Arthur Willis celebrates 100 years.

Well, how many centurions do you have in your branch? Stockton Branch has one, as of Thursday 27 March. As you no doubt know Arthur was a soldier in 2 DLI 1931 -1938, and again in 1939 – 1946. Soon after being demobbed he became a member of Stockton Branch DLI Association and despite the fact he cannot get to the meetings now he is still a strong supporter of the Branch which keeps him up-to-date with Branch activities, while he supports the branch by regular donations and letters.

Arthur had been a widower with no children for many years when he met Ernie Ward who worked at SSI Steelworks. Arthur had been doing his regular spell on the treadmill at Middlesbrough Southlands Centre, when on leaving the treadmill he stumbled and was prevented from falling by Ernie, and so began a friendship which Arthur described as being ‘a new life’ for him. Ernie was astonished to learn that Arthur was 97 years of age, and the friendship blossomed. Arthur became one of the family even to the extent of going on holiday with them to Majorca, flying being a new experience for him.

So it was that for Arthur’s 100 birthday Ernie’s wife Angie arranged a party for him at her house in collaboration with the Stockton Branch DLI Association. Arthur was dressed in his regimental blazer, beret with cap badge and medals. He was brought to the party in a Rolls Royce, was greeted by a bugle fanfare, opened his congratulatory 100 years birthday card from the Queen. Stockton Branch DLI members had arrived at Angie’s house with a bugler, branch standards, gifts of Regimental birthday cake (courtesy of ASDA), a beautiful coupage birthday made by a member of the Hartlepool Branch, cards, plaques and a copy of the new 2nd Battalion book signed by the author Harry Moses. Angie had said she would make a few sandwiches and laid on a spread that would have done justice to the Grand Hotel. The Evening Gazette reporter and photographer were present and numerous photographs were taken.

The party lasted all morning with numerous friends and family and everyone had a great time and lots of fun. Arthur was serenaded by Bernard Kelly with the Stockton Branch songsters singing all the old DLI and World War 2 songs. This was a really special day for everyone, friends and family, the Stockton Branch and Arthur himself.

DLI Indoor Games

The 2013 Indoor Games took place at the weekend, hosted once again by the Houghton le Spring branch at the RLB (Dubmire) Club, Fencehouses. After keenly fought rounds at the dart boards and tables, the final results were in at 16:45.

Whist….Bishop Auckland

Darts….Spennymoor

Dominoes….Durham

This year the top place was shared by Bishop Auckland and Durham.

The wooden spoon went to  Consett and Stanley.

Many thanks to all who took part and made the day a huge success.

 

            

 

 

All of the photos can be viewed HERE

Photographs can be purchased HERE  all proceeds will go to the DLI Association and the DLI Museum Friends.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN MARCH 2013

20.13 ANNUAL REUNION DINNER 8/11 DLI

The Annual Reunion Dinner of the 8/11 Battalions OCA will take place on Saturday 27 April 2013. Those attending are asked to assemble at the Bede War memorial at 1830 hrs and afterwards at the TA Centre Gilesgate at 1915 hrs. Members who have not received their invitation to attend should contact the secretary Ken Suddes on 01388 812983

21.13 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AGM

The 2013 Annual General Meeting of the DLI Association Executive Committee will take place on Wednesday 10 April in the Rifles Durham Office Commencing at 1400 hrs. The Agenda for the Meeting is attached to this Bulletin. Please ensure that your branch is represented.

22.13 ARTHUR WILLIS – 100^TH BIRTHDAY

Mr. Arthur Willis of 130 Moorcock Close, ESTON, and Middlesbrough TS5 OTS celebrates his 100^th birthday on Wednesday 27 March 2013. Arthur joined the army on the 29^th of January 1931 and after being demobbed in August 1939 was recalled on 1 September 1939 to 2 DLI and was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from the 23 September’39 until 29 May 1940 when he and a 3^rd of a million others were evacuated from Dunkirk. He went with the 2^nd Battalion to India on 13 April 1942 and served in Burma until 15 January 1944. He boxed and played rugby and has been a long-time active member of the Stockton Branch of the DLI Association.

Terry Gilbert and a number of Stockton Branch Members are going to see him on his birthday at his carer’s house at 44 Cinderwood, Cargo Fleet, Middlesbrough TS3 9RH at 1100 hrs on the big day. WO Derek Corbett with his buglers is hoping to be there to blow a fanfare and there will be lots of publicity from the press and other media outlets. Make sure that your branch sends a birthday card to his home address to arrive on time.

WELL DONE ARTHUR.

23.13 CHARITY CONCERT – GALA THEATRE DURHAM

SATURDAY 8^TH JUNE 2013 at 7.30pm

To celebrate 70 years of Finchale Training College, the College and the ABF Soldiers Charity are hosting a Concert at the Gala Theatre in Durham on Saturday the 8^th of June commencing at 7.30pm. Tickets are £18 with a concessionary price of £15. You may book on line at www.galadurham.co.uk or contact 0191 3824041. Cast includes John Rowland, June Pendleton, Alison Cochlan.Vicky Guillory, Little Sisters, The Honington Military Wives Choir, Military Bands and more. To avoid disappointment book early.

24.13 DURHAM BRANCH – CHANGE OF OFFICERS

At the AGM of the Durham Branch Michael Burini was elected in place of Kevin Storey who took over as Treasurer from Michael. Michael’s details are as follows:

Home Address

5 Ilfracombe Avenue

Grainger Park,

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE4 8RU

Tel: 0771 735234. Email: mickburini(at)hotmail.co.uk

24.13 DEATHS

The following death has been reported to The Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

Norman George Anstey

Norman served with the DLI and was a “D” Day veteran who landed on Gold Beach on 6 June 1944. He operated a PIAT Anti-Tank Weapon. He was known as “Butch” to his friends and would have been 98 on 6 April but died on the 19 February and was buried on the 7 March in Easton-in-Gordana, Nr. Bristol where he had lived for some years. Norman was very proud to have served with The Durham Light Infantry and was a great supporter of the Annual Reunion and our Charities. He leaves a widow Mrs P.E. Anstey to whom we send our sincere condolences

May He Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey. BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

Military Talks

Saturday 30 March, 2.00pm

The Battle of the Frontiers: The French at War, 1914 by Peter Hart

In our version of history the British Expeditionary Force only retreated during the Battle of the Frontiers in August 1914 because the French ‘gave way’ to their right and forced them to conform. The reality is very different and this is a travesty given the murderous fighting they endured when France and Germany met head-on; a clash that sought to determine the future of the world at the start of the Great War. Based on a new book by well known author and historian Peter Hart.

Tickets are £3.00 per talk (plus admission charges) and can be booked in advance by visiting the DLI shop or by calling us on 03000 266590.

13.03.2013 – A Rifles War Tale from this day 69 years ago Cairns VC

    A story of bravery and courage in Burma 69 years ago. LINK