Train saluted by The Fusiliers

Virgin Trains has worked with The Fusiliers to dedicate a journey today to those who served their country in the Armed Forces.

The 06.00 service from Berwick to London King’s Cross, was saluted by serving Army personnel and veterans at Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, York and Retford stations.

The train, which hosted dozens of veterans and a military band on-board, was headed by Virgin Trains’ “Battle of Britain Memorial Flight” locomotive 91110, one of two of its locomotives which have been dedicated to the Armed Forces.

The Fusiliers’ corps of drums played the popular North East song “Blaydon Races” to welcome the veterans into London King’s Cross station shortly after 10.00 where they were joined by the commanding officer of the First Fusiliers, Lieutenant Colonel Jez Lamb MC, for a short ceremony.

Lieutenant Colonel Jez Lamb said: “We Fusiliers are incredibly proud of our rich heritage. This year, in particular, we remember the incredible deeds of the Fusiliers who served with such distinction 100 years ago.

“I am therefore very grateful to all the staff at Virgin Trains for this amazing gesture of support. The 'Remember the Fallen, Remembrance Journey' allowed us all to honour our forefathers' sacrifice in a very special and unique way. It was especially poignant this week as tomorrow will mark 100 years since the end of the Battle of the Somme.”

David Horne, Virgin Trains’ managing director for the east coast route, said: “Our 936-mile route serves a number of the UK’s Army regiments and the British Army's largest training establishment, Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire.

“Many of our 3,100 staff, or their friends and family, have also served in the British Armed Forces, or continue to serve as reservists. We’re incredibly proud of them, and all of those men and women who have served their country.

“It’s been a privilege to dedicate a journey to them during the week of Remembrance Sunday, and for our train to have received a salute by The Fusiliers at stations across England.”

Virgin Trains’ Andrew Kelman, from Newcastle, volunteered to drive the train as he had served in The Fusiliers from 1996 to 2002.

Andrew, who started driving trains in 2008, said: “It was an absolute honour to drive the train today, and it was an emotional experience as it brought back many memories for me.

“I would not be where I am today without the things I learned serving in the Army, and the salutes we received at the stations were particularly special.”

The following photos are kindly reproduced with permission of Virgin Trains and Simon Williams, from Crest Photography

DLI ASSOCIATION CALENDAR FOR 2017

Annex A to Monthly Bulletin for November 2016

Photos and captions for the DLI Calendar 2017 (Click on Photo to Enlarge)

FRONT - Unveiling of DLI Lectern - N.M.A. 18 May

Maj Paul Wharton Chairman DLI Assoc, Brig Bob MacGregor-Oakford, Maj Chris Lawton Rifles Vice Chairman, and Buglers of the Light Division Buglers Association at the unveiling of a lectern to the DLI at the National Memorial Arboretum.

JANUARY - Association Indoor Games March 2016

Stockton Branch are Champions

Maj Wharton presents the Champions’ Trophies for the DLI Association Indoor Games to Stockton branch members John Gilder, Lt Col Ted Kemp, Terry Gilbert, John Patterson, Cliff McCormick, and John Hope

FEBRUARY Gravenstafel Ridge Ceremony at the Memorial at Hild-Bede 23 April 2016

Lt Col John Heron greets Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon, the College Principal Jan Clark and other guests at the Gravenstafel Ridge Retreat at the College of St Hild and St Bede in Apri

MARCH - Centenary Ales Launch – 8 May

Maj Paul Wharton Chairman, Lt Col John Heron & Association Standard Bearers with the Mayor and Mayoress of Durham at the Launch of DLI Centenary Ales at Newcastle.

APRIL - Unveiling of DLI Lectern - N.M.A 18 May

Members of the DLI Association gather at the DLI Memorial, for the unveiling of a lectern providing information about the Durham Light Infantry at the National Memorial Arboretum.

MAY - At the Stockton Don Bar - Stockton

Riders of the RBL Riders Association at the Don Bar in Stockton with members of the Stockton Branch DLI Association commemorating the first day of the Battle of the Somme 1^st July 1916

JUNE - Stockton Branch DLI Association With Some of The RBL Riders Association

Members of Stockton Branch DLI Association with Riders of the RBLRA at the Don Bar in Stockton on the 100^th Anniversary of the first day of the Somme battle 1 July

JULY - DLI Standards In Durham Cathedral Cloisters

The Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon speaks to the Controller of the Standards, Mr Michael Langelier, at the DLI Reunion on 11 September.

AUGUST - The Durham Light Infantry Association on Parade

Marching Contingents of the DLI Association on Parade on the College Green on Reunion Sunday September.

SEPTEMBER –DLI Veterans party at Thiepval

Durham Light Infantry veterans and others gather around the seat at Thiepval presented by the County of Durham to mark the participation in the Battle of the Somme by 18^th Pals Battalion DLI.

OCTOBER - Commemoration of the seat beside the bandstand on the bank of the River Wear

Members of the DLI Association at the seat in Durham dedicated to the DLI who fought at the Battle of the Somme, with the Mayor of Durham, Councillors of Durham County Council and Officials on 20 September

NOVEMBER - Maj Wharton presents a DLI Plaque, to the Vicar of St Paul’s Church Witton Park – 1^st Oct

Maj Paul Wharton presents a plaque to the Revd Elishiva Mechanic Vicar of St Paul’s Witton Park at the ceremony to commemorate the dark days of the Battle of the Somme

DECEMBER - Commemoration of the Award of the VC to Roland Bradford at Witton Park on 1 Oct

County Councillors, Parish Councillors, members of the DLI Association and their Padre with the vicar of Witton Park and local school children commemorate the Award of the VC to Brigadier-General Roland Boys Bradford.

FRONT BOTTOM – Old Comrades Together

In-Pensioner Arthur Teasdale with Brigadier Bob MacGregor-Oakford at the DLI Reunion on 11 September. Skippy Teasdale had made the journey from the Royal Hospital Chelsea especially for the Reunion.

 

The Durham Light Infantry Association

Monthly Bulletin November 2016

16.64 “THE FAITHFUL” INKERMAN DINNER

16.64.01 The “Faithful” Inkerman Dinner took place at the Dubmire RBL Club in Fence Houses on Friday 4 November 2016. 106 members sat down to dinner which was a remarkable number when considering the competing social events taking place that evening. Heading the top table was Mr Ralph Harrison (Chairman), Mr Brian Laverick (Secretary/Treasurer) and Lt Col John Heron TD (President), who were joined by Major Paul Wharton MM, (Chairman DLI Association) Major Chris Lawton MBE DL (Rifles Secretary Durham), Lt Col Jimmy Brown, Major John Jackson, Mr John Adey (Treasurer Chester-le-Street War Memorial Fund), Major Donald McDonald, Mr Colin Smith (Co-op Distribution Manager), Mr John Anderson (Dubmire RBL Club). Also present were Lt Col Ted Kemp, Major Brian Snaith, Major Chris Wheeler, Major Richard Booth, Major Mike Foster, Major Albert Armstrong, Major Mike van der Gucht, Capt Chris Matthews and Mr Peter Halligan. Mr Adey had committed a sum of £3000 from the no-longer-required funds of the Chester-le-Street Memorial Project, whose work was now complete, to the business of moving the VC Stone to its new location should this be required. Mr Colin Smith who provided the 1^st prize in the raffle also made a commitment to the project. A very good night was had by all.

LINK TO PHOTOS

16.65 “THE FAITHFUL” INKERMAN DINNER CLUB VICTORIA CROSS STONE CEREMONY

16.65.01 The Victoria Cross Stone ceremony organised by the “Faithful” Inkerman Dinner Club took place for the last time at the VC Stone situated beside the former Durham Light Infantry Museum on Sunday 6 November 2016. A faithful few were present in the rain to mark the occasion, during which the names of all the DLI Soldiers awarded the Victoria Cross were read by the Chairman Mr Ralph Harrison who also spoke the words of the ‘Exhortation’. The life and gallantry of Sgt John Murray who was awarded his VC in New Zealand in 1864 was recalled by Lt Col John Heron TD. Wreaths were laid by Col Heron and Major Chris Lawton MBE DL. The Bugles of the Durham Army Cadet Force were present to sound a Fanfare, followed by the Last Post, & Reveille, following the commemorative silence. The assembled company sang the Regimental Hymn, ‘Abide with Me’, together for the last time at this location, finishing with the National Anthem. The ceremony was concluded with the call ‘No More Parades Today’, after which the company dispersed. Next Year it is hoped that the ceremony will take place at the VC Stone’s new site on Palace Green.

LINKTO PHOTOS

16.66 DURHAM CATHEDRAL FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

16.66.01 The traditional service of Remembrance prior top Remembrance day will take place at Durham Cathedral on Saturday 12^th November 2016. This year will see the largest Muster Parade to date from the military, emergency services, youth organisations, standards, veterans and Chelsea Pensioners.  The focus will be the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Jutland.  The Battle of the Somme lasted 141 days ending on 18 November 1916. The British dead on the first day alone totalled 19,240 and by the end of the Battle there were over 1 million casualties.  The Battle of Jutland on 30 May/1 June 1916 was the largest, and most decisive sea battle of WW1. 

67. BILLINGHAM RBL /ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND LAUNCH OF THE 2016 POPPY APPEAL – 1 NOVEMBER 2016 AT BILLINGHAM FORUM

    1. Members of the Stockton Branch DLI Association were in evidence at the concert at the Billingham Forum on Tuesday 1^st November, where Billingham Branch Royal British Legion launched their 2016 Poppy Appeal. Terry Gilbert; Stockton Standard Bearer, Denis Grubb; RAFA Standard Bearer, Pat Coyle and were hosts and ushers. The event was attended by Major Chris Lawton MBE, DL (Rifles Secretary Durham) and Lt Col John Heron (Secretary SDLI Association) as well as many Stockton Branch members including 96 year old Tom Coyne.

67. FORMAL OPENING DLI COLLECTION AT SEVEN HILLS, SPENNYMOOR

    1. The DLI Durham Light Infantry Collection centre was formally opened on Thursday 3 November 2016 at the Seven Hills storage facility in Spennymoor. Here the collection can be stored in properly regulated conditions and made available for members of the public who wish to see it. All they have to do is to make a booking with staff to see the items of their interest which can be brought out of store by experienced staff. Members of the DLI Trustees following their morning meeting stayed for the opening where many were impressed at the storage potential of the facility. A newly commissioned inventory of all the Collection has recently been carried out. A number of items which had not been seen for a long time were re-discovered and brought onto the collections register. An area is available for research and study, with proper electronic links.

67. ORDINARY MEETING OF THE DLI EXECUTIVE WED 16 NOVEMBER 1400 HRS AT THE RIFLES OFFICE

16.68.01 A final reminder of this meeting is posted. All branches are asked to ensure the attendance of a branch representative.

67. DLI ASSOCIATION CALENDAR FOR 2017

16.69.01 The DLI Association Calendar for 2017 is available for sale at the Rifles Office.

16.69.02 Each Calendar is supplied with an envelope for ease of posting to your friends.

16.69.03 The calendar has a range of photographs of events during 2016 in which the Association has taken part, from the Indoor Games in March to the celebration of the valour of Roland Boys Bradford on 1^st October showing many Association members at these events.

16.69.04 The photographs comprising the calendar with their captions can be seen at Annex A to this bulletin.

16.69.05 The cost of the calendar is £5.00. It is the same shape as last year so will fit onto your wall in the same place as previously. They can be collected free of postal charges from the Rifles Office. For those subscribers who wish to have them sent to their home address the cost is £6.00 per calendar.

16.69.06 The calendars will be available at the Ordinary Executive meeting on 16 November.

67. DLI ASSOCIATION AND DLI FRIENDS WORKING TOGETHER GROUP

    1. Following the successful meeting of Presidents, \Chairmen and Secretaries from the Association with the DLI Friends and the Education staff at the ‘Working Together Meeting’ at Seven Hills, it is hoped that the various branches are getting together with their members to work out how best they can help. A development meeting to take this forward will be held in the New Year when it is hoped the branches will have plenty of ideas to take this forward.

67. DEATHS REPORTED

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

    2. Benjamin ‘Benny’ Hunter died: 3 November 2016. He was a former DLI Bugler and a former Member of the Hartlepool Branch

       Francis George Lorraine died: 2 November 2016. He served with Durham Light Infantry

       Steve Barker born: 14 Oct 1916 and died: 9 November 2016. He served with the Durham Light Infantry in WW2 and was POW .He was a Centenarian Member of the Chester-le-Street Branch DLI Association

       May They Rest in Peace

    3. 

       Elvet Waterside Durham,

       DH1 3BW

       13 November 2016