up-to-date on Association matters.

13.91The Durham Bugle

Copies of Issue 27 of the Durham Bugle are available from the DLI Museum Friends or from the Rifles (Durham) Office. Some branches still have not collected their discounted copies and should do so as soon as possible.

13.92 Branch Finance & Strength Returns

These are required from all branches for the Year Jan-Dec 2013 by 19 February 2014 on the attached proforma which can be found as Annex A to this bulletin.

13.93 Indoor Games

The Association Indoor Games for 2014 have been awarded to the City of Sunderland Branch. They will be held 23 March at Sunderland Victory Club, 39-40 N Bridge Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear SR5 1AH. The Entry Form is attached and the closing date for entries is Friday 28 Feb 2014. The club is easily accessible from major roads and car parking is readily available in the surrounding area.

13.94 Light Infantry Reunion – Warning Order

Notification has been received that the 2014 LI Reunion will take place at Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury on 6/7 June 2014. This is likely to be the last LI Reunion held there. Further details will be published in due course. Members looking for accommodation in the city are advised to book early as hotels are quickly booked up.

13.95 DLI Association – New Members

When I receive an application form for a new member of the DLI Association it is my intention after processing the application and having sent the new membership card to the branch secretary to send a upgraded copy of the application with photograph to the relevant Branch secretary for their records. Please ensure that documents are filed for future reference.

13.96 Settlement of Branch Outstanding Bills and Invoices

Bearing in mind the need to complete the Branch Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2013 branches are advised to settle all outstanding bills and invoices as soon as possible.

13.97 DLI Association Christmas Cards

The Rifles office has received a further supply of DLI Christmas Cards, available for sale. Orders for these can be made immediately.

13.98 Season’s Greetings

From myself, Major Lawton and Shirley may we wish all members and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with thanks for your cooperation and hard work during the past year. Well Done.

13.99 Deaths

The following deaths have reported to the Rifles (Durham) Office since the last bulletin:

Mr John Lowes, (ex 1LI Bugler) , Monday 18 November, aged 52.

Sir Cyril David Townsend, aged 75 DLI officer, journalist, politician

Member of Parliament for Bexleyheath 1974-97. died 20 November 2013

(Ex) Cpl Mackenzie Gateshead and Newcastle Branch.Served with 1 DLI and 8 DLI, originally a member of Chester-le-Street Branch.

Billy Welford, 28 November 2013

John Henry Close, born 19 Jan 1928 . National Serviceman with 1 DLI 1946 – 1948. Served in UK and Greece

May they Rest in Peace

 

18 Dec 13

                                    

Fields of Remembrance

Members of the Association took part in Fields of Remembrance in London, Sunderland and Gateshead, while Stockton Branch ran its own Garden of Remembrance to the rear of the Cenotaph in Stockton High Street, the Opening being attended by the Mayor of Stockton, councillors, the vicar of Stockton, students from16 Stockton schools, RBL Officials and members of ex-service organisations.    

 

 

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin November 2013

13.81    DLI Executive Committee Meeting – 20 November 2013

Minutes of the DLI Executive Committee Meeting 26 June 13 will be available amongst the papers for the DLI Executive Committee Meeting of 20 November 13.  

13.82  DLI and Rifles Christmas Cards

As stated in the October Bulletin supplies of DLI Association Christmas cards for 2013 have been exhausted. However there are still some DLI Christmas Cards from previous years available at the Rifles Office at 30p per card (with envelope).

Christmas cards (with envelopes) published by The Rifles are also available at the Rifles Office Durham. They are in packs of 5 at prices varying from £3.99 to £4.50 depending on the design. They may also be obtained from Rifles Direct on-line.    

13.83   Great War Centenary Calendar

As detailed in the October Bulletin the Great War Centenary Calendar is now available at the Rifles Office at £5.00 per copy. Supplies are limited so early order is required to secure your calendars.  

 13.84    A new ‘Tommy’ statuette

As previously announced a new ‘Tommy’ statuette is currently being made to celebrate the outbreak of World War 1 in 2014. It is slightly different from the original and has a different accompanying certificate. It will be ready in the new year at a similar price (yet to be decided) as the earlier ‘Tommy’   

13.72    “Faithful” Inkerman Dinner and Victoria Cross Stone Ceremony

The “Faithful” Inkerman Dinner Club Dinner took place on Fri 1 November at the Dubmire RBL Club at Fence Houses. Guests included Maj Mark Clayden and Lt Jack Hartley from The Rifles Coy 1 ITB. The VC Stone Ceremony took place on the Sunday 3 November, at the VC Stone with the support of a Bugler of the Durham Army Cadet Force and a platoon of trainees from The Rifles Coy 1 ITB Catterick. Many members of the FIDC and their families were present. Ten members of the family of John Byrne, the DLI’s first Victoria Cross holder also attended the ceremony which was changed to honour John Byrne instead of Pte Adam Wakenshaw. Pte Wakenshaw VC will be especially commemorated next year.    

13.85    Fields of Remembrance

Members of the Association took part in Fields of Remembrance in London, Sunderland and Gateshead, while Stockton Branch ran its own Garden of Remembrance to the rear of the Cenotaph in Stockton High Street, the Opening being attended by the Mayor of Stockton, councillors, the vicar of Stockton, students from16 Stockton schools, RBL Officials and members of ex-service organisations.    

13.86    Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade

A number of members of the Association travelled to London to take part in the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph again this year. Members are reminded that a limited number of tickets for this parade are available, free, each year for branches can bid.     

13.87    Donations

A donation to the DLI Association of £100 from Stockton Branch’s centenarian, Mr Arthur Willis who served with 2 DLI in India 1931-38 and as part of the BEF 1939-40 France & Belgium, and in India and Burma 1942-45 has been received by the Secretary, who has written a letter of thanks to him. He also sent a £100 donation the Stockton Branch, and similarly to Harry Moses, author of the book on 2 DLI, For Your Tomorrow.    

13.88    Death of Lt Col John Jacob

Lt Col John Jacob, last Commanding Officer Durham Light Infantry  died peacefully at home firmly wearing his Poppy with family around him on Saturday 9th November.   Funeral at All Saints Church, Brompton by Sawdon, Near Scarborough at 1300 hrs on Monday 25th November.   Family flowers only but donations in lieu to the Royal British Legion   

13.89    Roll of Honour 

Michael Norton on 25 October 2013 Michael served in 1 DLI in Berlin and Hong Kong. Request:  Donations to Cancer Charity.

Lt Col John Jacobs MC, Commanding Officer 1 DLI 1968-69

Served in Malaya seconded to PMO Gurkha Rifles 1951, also with 1 DLI in Borneo 1966.

Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette) 1 May 1953 

May they Rest in Peace  

Photographs now online from the weekend Remembrance events

Festival of Remembrance Concert Durham Cathedral

Link to all Photos LINK

Remembrance Day Durham Cathedral

Link to all Photos LINK

Remembrance Day Pelton Fell Memorial Park

Link to all Photos LINK

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin October 2013

72. DLI Executive Committee Meeting

Branches are reminded that an Executive Meeting of the DLI Association is being held on Wednesday 20 November 2013 in the Rifles Office Durham, commencing at 1400 hrs. It is important that all branches are represented at this meeting as several important items are to be discussed. The Agenda follows on page 3.

72. Remembrance Day Parade

DLI Association Branches and their Members should take part in their local Remembrance Day Parades with their Branch Standards.

72. London Cenotaph Parade

Branches are informed that there are still some tickets available for the London Cenotaph Parade. Any interested parties should make application to the Association Secretary at the Rifles Office, Durham as soon as possible. Individuals cannot join the parade without the appropriate documentation.

72. DLI Christmas Cards

Supplies of DLI Association Christmas cards for 2013 have been exhausted.

72. Great War Centenary Calendar

To mark the centenary of the outbreak of WW1 Preston Park Museum, which holds the Spence Collection, has agreed to allow a selection of the paintings of Lt Col GO Spence, Commanding Officer of 5 BN DLI during the whole of WW1, to be exclusively published in the DLI Association’s 2014 Great War Centenary Calendar. Fliers have been distributed. The calendars are at the printers and will be available from the Rifles Office Durham, priced at £5.00 plus £1.00 postage.

72. “Faithful” Inkerman Dinner and Victoria Cross Stone Ceremony

Members of the “Faithful” Inkerman Dinner Club are reminded that the Inkerman Dinner takes place on Fri 1 November at the Dubmire RBL Club at Fence Houses. The bar will be open from 1900 hrs and Dinner will be served at 2000hrs. The VC Stone Ceremony takes place on the Sunday 3 November, at the VC Stone located beside the DLI Museum beginning at 10.45am with the support of the Bugles of the Durham Army Cadet Force. Light refreshments will be served in the Museum immediately after the ceremony. Association standards are welcome at this ceremony. The award of the VC to Pte Adam Wakenshaw is being especially commemorated this year.

72. Paying for DLI Association Memberships

Please do not send me money through the post. A couple of days ago I collected from the Post Office collection depot at Belmont, on a payment of £1.09, an envelope containing £2.00 from one branch secretary for one DLI Association membership. Because of the coins in the envelope, it would not go through the machine resulting in a collection fee of £1.09 having to be paid by the Association. The benefit to the Association was thus only 91p and the inconvenience significant.

72. Death It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Mr Paul Broom (late 1LI) died on Monday 30 September aged 63. His Funeral Service took place on Monday 7 October at 1500 hrs at St Peter and St Pauls Church, High Street, Wem, SY4 5DP.

72. Roll of Honour

Mr Donald Wood (Don)  Died 26 Sept 13. Don was a devoted member of the South Shields Branch. He served in the Royal Engineers

Lawrence Richard Donkin  Died 26 September 2103 at the age of 95 He served in 1DLI

Ex Sjt Marie Garnett Died in the last week of September 2013 She served in HQ Coy 7LI at Bishop Auckland

Major D.J. Dinwiddie’, Died Monday 30th September 2013 At the Royal British Legion home, Lister House, Ripon.Served with KOYLI and LI.Training Major 7LI - 1975-77

Colonel CG ‘Kit’ Bartram TD DL Died 18 October 2013. Served 1DLI in Greece 1947 and with 6th Bn DLI Former Honorary Colonel 7th Bn LI

May they Rest in Peace

First World War Centenary Event

Saturday November 16th

• Venue Central Library Soutth Shields
• Ages All ages
• Cost Free
• Time 10am – 4pm
• Come along to the Central Library, South Shields for this special event.

Local and regional organisations will be here with websites, information, handling collections and much more to tell you more about the events, activities and projects they have planned for the commemoration and how you can get involved.

Programme of talks;

10.15 Peter Hoy

The James Hoy Archive,Shields Raised and Always Ready

11.00 Tony Ball, Western Front Association

In the Footsteps of Tommy : Tracing Great War Army Ancestors

1.00 Dr Dan Jackson visiting fellow at Northumbria University

Understanding the Rush to Join Up in 1914: The Military Traditions of North East England

2.30 James Mulholland, South Shields Local History Group

John Simpson Kirkpatrick, The Man With the Donkey

Other contributors include; Beamish, Bede's World, WEA South Tyneside, North East War Memorials Project, Durham Western Front Association, Tynemouth World War 1 Commemoration Project plus many more.

Contact Reference and Local Studies 0191 424 7862 for

Contact

• Catrin Galt
• Tel 0191 424 7995

Venue information

• Central Library
• Prince Georg Square
• South Shields
• Tyne & Wear
• NE33 2PE
• Contact Libraries Information Desk
• Tel 0191 424 7863 or 0191 424 7864
• Email library.support@southtyneside.gov.uk

                                

Victoria Cross Stone Ceremony 3rd November

The Victoria Cross Stone Ceremony took place on Sunday in bright sunshine. This year  John Byrne VC, the first DLI VC winner was honoured,  ten members of his family travelled from his birth place in southern Ireland.

A full report from The Northern Echo LINK

All the photographs can be viewed Here

Firefighters to honour DLI soldiers who died in key battle

FIREFIGHTERS are preparing to take a piece of Durham to the site of a battlefield in France to honour the fallen of a famous regiment in a short but crucial battle.

A group from Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service will accompany a 1.4 tonne lump of Durham stone to the village of Lingevres, near Bayeux, in Normandy, where members of the Durham Light Infantry’s 9th Battalion took on elite German shock troops.

The capture of the village on June 14 1944, with the loss of dozens of lives, prevented the Germans holding a vital position blocking the Allied advance.

Read the full story in The Northern Echo

Festival of Remembrance Concert-Durham Cathedral

Tickets are now on sale for this spectacular event which takes place on the 9th November in Durham Cathedral.

       

LINK

Military Talk - 20DLI in the First World War

Saturday 12 October 2.00pm

Simon Jarman will be discussing the experiences of 20th Durham Light Infantryman, Corporal Jim Speight. Through his letters he describes the Front 1917-18 including the Third Battle of Ypres in Belgium, the Piave in Italy, and France.
Tickets, priced £3 (plus admission) are available in advance from the DLI shop or by calling us on 03000 266590.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin September 2013

13.65 London Cenotaph Parade Tickets  Branches are reminded that if they require London Cenotaph tickets they should put their application in now to DLI Association HQ. There are still some tickets left but they will soon be taken up. So if you want ’em get movin’.

13.66 Sweepstake Results The draw for the DLI Annual Sweepstake took place on Thursday 12 September in the Rifles Durham Office,  A list of the horses drawn by members is attached.  If the horse you have drawn finishes 1st, 3nd, 3rd or 4th then you have won one of the prizes as detailed on the ticket.   Good Luck.   The race can be viewed at 3.50 pm on Channel Racing or At The Races Sky Channel 415.

Durham Light Infantry Association, Annual Sweepstake 2013 Draw

 13.67 Care for Casualties Concert – Top Club, Washington

John Norton has reported that the Charity Concert Function at The Top Club Washington last Friday was a huge success and £420 was raised for The Rifles Charity “Care for Casualties” This is very much appreciated by “The Rifles” and the money will be spent wisely on those Riflemen who have been “wounded in action” and have suffered horrendous injuries and amputations and the families of those “killed in action” and have not yet come to terms with the loss of their loved ones.

To everyone who attended this function and especially John Norton and Jimmy Quinn for organising it, a huge “Thank You “ on behalf of The Rifles Colonel Commandant General Nick Carter CBE DSO and the Co-ordinator of “Care for Casualties” Rebecca Macjeweska and All Riflemen wherever they are serving.

13.68 Horden & Peterlee Branch – Social Evening

Horden Branch of the Durham Light Infantry Association is holding a Social Evening with Entertainment at the Peterlee Catholic Club on Saturday 30 November 2013 – 7-11pm

ALL ARE WELCOME

13.69 Death of Christopher “Trigger” Rogers This office has been informed of the sad news of the death of Christopher (Trigger) Rogers who died on 12 Sept in Telford. Christopher served in 1^st Bn The Durham Light Infantry and 3^rd Bn The Light Infantry.

13.70 Durham Bugle – Edition 26 This edition is now with your Branch representative or you can buy it direct from the Museum should you so wish. The theme of this edition is preparation for the start of what was to be the First World War. Though no-one realised the extent of what was to come there was a realisation that the British Army need to engage in some serious tactical and strategic up-dating.

13.71 Roll of Honour

Ronald Palmer, Sat 31 August 2013

1st Bn Durham Light Infantry, Korean War Veteran from Howden le Wear

Christopher Rogers, Thurs. 12 Sept 2013

1st Bn Durham Light Infantry  and 3rd Bn The Light Infantry

May they Rest in Peace

John R Heron ,Lt Col (Retd)

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

DLI Reunion 2013

Glorious sunshine greeted the the members , family and friends of the DLI association on Sunday morning for the annual reunion. It was time to meet old friends and compare notes on the good old days as well as sharing old photographs. This was the first reunion for the new Lord Lieutenant of Durham Mrs. Susan Snowon. After the parade a service was held in the DLI Chapel in the Cathedral.

LINK to the Parade Video

LINK to Photographs.

Laying up Ceremony for the BKVA Standard

Wednesday 28 August saw the laying up of the Standard of Durham and Cleveland Branch of the British Korean Veterans Association (BKVA) at St Mary’s Church Staindrop where it was originally dedicated. Attending were Colonel George Gadd OBE, National Chairman BKVA and Ann; North East Area President Lt Col Hugh le Messurier and his wife Rosemary; President Durham and Cleveland Branch Lt Col John Lightley and his wife Margaret; NE Area Honorary Vice President Lt Col John Heron and his wife Enid. The event was organised by Durham and Cleveland Branch Secretary Mr Alan Maggs assisted by his wife Sylvia and Mrs Paulene Gill. The Service was conducted by the Vicar the Revd Ken Steventon in the presence of many members of the Durham & Cleveland Branch BKVA and some DLI Association members from a number of Branches.The standard was carried by the Chairman of the Durham & Cleveland Branch British Korean Veterans Association, Mr Bill Stableforth (formerly Durham Light Infantry), escorted by Mr Peter Stafford (formerly Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and Mr George Trollope (formerly Royal Army Pay Corps). The service was followed by a free reception at the Scarth Hall in Staindrop where an excellent buffet was served to all attending, followed by a most enjoyable live entertainment of country and western music.

LINK to All Photos

Military Talk:Boy Soldiers of the Great War

Richard van Emden. Boy Soldiers of the Great War
Saturday 7 September, 2.00pm
Well known author, historian and TV producer Richard van Emden will talk about the boy soldiers who fought in the Great War and discuss their experience, sacrifice and the profound effect it had on their families.
Tickets are £3.00 (plus admission) and available in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 03000 266590.

MVR: Photographs now online

After a slow start on Sunday morning visitors, streamed in on the afternoon when the weather looked good. Monday could not have been better with the sun shining all day.

                                    

LINK to all photos

One Day to go:Military Vehicle Rally at The DLI Museum & Durham Art Gallery

Sunday 25 and Monday 26 August 2013 10.00am-4.00pm

The region’s biggest gathering of military vehicles will be celebrating its 40th birthday this Bank Holiday here at the DLI Museum.
We will be featuring around 60 expertly restored vehicles and pieces of artillery, with FREE entry to the grounds.
As well as superbly restored displays dating from the 1930s to the present day, the rally will include stalls, living history displays, dioramas and performances by 1940s style singer Katie Spitfire.
Also look out for arts and crafts activities inside the museum and art gallery for children and families throughout the day.
The DLI Café will be open all day serving refreshments and locally made ice-creams.
Normal admission charges apply for entry to the museum and gallery and FREE for Annual Pass Holders. Visit www.durham.gov.uk/dli for more information.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

MONTHLY BULLETIN August 2013

55. RAFFLE PRIZES FOR REUNION RAFFLE - REMINDER

The tickets for the Raffle to be held in Caedmon Hall on Reunion Sunday will be sold by the lead branch from the parade, Horden & Peterlee. Tickets provided by the association will be sold by the Horden & Peterlee representatives. All branches are reminded that each is required to provide a raffle prize for this. Each prize should be labelled with the donor branch name. The prizes should be left with Shirley Nicholson in the DLI shop in the entrance to Caedmon Hall.

55. ANNUAL SWEEPSTAKE

Branches are reminded that all Association St Leger Sweepstake stubs, unsold tickets and cash are to be with the Association Secretary by Friday 6 September. The draw will take place on Wednesday 12 September.

55. SIR JAMES KNOTT TRUST

Significant financial assistance for the year 2014 from the Sir James Knott Trust has been committed to supporting the Normandy Pilgrimage and Dedication of the Memorial to the DLI soldiers assassinated by the SS in June 1944. There are therefore no further funds available from this source to support other Branch activities in 2014.

55. CHRISTMAS CARD ORDERS

The 2013 DLI Association Christmas Card is selling well. Branch secretaries will need to be prompt with their orders for the cards or risk disappointment.

55. VISIT TO THE INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE, CATTERICK GARRISON

A visit to the ITC Catterick to see the Pass-off of the latest Rifles Trainees on 13 September 2013 and to have lunch and spend time in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess is being arranged at the present time. Ball-Park numbers of numbers from branches wishing to attend should reach the Secretary as soon as possible. Lunch is expected to be around £4.00. Final details will be published by the secretary as soon as details are confirmed.

55. ROLL OF HONOUR

Below are the names which will constitute the Roll of Honour to be read out at the Cathedral Service on Reunion Sunday. Branches should check the list to ensure that no-one has been missed off and that names are spelled correctly. Any changes should be notified to the Association Secretary immediately.

Dr George Adan, Cyril R Allan, Norman George Anstey

Barrie Bailey, Roland Bartle, William Bowes

Stan Bowe, Henry Leslie Carey OBE TD, Mel Carroll

Vernon Chapman, Fred Clark, Ralph Dickinson

H W “Geordie” Dee, Jack Douglas, Vane Dyson

Steve Edes, Ron Eldret, Steve Elstob, Wilf Emmerson

Mike Galloway, Tom Greatland, Brian Hampton

Ken Horn, Ronald Howes, Neville Hutchinson

Billy James, Jim McCartney, Leslie McLaren

Christopher Brian Phillips, William Ranson

Trevor Roberts, Neil Scaffton, Cedric M Scott TD

Graeme Smyth Piggott, Frederick Stephenson,Fred Swainston

Jack Thompson, David Kenneth Wakefield, Bill Ward

55. SHUTTLE BUS

As in previous years there will be a shuttle-bus service on Sunday 8 September running between the coach park near the old Ice Rink to the Cathedral Close from 1030hrs - 1145 hrs, and from the Cathedral Close to the College of St Hild and St Bede from 1245hrs -1330hrs. In the absence of ACF Transport the service will be operated by Langley Park Community Transport. It should be noted that this is primarily for the disabled who will be given priority. However it should be noted that the shuttle bus will make no intermediate stops on the way to the College.

55. ARE YOU GOING TO THE DOGS?

Sunderland Dogs Free Night Out, Wednesday 4th September. Tickets are available for any members who wish to take the opportunity of a free night out at the Sunderland Dogs. Free Admission, A Free Drink, Free Pie & Peas are included. Race Cards can be purchased for £2.50. Applications for tickets should be made to the Secretary.

55. KOREAN WAR REQUEST

Andrew Wakeford would like to contact anyone who knew LCPL Carwood in Korea before he went missing/ assumed killed in action. POC:  07879632863.

55. AUGUST ROLL OF HONOUR

Barrie Bailey,

A Company, 1st Battalion D.L.I.

Berlin & Korea.

He lived in Cornwall.

Mel Carroll

Served with 1DLI in the Canal Zone. Died yesterday. Mel was a regular attender at branch meetings and was a former vice  chairman of the branch.

May they Rest In Peace

15 Aug 13

John R Heron

Lt Col (Retd)

Association Secretary

40th Annual Military Vehicle Rally 25th and 26th August

The DLI Museum welcomes the North East Military Vehicle Club again this summer for the ever popular Bank Holiday event.
See military vehicles of all shapes and sizes outside and enjoy a range of special activities inside.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN JULY 2013

47.13 CONSETT & STANLEY BRANCH – SOCIAL

The Consett & Stanley Branch are holding a Social in the Empire Club Stanley on Sunday 15 September 2013 from 1100 hrs to 1600 hrs. There will be a buffet and entertainment. Tickets are £3.00 each and can be obtained from the secretary Pauline Gill, Tele No. 01207 236149.

48.13 ANNUAL SWEEPSTAKE

Branches are reminded that all counterfoils, unsold tickets and money must be returned to the Rifles Durham Office by Friday 6 September 2013. The draw will take place on Thursday 12 September 2013.

49.13 ARMISTICE DAY 2013 – CENOTAPH PARADE TICKETS

The Royal British Legion have again allocated 60 tickets to the Association for the Cenotaph Parade which takes place on Sunday 10 November 2013 in London. Will branches please make bids for these tickets by Wednesday 21 August and individual members who are not traveling with a branch should do likewise.

50.13 ANNUAL REUNION – ORDER OF MARKERS

A Notice indicating the “Order of Markers” for this years parade at the Annual Reunion on 8 September is enclosed with this Bulletin. It will be noted that the leading branch this year is Horden & Peterlee.

LINK

51.13 ANNUAL REUNION RAFFLE

Will the Horden & Peterlee Branch please note that in accordance with a previous Executive Committee decision the leading branch at the Annual Reunion must provide two members to sell raffle tickets in Caedman Hall, Bede College. Tickets, which should be sold for 20p each, and a bag for the money, should be obtained from the shop in the foyer by 1300 hrs and returned to the shop as soon as all the tickets are sold.

52.13 NEW SECRETARY –

DARLINGTON & NEWTON AYCLIFFE

The Darlington & Newton Aycliffe Branch have elected a new secretary and his details are appended below. Will you please amend your records accordingly

Mr. Marc Stuart

21 Wallington Drive

SEDGEFIELD

TS21 2HZ

Tel. No. 01740 623651

53.13 CHRISTMAS CARDS

The 2013 Christmas Card is selling well and branches are advised to order early to avoid disappointment.

54.13 NORMANDY PILGRIMAGE 2014

Will branches please note that there are now only ten places left on the Normandy Tour which is taking place from Thursday 5 June 2014 until Sunday 8 June 2014 and includes a visit to Gold Beach on the 6 June which is the 70^th Anniversary of the D Day landings and of course the erection of a Memorial Plaque to the two members of the Regiment who were shot by the SS at Chateau D’Audrie. Branches are poorly represented on this tour and those not represented should consider their position.

55/13 DEATHS

The death of the following member has been reported since the issue of the Last Bulletin:

Mr Bill Ward

Ex 2 DLI ( Wuppertal)

1952 - 1955

May he Rest in Peace

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN JUNE 2013

40.13 WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION

The Durham Branch of The Western Front Association is organizing a conference on 6 September 2014 to commemorate the centenary of the beginning of the war in 1914. This will be held in the Cornerstones Methodist Church in the centre of Chester-le-Street. The conference will have four keynote speakers of academic importance and will discuss the strategic positions of Britain and Germany and the impact on British operations in 1914. This is an early notice and branches will be kept informed as further information is received.

41.13 ANNUAL REUNION – 8 SEPTEMBER 2013

The Warning Order for the 2013 DLI Reunion was recently dispatched to all branches; please ensure that members are made aware of the contents and that all target dates for bids are adhered to.

For internet viewers of this Bulletin the DLI Reunion will take place on Sunday 8 September 2013 in Durham. The programme is will be as follows:

1145 hrs Assemble on Palace Green.

1200 hrs Parade and March Past of all Branches on Palace Green, followed  by a short service in the Regimental Chapel in the Cathedral when the Roll of Honour for 2012/13 will be called.

1339 hrs Lunch at the College of St Hild and St Bede.

A charge of £13.00 will be made for lunch, tickets which can be ordered on 0191 3865496.

42.13 NORMANDY TOUR – JUNE 2014

Applications to join the Association’s Normandy Tour have been encouraging but the lack of Branch interest is surprising and The Rifles County Secretary is anxious that every branch should be represented on this Memorial Tour. Branches may wish to consider sending their Standard Bearer, at least, and to subsidize him if necessary. Application forms are available from The Rifles Durham Office.

43.13 BRITISH KOREAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION

LAYING UP OF STANDARD

The Durham & Cleveland Branch of the BKVA have advised that the will be Laying Up their Standard in Staindrop Parish Church on the 28^th of August 2013. The Service will be followed by a free buffet lunch in Staindrop Scarth Hall and all are welcome. Actual times to be confirmed.

44,13 CHRISTMAS CARDS 2013

The DLI Association 2013 Christmas Card is now available. The card this year features Major John Reed of the 68^th who served in the Regiment from 1799 until 1830 and was seriously wounded 200 years ago at the Battle of Vittoria during the Peninsular War It is a reproduction of the portrait which was presented to Regimental Headquarters by the Officer’s Mess of The Regimental Depot and now hangs in The Rifles Durham Office. The cards are 65p each and can be ordered through branch secretaries or by telephone on 0191 3865496.

45.13 DLIMUSEUM – DURHAM COUNTY BRASS BAND CONTEST

On Sunday 7^th of July 2013 there will be an ALL DAY Brass Band Contest in the grounds of the DLI Museum commencing at 1000 hrs. Admission is FREE and the museum café will be open for various refreshments including their now famous ice creams. It will be a wonderful atmosphere for family picnics and members are invited to take advantage of what will be a superb day’s entertainment.

46.13 ROLL OF HONOUR

The death of the following member was reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

Mr. Wilf Emmerson - 1LI

Wilf was secretary of the Darlington & Newton  Aycliffe Branch. As becomes a veteran of The Intelligence

Corps, he was a first class administrator and the type of member that the Association could ill afford to lose.

May he Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Light Infantry Reunion 2013

A report from the front line by Lt. Col. J.R. Heron.

The Light Infantry Reunion was held at Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury on 8^th June 1013.   There was a good DLI presence there for the Reunion parade with around 30 marching and many more who are passed the stage of being able to march seated or standing around the parade ground.  The parade and March Past, DLI contingent led by Major Chris Lawton, was followed by a Sounding of Retreat by the Band and Bugles of the Rifles. For many the reunion had begun on the Friday.  The coach from Chester-le-Street set off early picking up members of the DLI Association from around the county.  They arrived in time to benefit from the many bars, taverns and clubs in Shrewsbury which look forward each year to the Association weekend.  The hospitality tent at Copthorne Barracks was open from early evening and I am told that there was up to 800 sampling the beers on Friday evening.  We should remember that this is actually the Light Infantry Reunion and in addition to the County contingents there were many former soldiers of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Battalions the Light Infantry. 

On Saturday morning followed the Bligny Service where the Cross de Guerre worn on the uniforms of all soldiers of the Rifles was won by the 4^th Bn Kings Shropshire Light Infantry on 6^th June 1918 when they recaptured and held a ridge defended in strength by the German Army was celebrated.  For the rest of the day there were the usual tents with stalls and memorabilia, but it is not surprising that the most popular locations were the beer tents and the tables outside where members could sit in the sun and drink the amber liquid and renew old friendships.  For many the day ended at the all ranks dinner for members and their ladies, where after the meal the songs of the former regiments were sung with gusto.

DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery Talk

Recording Britain Saturday 8 June 2pm

Senior Curator of Prints at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Gill Saunders will be speaking on the Recording Britain exhibition showing in Durham Art Gallery.
The drawings and watercolours were commissioned to record the British landscape at the outbreak of World War Two.
Capturing images of vulnerable buildings, landscapes and lifestyles at a time of immense change, it features the work of more than 90 artists.

Tickets, priced £3 are available in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 03000 266590.

We will also be offering a free guided tour of the exhibition on Monday 17th June at 12.30pm.

RIFLES BAND AND BUGLES C4C CHARITY CONCERT

                
RIFLES BAND AND BUGLES C4C CHARITY CONCERT TOUR OF YORKSHIRE AND THE NORTHEAST - SUNDERLAND MINSTER - 21 JUNE 2013 AT 7.30PM AND LEEDS UNIVERSITY REFECTORY - 22 JUNE AT 7.30 PM

THE EVENTS

The Rifles Band and Bugles will perform at a Charity Concerts on behalf of “Care for Casualties”, The Rifles Charity on the evening of Friday 21 June 2013 at Sunderland Minster.They will be joined by The Durham ACF Band and Bugles and Buglers of 3 Rifles and D (Rifles) Coy 5RRF.

                 
                                                    Swift and Bold concert at the Albert Hall October 2012

The programme will follow the format of the Albert Hall Swift and Bold event in October last year and have much the same content albeit on a smaller scale.  The idea is to create an opportunity for those in the North East and Yorkshire, who could not make the Albert Hall, to enjoy this critically acclaimed  programme.  All profits go to Care for Casualties

All four “pillars” of the Regiment and supporters of Care for Casualties in the North East SUNDERLAND MINSTER 21 JUNE AT 7.30 PM DETAILS

Venue
Sunderland Minster, High Street West, Sunderland SR1 3ET

Outline Timings
The public will be requested to be seated by 1920 hours,
followed by the VIPs and guests at 1930 hrs.
The Band Concert will start 1930 hours with an interval.
The Concert concludes at 2130 hours approximately.

Tickets
Tickets cost £20 per person.  Group bookings of 5 or more £15 per person

Tickets can be purchased from the Rifles Durham Office by e-mailling:  Durham@the-rifles.co.uk by phoning the office on 01913865496.

Download ticket application / donation form HERE

Information on Care for Casualties HERE