Museum Talks

Thursday 12 January 2012 - 6.00pm.Proxy warfare in Afghanistan - the impact of external aid to the Mujahidin, 1980-1992 by Dr. Geraint Hughes

 

This talk focuses on the effect of external military assistance to the Afghan mujahidin during the Soviet occupation (1980-1989) and its immediate aftermath, and dispels some of the myths surrounding this topic. An exploration of the recent history of Afghanistan and the impact of the anti-Soviet Jihad on the current conflict in that country.

Tickets

Adult £4.50, Concession £3.50, Children (4-16 years) £2.50

Annual Pass Holders

Adult £2.50, Concession £2.00, Children (4-16 years) £1.50

Tickets can be bought in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 384 2214.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN DECEMBER 2011

96.11 LIGHT INFANTRY REUNION - 2012

The Light Infantry Reunion week-end will take place from Friday 15 June 2012 to Sunday 17 June 2012 in Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury. Please note this in your Diary of Events for 2012.

97.11 RIFLES DURHAM OFFICE - CHRISTMAS BREAK

The Rifles Durham Office will be closed from after business Friday 16 December 2011 until 0830 HRS on Tuesday 3 January 2012.

98.11 DLI MEMORIAL - DEDICATION

Advanced information has been received that the dedication of the DLI Memorial at the Arboretum in Alrewas will take place on Sunday 22 July 2012 at 1430 HRS. Further details will follow when they are known.

99.11 SALAMANCA - BATTLEFIELD TOUR

The Rifles are organising a Battlefield Tour of some of the Peninsular War Battlefields surrounding Salamanca prior to taking part in the bi-centenary celebrations of the Battle of Salamanca. The planning of this event has already started as facilities such as hotels and flights need to be booked well in advance.

The official celebration in Salamanca on the 22nd July 2012 will involve uniformed personnel from Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom thereby promising a unique and unforgettable event.

Branches should be in receipt of an email giving full details and estimated costs - £600 to £800 Annex B is an attachment to the email and members wishing to reserve places should complete it and return it to Tracy Froud, RHQ Rifles, Peninsular Barracks, Romsey Road, WINCHESTER, Hampshire. SO23 8TS/ Anyone wishing to ask questions should call Tracy on 01962 828523 or email tracy.froud565@mod.uk

100.11 DAIRY OF EVENTS - 2012

A Diary of Events for 2012 has been produced by Rifles Durham Secretary and this will be sent out as an attachment to the January 2012 Branch Bulletin. Any branch who is planning events in 2012 should communicate details to the Rifles Durham Office before the 15 January 2012 if they wish their events to be included in the Diary.

101.11 GREETINGS

Major Lawton, Shirley Nicholson and Kevin Storey wish to thank all Branches for their support and dedication during 2011 and wish all members and their families a happy and Holy Christmas and may you all prosper in 2012.

102 DEATHS

The deaths of the following members have been reported to the Rifles Durham Office since the last Bulletin:

Arthur Crooks - 1 DLI 1960-66

Frank Gibbs - 1 LI/3 LI

Thomas Spowart - 6 DLI (TA)

Arthur Stowells - 1 DLI

George Willis

May They Rest In Peace

 

Kevin Storey BEM

Secretary

Elvet Waterside

For Your Tomorrow: a history of the 2nd Battalion The Durham Light Infantry, 1919-55.

Saturday 3rd December - 2.00pm

A talk by Harry Moses

Based on his newly published book, Harry Moses' talk is about the experiences of officers and men over the period 1919-55. It traces the life of the Durham soldier in colonial India between 1920 and 1937, the actions of the Battalion in France/Belgium in 1940, the bitter fighting in Burma in the Arakan and Kohima 1943-44, and the peacetime activities after the war. It is a story of courage, devotion to duty and considerable humour, for which the Durham soldier is renowned. As well as fighting, the Battalion's considerable sporting achievements are included along with active service in Shanghai and the North West Frontier.

There will be a small drinks reception after the talk at which copies of the book will be available to purchase and be signed by the author.

Tickets (normal admission cost also applies)

Adult £4.50, Concession £3.50, Children (4-16 years) £2.50

Annual Pass Holders

Adult £2.50, Concession £2.00, Children (4-16 years) £1.50

Tickets can be bought in advance from the DLI shop or by calling 0191 384 2214.

The Durham Light Infantry Association

BRANCH BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2011

86.11 MAJOR C.E. DARWIN MBE

Prior to the Executive Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 16 November Major C..E. Darwin MBE announced his retirement from the position of Chairman of the Association. In a short ceremony Major Paul Wharton MM presented him with a suitably inscribed Port-Hole Clock. Thanking Ted for his almost 19 years as Chairman he paid tribute to the 60 years of faithful service to the Regiment in a number of vital areas.

87.11 ASSOCIATION - CHAIRMAN & VICE CHAIRMAN

At the Executive Meeting Major Paul Wharton MM and Major Chris Lawton MBE were appointed Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively.

88.11 DLI CALENDARS 2012

The 2012 DLI Association Calendar is now SOLD OUT. If any branch has any surplus calendars please return them to the Rifles Durham Office.

89.11 CHRISTMAS CARDS

Branches who have not yet purchased this years Christmas Cards should do so as soon as possible.

90.11 REGIMENTAL BLAZER - ROYAL ENGINEERS

The Secretary of the Consett & Stanley Branch has been given a size 39 navy blue blazer with a Royal Engineer breast pocket badge together with a RE tie. A donation to the Memorial Fund will secure these items. Telephone Tommy Gibson on 01207 235293

91.11 GREEN BERETS

The Rifles office has now access to a supply of LI green berets in most sizes. Please contact the Rifles Durham Office if you wish to purchase at £10 each.

92.11 DARLINGTON & NEWTON AYCLIFFE BRANCH

The December meeting of the above branch which usually takes place on the 1st Tuesday of the month has been changed the 2nd Tuesday of the month which is the 13th of December. There will be a Quiz and raffle after the meeting. The venue remains the RBL Club in McMillan Road, Newton Aycliffe. Please advise the Secretary if your branch intends to visit.

93.11 SOCIAL EVENING - CITY OF SUNDERLAND

The above branch is holding a Christmas Party on Wednesday 7 December in the Royal Artillery Club (Gunners) Mary Street, Sunderland - there will be entertainment and a Chinese Buffet - commencing at 7pm tickets can be obtained from Norman McMahon on 0191 5483356 at £5 each.

94.11 MINUTES - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Minutes of the Executive Committee which met on Wednesday 15 November are enclosed with this Bulletin. Please ensure that their contents are made known to your members.

95.11 DEATHS

The Rifles Durham Office has been informed of the following deaths since the last Bulletin:

Jack McGee - Chester Le Street Branch

John (Tich) Carter - KSLI/3LI

John Ross - DLI

Bob Beck- DLI

May they Rest in Peace

 

Kevin Storey

Rifles Office

Secretary Durham

Update, Festival of Remembrance Concert

The second Festival of Remembrance Concert took place to a packed audience at Durham Cathedral on Saturday night.The proceeds going to The Royal British Legion and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

  

LINK  to all photos.

Armistice Day Durham Cathedral

For the first time in 30 years Armistice Day was marked at the Durham Light Infantry First World War Memorial at the exterior of the East End of Durham Cathedral. Earlier this year, Cathedral staff removed hoarding that has been around the East End for thirty years as stone renewal work has taken place. The War Memorial was hidden during this time. This Armistice Day it is fully on view and the day will be marked with a visit from the 18th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, also known as the Durham Pals.

 

 

 

Festival of Remembrance Concert- Durham Cathedral

Saturday 12 November, Durham Cathedral, 7.30pm

This year marks the 90^th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, who is joining with the ABF Solder’s Charity to present a special evening of words and music.  Compared by Alasdair Hutton, with the Heavy Cavalry & Cambrai Band, Graeme Danby, John Rowland, Julie Pendleton, Vicky Guillory, Alison Cochlan, Sunderland University Choir, and Low Fell Ladies Choir.

Tickets:  £15 & £10 from the Gala Theatre Box Office  0191 332 4041

A Royal British Legion and ABF Soldiers’ Charity promotion