Thursday 26 March 2015

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin March 2015

 

15.17 THE GRANTING OF THE FREEDOM OF HARTLEPOOL TO THE RIFLES

15.17.01 The marking of the award of the Freedom of Hartlepool to THE RIFLES was celebrated by 3RIFLES accompanied by D RIFLES Coy 5RRF and a party of around 20 from the Hartlepool Branch DLI Association, on Saturday 21 March at Hartlepool Cenotaph, followed by a reception at the Civic Centre. Many members of the Association attended as individuals and enjoyed the parade despite the extremely cold weather.

    1. THE AWARD OF THE NORTHUMBRIAN ASSOCIATION HOTSPUR AWARD

15.18 01 The Hotspur Award for 2015 was awarded to D Rifles Coy 5RRF for its “bold endeavour” in raising the profile of the North East. The award takes the form of a Silver Spur named after Harry Hotspur, son of the first Earl of Northumberland, a Northumbrian hero famed for his valour and energy. After a procession by the Northumbrian Association from Finchale Priory under the flag of St Cuthbert, the ceremony of presentation took place in Durham Market Place on 21 March 2015 where the representatives of the Northumbrian Association, under their banner, gathered beside the DLI Statue with representatives of the 5 RIFLES Coy supported by 2 Standards and members of the DLI Association. After the ceremony many attending processed to the Cathedral for service of thanksgiving.

    1. DLI ASSOCIATION INDOOR GAMES

      1. The DLI Association Annual Indoor Games hosted by Houghton-le-Spring Branch of the Association took place at the Dubmire Royal British Legion Club at Fence Houses. 11 branches took part in the three disciplines, darts, dominoes and whist. The Darts competition was won by Spennymoor Branch, the dominoes by Bishop Auckland Branch, and the Whist by Chester-le-Street Branch. The Winners trophy was shared between the Houghton-le-Spring and Chester-le-Street Branches. Stockton Branch won the Wooden Spoon. The trophies were presented by the Chairman Maj Paul Wharton MM who thanked all who were involved in organising the event for their contribution to a successful and enjoyable day.

      2. The organisation by the hosting branch was excellent, and the lunch, (curry or salad) was of a high standard. The Dubmire Club is an excellent location as the whole competition can be run in one room, containing a bar, with plenty of sitting space for the members. 140 members attended.

      3. The only debit point of the day was the absence of the Dominoes Trophy won in 2014 which was not available for presentation to the winners, the Bishop Auckland Branch. This must be returned to the Rifles Office immediately, engraved and polished for late presentation.

    1. EVENTS TO MARK THE LIBERATION OF BERGEN-BELSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP

      1. Two events are to be held to commemorate the Liberation of Bergen Belsen. The camp was liberated in April 1945 by 113 Regt RA which had formerly been the 2/5th Bn DLI. It is therefore fitting that the Association should take part in both ceremonies.

  • INTEROPERA CONCERT - DARKNESS INTO LIGHT - IN DURHAM CATHEDRAL on 18 APRIL 2015. A grand concert of appropriate classical music, arranged by the organisation INTEROPERA will celebrate to 70th Anniversary of the Liberation of Bergen-Belsen in April 1945. During this a representative party of two DLI WW2 Veterans and two Standard Bearers will process down the aisle of Durham Cathedral to Verdi’s Grand March from Aida, ahead of a party of children carrying shoes representing the shoes that the children of Belsen were required to make. Tickets are available for this concert at the following prices £22 (£22 (Nave); £15 (Transepts); £8 (Side Aisles) from the Gala Theatre Box Office: 03000 266600

  • An event with Gateshead Jewish Community and Gateshead and Newcastle Branch DLI Association to take place on 19 April 2015. During this Lt Col John Heron and Lt Col Ted Kemp will present an abbreviated version of their lecture on the liberation of the camp which they previously presented at the DLI Museum. Any Veterans who were involved in the Relief of the camp and also invited. Such veterans if wishing to attend should make with Tom Nicholson of the Gateshead & Newcastle Branch on Tel: 07739904469 or tommy.nick(at)hotmail.co.uk. The event will take place at the Bewick Road, Community Centre, 103 Bewick Road, Gateshead, NE8 1TY, exact time to be notified later, but likely to be at 0930 hrs

    1. INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE

15.21.01 The dates of the Association visit to the Pass-off Parade for the Rifles Platoon at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison was notified as being Fri 29 May 2015. The visit will conclude with a lunch at the Sgts’ Mess. Branches which propose to send representative should inform The Association Secretary at the Rifles Office Durham of the number from their branch expected to attend by Thu 30 April 2015.

15.22 LIGHT INFANTRY REUNION – Sat 6 June 2015

15.22.01 Members who are proposing to travel to the Light Infantry Reunion on the Association Coach must get their bids for places into the Chester-le-Street Branch as soon as possible. The coach will leave on Fri 5 June and return on Sunday 7 June. Accommodation can also be booked at the Premier Inn, but it is emphasised that bids for this accommodation must be made now to avoid disappointment, as it is in extremely short supply.

15.22.02 Branch numbers attending this reunion must be with the Regt Secretary by Fri 27 March 2015.

15.23 BROOMSIDE COMMUNITY EVENT - SATURDAY 9TH MAY 2015

15.23.01 Steve Robson has made this office aware of an event to take place in the Broomside Community Centre which he wants all Association members to be aware of and support if possible. Stuart Lawson will run a WW2 VE Day Celebrations event on Saturday 9th May 2015 in the Broomside Community Centre and everyone is invited, especially Standard Bearers. It will be a dress up day in the dress code of the actual VE Day or blazer and berets for Standard Bearers.  The Point of Contact  (POC) is:  Stuart Lawson on 0191 5262747. There will also be a Service of Remembrance. All are Welcome.

15.24 LIBERATION OF ST JOOST

15.24.01 Last month’s Bulletin gave details of the fact the that village of Sint Joost village in the Netherlands was liberated 70 years ago from Nazi occupation (20-21 Jan 45) and that village is planning a small monument, to be unveiled on 2 May, to their liberators, and will carry the names of the KIA of the British 7th Armoured Division (better known as the Desert Rats). Also those of the 9th Durham Light Infantry (DLI). They suffered heavy losses, with 9 KIA and tens of wounded. The village "work group" is trying to trace veterans and relatives, and investigate whether there is interest from them to attend the ceremony on 2 May.

15.24.02 If you fought in Sint Joost, or know of veterans who did or would light to attend the ceremony in Sint Joost on 2 May please let the Rifles Office know as soon as possible so that the village may be informed.

15.25 DEATHS REPORTED THIS MONTH

15.25.01 The following deaths have been reported to The Rifles Office since the last bulletin.

Norman Goodwin,aged 93. In hospital, with his loving family by his side, after a short illness borne with great dignity and courage on March 16,

Eric Jones aged 93 on 28th Feb. WW2 Service with the11th Battalion DLI  BEF, was taken prisoner by the Germans on 20th June on the retreat to Dunkirk. Released by US forces on 13th April 1945. He was then posted to the 6th Battalion DLI as a driver

May They Rest In Peace

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Elvet Waterside

Durham

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