Tuesday 17 November 2015

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin November 2015

    1. PRESENTATIONS OF THE INSIGNIA OF THE LEGION D’HONNEUR

      1. 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).

      2. 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.

      3. 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

    1. COMMEMORATIVE PAVING STONE DEDICATED TO THOMAS KENNY

      1. 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

    1. STOCKTON GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE 2015

      1. 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.

    1. RELOCATION OF THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY MUSEUM

      1. 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.

      2. 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.

      3. 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.

    1. “THE FAITHFUL” INKERMAN DINNER CLUB

      1. 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.

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      3. VC STONE CEREMONY

      4. 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.

    1. 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.

    1. WARNING ORDER – ANNUAL BRANCH STRENGTH RETURNS

      1. This warning order is repeated lest branch secretaries missed it last month.

      2. Branches should submit their Annual Strength Returns as at 31 December 2014 by Friday 19 February 2016

      3. 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

    1. DEATHS REPORTED

      1. The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.

      2. 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.

      3. He was also the organiser Guyzance Memorial and Annual Commemoration.

      4. John Rickaby aged 59 years he served with 7 Bn Light Infantry.

      5. 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.

      6. 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

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    2. image

    3. Elvet Waterside

      Durham

      16 November 2015

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