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.