Monthly Bulletin December 2015
DLI ORDINARY EXECUTIVE MEETING – 18 NOVEMBER 2015
This was held at the Rifles Office at 1400 hrs 18 November 2015
The minutes of the meeting will be distributed separately.
It had been intended to make a presentation to the immediate past secretary of the Association, Mr Kevin Storey BEM, to commemorate his period of office and to mark his retirement. However Mr Storey was not well enough to attend the meeting, and alternative arrangements will be made by the Association Chairman.
Before the main meeting opened, Mr Alistair Bowden, a DLI Trustee, spoke to the meeting about some of the implications of the proposed relocation of the DLI Museum.
DLI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016
This will take place on Wednesday 20 April 2016 at 1400 hrs at the Rifles Office Durham
An agenda for the meeting will be issued by the Secretary in due course
5RRF BATTALION CHRISTMAS WEEKEND INVITATION (4-6 DEC) TO ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
WO2 PH Conville SPSI D RIFLES Company made an offer through the Rifles Regimental Secretary Durham for 40 DLI Association members to spend the weekend 4-6 Dec 15 with 5 RRF at Otterburn Camp at their Christmas Weekend. This weekend will cost anyone who wishes to attend a contribution of £40.
DLI ASSOCIATION INDOOR GAMES 2016
The 2016 DLI Indoor Games will be held on Sunday 20 March 2016 at the Dubmire RBL Club at Fence Houses and will be run by the Houghton-le-Spring Branch. Rules for the conduct of the Games can be seen at Annex A to this Bulletin. The Entry Form can be seen at Annex B to this Bulletin.
Please note the date by which entries must be received by the Secretary.
PAYMENT OF BRANCH OUTSTANDING BILLS AND INVOICES
15.109.01 Bearing in mind the need to complete the Branch Statement of Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2015 branches are asked to settle all outstanding bills and invoices as soon as possible.
SEASONS’S GREETINGS
Major Lawton and Shirley and myself would like to extend to 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.
DEATHS REPORTED
The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
Jack Dobbs, died 24 November 2015. He served in South Wales Borderers and 9 Bn DLI
Robert (Rob) Whaley,Killed in an accident in Spain on 19 November 2015.Rob had been a member of the Consett and Stanley Branch since 2002 and his wife Brenda Treasurer. Robert’s father-in-law was founder of the Branch.
May They Rest in Peace
Elvet Waterside
Durham
10 December 2015
Annex A to Monthly Bulletin dated December 2015
The Durham Light Infantry Association INDOOR GAMES 2016
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The DLI Association Indoor Games 2015 will take place at the Dubmire Royal British Legion Club, Britannia Terrace, Fence Houses, Houghton-le-Spring, Co Durham, DH4 6LJ on Sunday 20 March 2016.
The host branch will be Houghton-le-Spring. The Disciplines are:
Darts 3 players (Team of 3 players)
Dominoes 3 players (Three players playing singly)
Whist 6 players (3 pairs)
Entries must be received by the Association Secretary by 27 February 2016
The target starting time for all three disciplines is 1135 hrs.
Entry to the club will be from 1100 hrs. Dress: Smart casual or above.
REGISTRATION
All branches will nominate a Team Captain who will report to the Secretary of the Hosting Branch and register both the Branch and the names of their players for the three disciplines. No member is able to enter for more than one discipline. A branch which cannot provide sufficient players for each discipline will reduce their entry to 2 disciplines or 1 discipline as necessary.
Registration will occur on arrival and in no circumstances later than 1130 hrs. Branches cannot register until their teams are complete at the Dubmire RBL Club, Fence Houses.
The target time for the start of the games will be games will 1135 hrs. Branches arriving late may not be allowed to enter the competitions. They can however remain and be a part of the event.
All disciplines will begin at the same time.
It is a branch responsibility to ensure that all members, both playing and spectating are fully aware of the rules and are in possession of their DLI Association membership cards.
ADMINISTRATION
Houghton-le-Spring Branch will set up all games and tables prior to the advertised time of the Games. They will provide doormen and two members to run the raffle.
EQUIPMENT
The Rifles Office, Durham will provide:
6 sets of Dominoes plus two spare sets.
6 packs of cards plus 2 spare sets.
Packs to be checked before use.
The host branch will make arrangements to collect
the Scoreboard,
the Random Numbering Machine
and the above items from the Rifles Office no later than Thursday 3 March 2016.
Darts teams will be expected to provide their own darts.
There will be three separate games tables for whist thus allowing six teams to play simultaneously until the finalists have been determined. These tables must be arranged so that the players cannot be overlooked.
GLADIATORS
No Gladiators will be allowed. This will be strictly enforced. Any player unable to show their DLI Membership Card risks the disqualification of their team.
MEALS
The meal will be served at 1330 hrs or earlier by arrangement, and the cost per person will be £4.00 Tickets issued by the Rifles Office must be presented.
RAFFLE PRIZES
Each branch must supply one raffle prize which should be handed to the Secretary on arrival. Please put your branch name on the donation.
TROPHIES
Trophy winners from 2015 will hand trophies to the Secretary on arrival. They should be polished, inscribed and undamaged.
OFFICIALS
The following officials are appointed to oversee the Games:
Chief Umpires: Major Wharton /Major Lawton/ Lt Col Heron.
Chief Officials: The Secretary of Houghton-le-Spring Branch
Umpires: As indicated on the application forms. Nominated umpires will report to the Chief Umpire when called. Team Captains are responsible for the conduct of their members and will also ensure that their team is ready to play when called.
PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES
The presentation will take place by one of the Chief Umpires as soon as the games are concluded. A target time of 1630 hrs is set.
02 Dec 2015
Monthly Bulletin November 2015
PRESENTATIONS OF THE INSIGNIA OF THE LEGION D’HONNEUR
At the Festival of Remembrance held in Durham Cathedral on 7 November 2015 several Former DLI soldiers were invested with the insignia of Chevalier of the Legion d’Honneur by the Honorary French Honorary Consul Mr Andrew Robinson. They were Richard Atkinson (9 Bn DLI), Charles Eagles (9 Bn DLI and George Forster (DLI).
George William Herbert Clements, and Ronald John William Sexton (DLI) had also received the insignia, bur were unable to attend the investiture. The widow of Peter Downey (deceased) (8 Bn DLI) also received the insignia for Peter.
It should be known that any former serviceman who was present at the Normandy Landings or in the Battle for France (June-August 1944) is still able to apply. Application forms can be obtained form the Association Secretary at the Rifles Office Durham
COMMEMORATIVE PAVING STONE DEDICATED TO THOMAS KENNY
On 4 November 2015 a commemorative paving stone was dedicated in the Cemetery at Wheatley Hill to Pte Thomas Kenny on the centenary of the action for which ne was awarded the Victoria Cross. The event was attended by family members; civic dignitaries; Rifles Regimental Secretary (Durham) Major Chris Lawton MBE; DLI Association Chairman Major Paul Wharton MM; 3 branch standards and many members of the DLI Association as well as many school children from the village
STOCKTON GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE 2015
For the fourth year running Stockton Branch DLI Association ran the Stockton Garden of Remembrance 4-6 November 2015. 338 school students with their teachers placed 417 poppy crosses and 31 poppy crescents in memory of the fallen of the 2nd year of the Great War. Students from 16 Stockton schools attended ceremonies in the Garden, many for the Formal Commemoration on 6 November. Lt Col John Heron explained the purpose and meaning of Remembrance with particular reference to the fallen of Stockton, in which a poppy cross was placed by the Mayor of Stockton at the ceremony. Prayers were led by the curate of Stockton Parish Church, the Revd Mark Miller. Individual students read poems, and school choirs sang and student placed their poppy crosses. Five Association standards were present. The bugle calls were played by the Salvation Army Bugler. After the ceremony the mayor spoke to many of the children, as did the DLI Association members.
RELOCATION OF THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY MUSEUM
This Relocation, initially called the Closure, of the DLI Museum has caused great consternation throughout the Association. It came as a shock to all to learn that the Durham County Council had decided it could not continue to fund the DLI Museum. The museum had been funded by the Durham County Council since it opened. However the council had come to the conclusion that the museum was not fit for purpose and had agreed with the DLI Trustees that the building should be closed.
As a temporary measure, exhibitions would be held for the next 5 years in the Durham University Library on Palace Green, while other items would be stored at the 7 Hills Facility in Spennymoor, which would also house a research and preparation area associated with its schools education programme, and which would also provide a visors area.
This decision caused a great deal of dissatisfaction amongst the people of County Durham, whose links with the former DLI and its museum are still strong. Various schemes and proposals have been put forward to try to save the museum.
“THE FAITHFUL” INKERMAN DINNER CLUB
THE CLUB DINNER took place on Friday 6 November at Dubmire RBL Club in Fence Houses. 132 sat down to dinner. After dinner, following words by the Club Chairman Mr Ralph Harrison, the Chairman of the DLI Association Major Paul Wharton MM gave an update on the situation with regard to the re-location of the DLI Museum and Major Chris Lawton MBE give an update on the deployment of the of the Rifle Battalions. Toasts were drunk, memories burnished. A great night.
VC STONE CEREMONY
What is likely to be the last celebration of the VC winners of the Durham Light Infantry at this location took place on 15 November 2015 at the VC Stone beside the DLI Museum. The Chairman read the names of the VC winners, the President give an outline of the club’s hopes for the future of the VC Stone, which will be relocated elsewhere so that the Annual Ceremony can continue. Exhortation was spoken by the Chairman, Mr Ralph Harrison, Bugle calls were sounded by the Durham ACF Bugles, The President spoke about Capt Thomas de Courcy Hamilton who was particularly commemorated this year. Wreaths were laid by Lt Col John Heron TD, Major Chris Lawton MBE and Mr Ralph Harrison. About 60 people attended the ceremony. The Kohima Epitaph was spoken by Mr Brian Laverick, Secretary/Treasurer. Refreshments were served in the Museum after the ceremony.
WARNING ORDER – ANNUAL BRANCH FINANCIAL RETURNS
15.100.01 This warning order is repeated lest branch secretaries missed it last month.
15.100.02 Branches should submit their Annual Financial Returns for the period 1 Jan 2015 – 31 December 2015 to the Secretary by Friday 19 February 2016.
15.100.03 They should be in the usual format. The Secretary will send out the proformae in the near future.
WARNING ORDER – ANNUAL BRANCH STRENGTH RETURNS
This warning order is repeated lest branch secretaries missed it last month.
Branches should submit their Annual Strength Returns as at 31 December 2014 by Friday 19 February 2016
The strength return should be broken down into the following. Each member is to fit one category only
Former Members of the DLI
Former members of the Light Infantry or other LI County Regiments
Former or continuing members of the Rifles
Former or continuing members of other capbadges of arms of the services
Members with no service
DEATHS REPORTED
The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
Ralph Burnett Seyburn aged 89 years. He was born 1st July 1926 and died 4th November 2015.Formerly 2 Bn DLI, Chairman and Secretary of Stockton Branch DLI Association. Also Formerly Chairman and Secretary of Darlington Newton Aycliffe Branch DLI Association.
He was also the organiser Guyzance Memorial and Annual Commemoration.
John Rickaby aged 59 years he served with 7 Bn Light Infantry.
DI Rawlings MM.Served with 1 DLI in Korea and was awarded the MM 23/24 June 1953 for his heroic actions in saving the life of a comrade on Point 355.
John ‘Jack’ Wilson died 13 November 2015.He served with 1 DLI in Korea, 8 Bn DLI and member of 8/11 Bns DLI OCA. John was also a SSAFA Case worker for many years and full time carer for his wife
May They Rest in Peace
Elvet Waterside
Durham
16 November 2015
The first of seven commemorative VC stones honouring their courage was unveiled today at Wheatley Hill cemetery. It was exactly one hundred years to the day after his act of heroism for which he was awarded the VC.The event was attended by forty seven members of his family along with Cllr Jan Blakey, the Chairman of Durham County Council,Sue Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant of County Durham,members of the DLI Association,the Rifles, DCC,Wheatley Hill Heritage Centre,Durham County Council, Ivor Crowther Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East and Durham’s Chief Constable Mike Barton.
The full details of his bravery can be found here LINK
Press reports The Chronicle Durham Times
Monthly Bulletin October 2015
VC COMMEMORATIVE STONES
VC commemorative paving stones are being placed at various points throughout the country associated with the home areas of the VC recipients on the 100th anniversary of the award of their VC. Many will be within the ancient County of Durham, which for administrative purposes is now split into numerous county boroughs. Many of the VC Paving stones will be placed outside the administrative jurisdiction of Durham County, and it will be easy not be aware of the ceremonies associated with them. They will be associated with recipients of many cap badges; not all Durham Light Infantrymen. We must therefore be vigilant in ensuring that our local branches do not miss any of the DLI commemorations. It would be helpful if branch secretaries inform the Association Secretary when they are aware of a commemoration taking place. Unfortunately one associated with a Durham Light Infantryman was not reported in last month’s bulletin. It is reported below. We must ensure that this does not happen again.
PRESENTATION OF THE INSIGNIA OF THE LEGION D’HONNEUR
You will no doubt be aware that some of the DLI Veterans who fought in the Normandy Landings and in the Battle for France in 1944 have now received their insignia of the Legion d’Honneur. For those who wish it these are being formally presented by the French Consul at the Festival of Remembrance taking place within Durham Cathedral on 7 November. Anyone wishing to attend needs to apply for tickets at the Gala Theatre Box Office, They are priced at £18 (nave) or £10 (transept).
DEDICATION OF A MEMORIAL TO THE FALLEN OF THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 AT HARTLEPOOL NORTH CEMETERY 10 OCTOBER 2015
Members of the Durham Light Infantry Association from Hartlepool, Stockton and Consett & Stanley attended the dedication of a Memorial to the Fallen of 1914–1918 in Hartlepool North Cemetery on 10 October 2015. The new memorial was provided by the CWGC, Hartlepool Council and the Friends of North Cemetery. 14 standards from ex-service organisations were paraded including that of Hartlepool Branch DLI Association carried by Terry Phillips Secretary and that of Stockton Branch carried by John Hope. The Dedication was conducted by the Revd Dobson Heron, former Chaplain to the 7Th Bn LI, assisted by the Chaplain to Hartlepool Missions to Seafarers Colin Worswick, in the presence of HM’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Durham Mrs Sue Snowdon, the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool Mrs Fleet, the MP for Hartlepool Mr Iain Wright, the Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner Mr Kevan Jones MP, officials from the Friends of Hartlepool North Cemetery, Cllrs Christopher Akers Belcher and the Council Leader Cllr Stephen Akers Belcher, as well as cadets from Hartlepool Sea Cadet Corps, Hartlepool Royal Marine Cadets, Cleveland Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps. Music for the occasion was provided by the Band & Bugles of the Durham Army Cadet Force. The Parade Commander was Lt Col (Retd) John Heron TD, DLI Association Secretary, who had worked with Irene Cross of Hartlepool Borough Council to provide the administrative support for the day.
WARNING ORDER – DLI ASSOCIATION ORDINARY EXECUTIVE MEETING
The next Ordinary Executive Meeting of the DLI Executive will take place on Wednesday 18 November 2015 at 1400 hrs at the Rifles Office Durham
The agenda is below:
AGENDA
To receive any apologies for absence.
To make a presentation to the previous Association Secretary Mr Kevin Storey BEM
To agree the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 10 June 2015.
To discuss any matters arising from those minutes.
To receive observations on the Annual Reunion 2015.
To receive the Chairman’s Annual Report 2015
To confirm date and venue of the Indoor Games 2016.
To confirm the date of the 2016 AGM – (6 April/13 April/20/ April/27 April)
Any Other Business
Branches are asked to ensure they have a representative available for the meeting.
WARNING ORDER – ANNUAL BRANCH FINANCIAL RETURNS
15.92.01 Branches should submit their Annual Financial Returns for the period 1 Jan 2015 – 31 December 2015 to the Secretary by Friday 19 February 2016.
15.92.02 They should be in the usual format. The Secretary will send out the proformae in the near future.
WARNING ORDER – ANNUAL BRANCH STRENGTH RETURNS
Branches should submit their Annual Strength Returns as at 31 December 2014 by Friday 19 February 2016
The strength return should be broken down into the following. Each member is to fit one category only
Former Members of the DLI
Former members of the Light Infantry
Former or continuing members of the Rifles
Former or continuing members of other capbadges of arms of the services
Members with no service
ORDERING OF WREATHS FOR REMEMBRANCE DAY
Branch Secretaries are reminded that if they require DLI, LI or Rifles Wreaths to lay on Remembrance Day they should order them in plenty of time from the Rifles Office Durham. They are priced at £18.50.
DEATHS REPORTED
The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
Bugler Gordon (Fred) Liddle1 DLI 1950-1968 (70 years old)
Mr Roy Fry ex 2LI and Chairman of the LI and Rifles Association Oswestry Branch died on Sunday 4 October 2015,aged 64.
Geoff Dunn died Saturday 3rd October in Bedford Hospital. Having felt unwell on Wednesday evening,
May They Rest in Peace
Elvet Waterside
Durham
16 Oct 2015
A Project to honour the memory of men from Bowburn who lost their lives in WWI is almost at an end with the installation of the commemorative poppies on the houses where the soldiers once lived but did not return. This project was inspired by Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service watch manager Michael Burdon, two of whose great uncles left the same house in Clarence Street, Bowburn, but did not return, having lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, on 1st July 1916.
The evening ended with regimental Sergeant Major John Thompson, of the Fifth Fusiliers, reading a poem and Colour Sgt Dick Stacey played The Last Post before a minute’s silence was observed.
Plans to make artefacts and exhibits held at the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum available to a wider audience will be discussed by councillors next week.
A report on the future of the DLI collection, which is currently housed at the museum in Durham City, is to be presented to Durham County Council's Cabinet.
The collection belongs to the Trustees of the Regimental and Chattels Charity of the Former Durham Light Infantry and the Regimental Museum of the Former Durham Light Infantry but is under the care of the council.
However, the way in which it is currently stored is both expensive and inefficient. The building is expensive to maintain as a museum and requires significant investment, while the secure stores are no longer able to accommodate the size of the collection.
The council is, therefore, proposing to move the collection to the Sevenhills building in Spennymoor, where secure, environmentally-controlled accommodation of a more suitable size could be provided.
The authority also wants to make the collection more accessible to the public by working with partner organisations to arrange temporary loans and exhibitions.
The council has already been in discussion with Durham University over the possibility of a five-year agreement that would see part of the collection on display at Palace Green Library.
Under the arrangement, a further five DLI-related temporary displays, beginning with a large-scale Somme exhibition, would also take place.
The museum's education programme would be maintained in order to support the story of the DLI and would operate as an outreach function from Sevenhills.
The proposals have been broadly welcomed by the DLI Trustees, who are keen to ensure a sustainable future for the collection.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council's Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: "The story of the DLI is central to the history of the county so it is extremely important that the collection is maintained and preserved for future generations.
"However, the collection has now outgrown the capacity of the secure stores at the museum and the building itself has become expensive to maintain so we need to look at alternatives.
"The proposals we are putting forward will not only ensure the condition of the collection is protected for the future but, by siting temporary exhibitions at more accessible locations, will also mean we can make it available to a much wider audience.
"Palace Green Library, for example, is close to the DLI Chapel and garden within Durham Cathedral as well as the new DLI memorial in the Market Place - an area that attracts an estimated 600,000 visitors each year."
If the proposals are approved, the DLI building would close to the public on 1 April 2016. A further report would be prepared regarding the future of Durham Art Gallery.
Cabinet meets at the Witham, in Barnard Castle, on Wednesday, 21 October.
The Unveiling of the Thomas Kenny VC Commemorative Stone will take place on Wednesday 4th November 2015 at Wheatley Hill Cemetery, DH6 3JY
This is one of the paving stones presented to local communities by the Departments for Communities and Local Government to commemorate recipients of the Victoria Cross during the First World War. It is the first of seven stones to be unveiled in County Durham between 2015 and 2018.
More details at the Durham at War website LINK
Monthly Bulletin September 2015
DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY REUNION
15.74.01 The Chairman DLI Association and the Secretary were very pleased with the turnout on Reunion Sunday for the DLI Reunion and March-Past.
15.74.02 Despite the fact that the branch members had to march further, and they are all a year older, they coped with the march-past, though perhaps next year it will get back to the short route we had in 2013.
15.74.03 It was noted that the attendance at the cathedral was down on previous years. This is something that could be worked on. Some former DLI members travel a long way to attend the reunion and it is disappointing for all when the cathedral is as empty as it was in 2015. The concert in the Bede College building was its usual success thanks to the fine playing of the DACF Band & Bugles. Our thanks are due to all of them
“LAST POST TRIBUTE” EVENT – 9 JULY 2015
The secretary has received a letter from Steve Wharton, the Operational Delivery Manager of County Durham and Darlington Fire and rescue Service.
He asked me to pass on his words to all concerned. In the letter he says:
“I would like to write to you to express my sincere thanks for your support and assistance in making the Last Post “Tribute to the Tribute” event a huge success. This was a unique occasion marking the 30,000th sounding of the Last Post at the Menin Gate by Belgian fire fighters in memory of the fallen.
Without the help of you and you association this event could not have gone so well and I hope that you would agree that it was a moving and proud moment for all uniformed services involved.
DEDICATION OF A CWGC HEADSTONE FOR EDWARD WILLIAM PRATT
15.76.01 On 2 September representative parties from the Aycliffe Village Historical Association and the DLI Association accompanied by a bugler of the Light Infantry & Rifles Association of Buglers, local councillors and family representatives attended the dedication of a headstone to Edward William Pratt in Darlington West Cemetery. 201248 Pte Pratt, formerly of the 5 Bn DLI, died after repatriation having been wounded in the Great War and who was buried in an unmarked grave in 1918. His grave was recently identified by the Aycliffe Historical Society which successfully petitioned the CWGC for a headstone. The ceremony was conducted by the DLI Association Chaplain the Reverend Kenneth Crawford with the Rector of the Parish of Great Aycliffe the Reverend Christopher Pearson.
DLI ASSOCIATION DRAW 2015 WINNERS
The DLI Association Draw was made on Thursday 1o September by the Secretary DLI Association in the presence of the Regimental Secretary Rifles Durham and the Administration Officer Rifles Office Durham.
The winners have been individually informed, and their winning cheques despatched to them.
DLI ASSOCIATION RAFFLE
Branches of the Association are thanked for their donations of prizes for the DLI Association Raffle drawn in Caedmon Hall, College of St Hild and St Bede on the afternoon of 13 September 2015.
All Prizes were collected on the day.
WALKING WITH THE WOUNDED CONCERT 3 SEPTEMBER 2015
15.79.01 Members of the Association who attended this concert at the Sage Theatre are thanked for their support. It was a memorable concert and raised a considerable amount of money towards the cause.
THE *NEW* DURHAM BUGLE NEWSLETTER
Copies of the first edition of the *New* Durham Bugle Newsletter are available for collection by branch representatives. Despite the fact that the issues have been in the Secretary’s office for three week some branch are still to collect their editions. Individual subscribers will receive their copy by post in the usual way. Some packs of the final issue of the ‘old’ Durham Bugle are still awaiting collection at the Rifles Office Durham.
BLIGHTY FILMS
15.81.01 Kevin Storey has forwarded to me the following communication form from Richard Cleghorn-Brown (Email: richard(at)deducit.com ) . His reason is evident from the context.
Hello, Kevin Storey,
Does the DLI Association happen to know whether anyone in the Forgotten Army of the time and who was aware of being filmed for any of the 'Calling Blighty' films which were sent back to the UK during, say, at Kohima in 1944?
I was there in India as a child, and my father Lt Col Jack Howel Brown was killed at the Relief of Kohima, but does anyone you know of that time happen to have anyone still alive who knows of ever being filmed vis a vis the 'Calling Blighty' films?
As you may already know, Paula Nightingale is seeking to talk with other Burma veterans who can help us flesh out the story of the Burma Campaign, even if they are not directly connected to the 'Calling Blighty' films. If you are aware of any DLI Burma veterans who might know something about these wartime films, please could you give me any information you may have in this regard?
Very many thanks,
Richard Cleghorn-Brown
15.81.02 If you feel that any of your members can respond in any way to this request for information, please ask them to make contact with Richard Cleghorn-Brown using the email address given. Any information will be greatly appreciated by Richard.
VC COMMEMORATIVE STONES The VC commemorative stones and being commemorated on the centenary of the action in which the Victoria Cross was awarded. The earliest VC stone to be commemorated in County Durham is that of Pte Thomas Kenny VC. This commemoration takes place around 1100 hrs on Wed 4 November at Wheatley Hill. Standards are encouraged, the more the better, as well a Association members. Unfortunately it is the case that only limited accommodation is available and so the reception is limited to invited guests.
Colonel Peter Catesby died: 31 August 2015. He was last Honorary Colonel of the 7th Bn The Light Infantry and president of the 7th LI Officers and Seniors Dinner Club.
Sandy Sanderson
Michael Duggan,died Sat 19 Sept 2015. A member of Durham Branch he had been suffering from liver cancer for some time
May They Rest in Peace
Elvet Waterside
Durham
30 Sept 2015
A fundraising concert in aid of ABF the Soldiers’ Charity at Durham Cathedral on Saturday 7th November, 7.00pm
(doors open at 6.15pm)
A poignant and moving concert to remember those who have given their lives for theircountry and serving soldiers who put their lives at risk for our liberties today.
Draft Programme, subject to change
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Band
102 Batalion REME Pipe Band
Bearpark & Esh Colliery Band
Durham University Light Opera
Durham Police Choir
Broomside Community Choir
Corporal Andy Garthwaite
Muster parade includes personnel from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Police, Fire, Prison,Service, Ambulance, Cadet Forces, Youth Movements, Standard Bearers, Veterans and Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Tickets: £10 - £18 available from the Gala Theatre Box Office 03000 266600
www.galadurham.co.uk
The Cathedral Bus will operate to 6.50pm
Once again the weather was kind to the event. After a wet Saturday we were greeted with sunshine on Sunday morning. There was a good turn out of veterans, families and spectators who were visiting the cathedral.
September 12th 2pm
A Doctor’s Experience on the Western Front. By Ian McArdle
Dr. Charles Wilson, a young Medical Officer and his experiences right behind the Front Line at Ypres and the Somme.
In the Great War, Dr. Charles Wilson was a young Medical Officer on the Western Front and he has left us with a vivid description of the personalities and conditions he encountered there. He spent most of his time immediately behind the front lines in areas of great danger and saw action in Flanders, at Ypres and at the Somme, the latter being a particularly important turning point in his outlook on how men faced the ultimate test of courage. In his later career, Dr. Wilson was appointed Churchill's physician and was awarded the title of Lord Moran.
Tickets priced £3.50 are available now from the DLI Shop or by calling us on 03000 266590.
Why not take advantage of the Heritage Open Days for free entry to the museum.
