Saturday 12 November, 7.00pm
Narrated by Alasdair Hutton with music by the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 102 Battalion Pipe Band, Durham Musical Theatre Company, George Colley Singers and Hartlepool Community Choir.
A poignant and moving concert of Remembrance with a focus on the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and the Battle of Jutland.
Tickets: £10 - £18 available from the Gala Theatre 03000 266600.
Monthly Bulletin October 2016
BATTLEFIELD TOUR
16.68.01 Grenville Holland of the Durham Branch send us this report on the Somme Battlefield Tour
Association Visit to the Somme - 18th-23rd September 2016
On Sunday 18th September members of the Association headed to Hull and an overnight crossing to Zebrugge. On arrival they headed swiftly south to the first event of the day: the unveiling of a memorial seat close the entrance of the Thiepval memorial.
Thereafter, under the expert guidance of Clive Bowery and Harold Moses, we were first taken along the front line of July 1st 1916 Montauban to Mametz, Fricourt, Shelter Wood (where the 15 Bn DLI went into action on the very first day), then on to Lochnager and its massive bomb crater. We then traced the front line round past Ovilliers and Authiuille Wood before reaching Arras and our accommodation in the local Holiday Inn.
Throughout the week we enjoyed beautiful late summer sunshine. On the Tuesday morning we made our way via Serre (which saw action by the 18 Bn DLI) to Sheffield Memorial Park recalling here the tragedy of the Pals battalions, with a particularly evocative call at the trench that launched the Accrington Pals. Then we visited Serre No 1 Cemetery to hear about the tragic death on July 1st 2016 of Horace Iles, who was just 16 years of age. Next we returned to Thiepval and joined the RBL Service of Remembrance, followed by a leisurely lunch break at Avril William’s place. Afterwards we covered the advance of the 6th, 8th and 9th Bns DLI which included the menacing and deadly Butte de Warlencourt. Finally we made our way to Hermies British Cemetery to visit the grave of Roland Boys Bradford, DSO, MC, VC
On Wednesday we set off to Vimy Ridge and the imposing Canadian war memorial looking out over the Douai plain. We then changed course for a while and followed the route in 1940 of the 8 Bn DLI and after lunch continued our investigation into the movements of 6 Bn DLI in the same phase of the conflict. Before returning to Arras we visited Wancourt where the DLI saw action at Easter 1917.
The following day, after dislodging 2 asylum seekers from the back axle of our coach, we headed back towards Zeebrugge stopping first at the remarkable Wellington Underground tunnels which were cut into old quarries at Arras close to the German front lines. Then we moved on to Notre Dame de Lorette and the French memorial to their fallen. Finally we made a quick visit to Loos and viewed the flat, featureless plains that saw deadly action in the early autumn of 1915. Then it was back to Zebrugge and the night sailing back to Hull.
SERVICE TO COMMEND THE BRAVERY OF ROLAND BOYS BRADFORD
The service of commemoration of the bravery of Roland Boys Bradford VC, MC who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extreme gallantly leading 151 Bde at the Battle of Warlencourt on 1st October 1916, took place in the presence of HM Lord Lieutenant of the County of Durham, at St Paul’s Church Witton Park on Saturday 1 October 2016. The DLI Association Padre, the Revd Kenneth Crawford, conducted the service with the Revd Elishiva Mechanic, Priest-in-Charge St Paul’s Witton Park, accompanied by the Methodist Minister Revd Hodgson. Also present to read the poem ‘The Soldier’ by Rupert Brooke was Mrs Jacqui Holloway, mother of the late Capt Richard Holloway, RE, (SBS), killed in Action on 23 Dec 2013. Two buglers of The Rifles were present to sound the appropriate bugle calls as well as the Standards from Bishop Auckland, Darlington& Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor branches. In addition to county and parish councillors, members of the parish, President of the DLI Association, Vice-President and Secretary, as well as officers of the former DLI and Light Infantry, and DLI Historian Mr Harry Moses were present on this, the 100th Anniversary, of the award. Photographs were taken on the Green before a reception in the Methodist Community Hall.
LONDON CENOTAPH PARADE 2016
London Cenotaph Parade Information. Members will be pleased to hear that all 26 names submitted by the DLI Association Secretary from the Branches to attend the London Cenotaph Parade on 13 November were passed by London Security and the tickets have been issued.
The Secretary has made the assumption that all the named personnel are travelling together on the Association Coach, run by Sunderland Branch. Therefore all the tickets have been sent to the Sunderland Branch Secretary, Mr Michael McMahon, to be issued to individual members of the party on the coach.
All personnel are reminded that they must carry with them their issued ticket and a either their passport, their picture driving licence or some other means of identity which shows a photograph.
If any of the named personnel are travelling independently they should contact Mr McMahon directly on 07504 000160 or on email at mcmahonm59(at)live.co.uk who will send their tickets directly to their home address. Only personnel who are carrying the documents named above will be allowed to take part in the parade.
DLI ANNUAL DRAW RESULTS 2016
The Annual Draw was conducted on Thursday 8 September by the Secretary DLI Association accompanied by the Rifles Secretary Major C Lawton MBE DL and the Administration Officer, Rifles Durham, Mrs Shirley Nicholson.
The results were as follows:
All prize winners have been informed by letter individually by the Rifles Secretary Durham and the winning cheques sent out to them.
DLI ASSOCIATION AND DLI FRIENDS WORKING TOGETHER GROUP
Members from 10 of the 14 branches of the DLI Association and members of the DLI Friends, a total of 22 people, met together on 18 October at Sevenhills to explore ways in which the Association can work with the DLI Friends to promote the work of the Education staff at Sevenhills in enhancing the knowledge of the Durham Light Infantry within the schools of the county. Everyone had the opportunity to have a guided tour of the Sevenhills facility, to see how the DLI Collection was being looked after. Each branch agreed to take the message back to their branches to encourage members of their branch to engage in the education programme run by the Sevenhills education staff in their local area to raise awareness of the part played by the Durham Light Infantry and the Durham soldier generally n the history of the county.
Representatives of the Branches and the DLI Friends will meet again before the end of the year to take this project forward.
DEATHS REPORTED
The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
David Buckingham,served 7 Bn Light Infantry
Major Charles Ford of Penzance, Cornwall. Born 29 Nov 1927, died 28 August 2016 aged 88 years. Served Durham Light Infantry and retired 1965
R M “Dickie” Dawson died 8 October 2016. He served with Royal Pioneer Corps, 8th Bn DLI and was
also a long time member of Chester-le-Street Branch of DLI Association
Mr Ian McSeveney died on Monday 10 October 2016, aged 66. He served with 3 LI
May They Rest in Peace
Elvet Waterside Durham,
DH1 3BW
21 October 2016
A second bench and lectern has been unveiled on the Racecourse in Durham.
A full report can be read at Durham Advertiser
A new bench and lectern to commemorate the Durham Pals battalion was unveiled on the Somme yesterday .
A full report can be found here. Durham Advertiser
EXACTLY 100 years ago today ( Sept 9 ) was the Durham Light Infantry’s bloodiest day on the Somme.
More information and details of the 405 who were killed can be found at The Durham Advertiser
Monthly Bulletin September 2016
DLI ANNUAL REUNION
The Association reports a successful DLI Reunion in 2016. The new parade format was shown to be successful allowing the Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, the opportunity to speak to many more of those on parade. The idea of a non-marching contingent was also successful allowing many Association members, not now fit enough to march, to share in the parade, which is always enjoyable for former soldiers. An interesting aspect is that the number parading in the two marching contingents was up on the normal parading numbers which was a somewhat unexpected benefit. The Association Chairman noted that numbers attending the cathedral service were up, hopefully in response to his earlier appeal, Most if not all branches paraded their standard, which were co-ordinated by John Pepper. The contribution to the parade organisation made by Michael Langelier and John Norton is appreciated.
The Association Secretary apologises for the shuttle-bus service which was not successful. He has since has had discussions with the coach company which agrees that it did not fulfil the contract despite their driver having a correct copy of the contract and a refund will be paid to the Association. The Association Secretary is grateful for the patience and forbearance of those Association members and their wives who were delayed at the Porter’s Lodge of the College Green for so long after the cathedral service, and thanks the Cadet Force Band mini coach for coming to the rescue those stranded there.
Numbers at the College of St Hild and St Bede were around their usual number. There were good sales at the Association shop, particularly of the Association Christmas Card, of which there is still a good supply available at the Rifles Office as well as other items. Thanks for this go to Shirley Nicholson, Admin Officer of the Rifles Office who ran the stall all day. The new DLI Friends stall run by Eddy Castling , assisted by Naomi and Carolyn was also successful in term of sales and information about the DLI Friends who have replaced the former DLI Museum Friends. Thanks go to them too.
One again an enormous debt of thanks must go to Major Colin Miller, Director of Music and Derek Corbett, Bugle Major of the Band and Bugles of the Durham Army Cadet Force which supported the reunion in every way and then played for the Concert in the Caedmon Hall throughout the afternoon. Their support cannot be over-exaggerated. Without the Band & Bugles the Reunion weekend would be a pale reflection of what it is.
LINKS TO PHOTOS John Attle T Griffiths
REUNION DINNERS The usual 1st and 2nd Bn WOs and Sgts Mess Dinner took place on 9th September at the Durham City Rugby Club and the Officers Rifles Northern Dinner on 10 Sept in the Joachim Room of St Hild’s College.
DLI SEATS
DLI Memorial seats are being placed at two locations during the week beginning 19 September. These have been financed by Durham County Council in association with the DLI Trustees and are to record the part played by the DLI in the Battle of the Somme .
Seat 1 This seat is to be located on the Somme itself. To be dedicated in a ceremony on 19 September 2016 at the Somme beside Thiepval. The Association Battlefield Tour party are hoping to take part in this ceremony, if it can disembark quickly from the Ferry in Zeebrugge and make its way without traffic congestion straight to Thiepval. We are told the ceremony is taking place at 1130hrs.
Seat 2 This seat is to be located at Durham, on the Racecourse side of the river beside the bandstand. It is identical to the one being dedicated on the Somme. The ceremony is to take place on Wed 21 September at 5.15pm beside the bandstand on the Racecourse side of the River Wear. DLI Association members (and any Branch Standards) are invited. The DLI Association Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary as well as some other key Association personnel figures cannot be present as they are on the battlefield tour.
WW1 SOLDIER SEARCH REQUEST PROJECT
In the August DLI Association Bulletin the Secretary spoke about the launch of a WW1 Soldier Search Request Project.
Unfortunately, this was advertised as a DLI Friends and DLI Association shared project. This is NOT the case. The DLI Friends, based at Sevenhills, are not involved with this project. The DLI Association is launching this as a separate, independent project with its own independent researcher.
Peter Nelson, who is a volunteer helper at the Sevenhills Research Unit, has asked that it be made absolutely clear that any work he does at Sevenhills is done solely on behalf of the Durham County Council and in support of the DLI Collection. Any personnel searches requested at Sevenhills will be directed to the Durham County Record Office which fulfils such requests on behalf of Durham County Council.
DLI ASSOCIATION BATTLEFIELD TOUR TO THE SOMME
A party of around 30 people from the Association with their wives and/or partners are making a 6 day, 5 nights tour of the Somme Battlefield following in the footsteps of 151 Brigade DLI Units, leaving Durham at 1300 hrs Sunday 18 Sept and returning 23 Sept. They are travelling by coach, crossing by the Hull to Zeebrugge Ferry and are being accommodated at the Holiday Express Inn at Arras. As stated above they hoped to be able to attend the dedication of the DLI Memorial Seat at Thiepval on the morning of the 19 Sept. This tour arranged by Galina International Battlefield Tours. The itinerary is being arranged by Clive Bowery and Harry Moses (author of several published works on the Durham Light Infantry).
SERVICE TO COMMEND THE BRAVERY OF ROLAND BOYS BRADFORD
This confirms the service of celebration of the bravery of Roland Boys Bradford who lost his life while leading 151 Bde at the Battle of Warlencourt on 1st October 1916 for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. This service will be held on Saturday 1 October 2016 at 11.00am, at St Paul’s Church Witton Park, DL14 … The DLI Association Padre, the Revd Kenneth Crawford, will conduct the dedication service. A bugler will be present to sound the appropriate bugle calls. In addition to this the Commemoration will take place in the presence of HM Lord Lieutenant of the County of Durham, members of the family, local councillors and the great and good of County Durham
This occasion is therefore particularly significant to all members of the DLI Association and members of the former Durham Light Infantry. The Chairman is hoping that we can have a really good turnout of members and branch standards at the commemoration. I would be grateful if branch Chairmen would be aware of this as the date is very close and arrangements may need to be made.
The dedication of the ‘paving stone’ to Roland Boys Bradford will take place in March 2017 of which you will receive notification in due course.
WARNING ORDER – DLI ASSOCIATION ORDINARY EXECUTIVE MEETING – 16 NOV 2016
Branch Secretaries are reminded of the DLI Executive Ordinary Meeting to be held on Wed 16 November at 1400 hrs at the Rifles Office Durham.
All branches are reminded that they should send a representative to this meeting.
The decision on the location of the Association Indoor Games 2017 will be decided at this meeting. Branches bidding to host the games should be ready to present their bid at the meeting.
THE “FAITHFUL” INKERMAN DINNER CLUB’S DLI VICTORIA CROSS STONE
As most of you already know discussions are taking place regarding the proposed move of “The Faithful” Inkerman Dinner Club’s Victoria Cross Stone from its present position outside the former DLI Museum to a new location. It is hoped that this will be in front of Bishop Cosin’s Hall on Palace Green. At present this location has been given approval in principle, and it is now going through further decision making committees. Because of this it cannot be definitely stated where the VC Stone Ceremony will take place on 6 November 2016, the Sunday before Remembrance Day, when the ceremony traditionally takes place. If the stone has not been relocated by then the ceremony will take place at the old site beside the Museum. If this is the case there will be no refreshments reception. This is regretted. If the stone has been moved by then the ceremony will take place on Palace Green, where it is hoped there would be a reception. You will be kept up to date about the arrangements in due course. Mr Ralph Harrison (Chairman) or Mr Brian Laverick (Secretary/Treasurer) will have the necessary details.
DINNER CLUB OF THE FORMER 7 BATTALION OFFICERS AND SENIORS
Officers and Seniors of the former 7 Battalion the Light Infantry should by now have received information and a bidding return for this dinner which takes place on Sat 15 October 2016.
If you should have received this invitation and have not done so, or know of others in this position please contact Marc Stuart on marc.stuart@btinternet.com or 07777 676090.
Please note that the dinner takes place at the Gilesgate Armoury Reserve Army Centre not at its former location of the Eden Armoury in Bishop Auckland.
COMMEMORATION OF THE LIFE OF RICHARD DERRICK TURNBULL
At the request of the Guisborough Branch of the RBL, the DLI Association has sent a Regimental Shield (Light Infantry) to Laurence Jackson School, Guisborough, North Yorkshire, to be incorporated in a memorial to all former pupils killed in action with the military services. Richard Derrick Turnbull was one former pupil who became a member of the 3rd Bn The Light Infantry and who was killed while on duty with 3LI in Belfast on 26 June 1977.
DEATHS REPORTED
The following deaths have been reported to the Rifles Office since the publication of last month’s bulletin.
Dominic Lambert died on 4 August 2016 aged 82 years.He served with the DLI WIA 27 April 1953 in Korea
George Forster a long-time member of Durham City Branch DLI Association
Septimus Bainbridge Jobes, died 10 November 2015. Served in DLI during WW2
Major (Retired) Fiji Kotwall RAMC, died: 17August 2016. Former Medical Officer (RMO2) 7 Bn Light Infantry
Brian Paley died on 31 August 2016. He served in 1DLI in Berlin and Korea. Former Chairman of Consett & Stanley Branch and continuing member of the DLI Association until recently
Arnold Dunne, died: 24 August 2016.in the Greenbank Care Home. He served with the RAF REGT and was a long time member of the Chester-le-Street Branch DLI Association
May They Rest in Peace
Elvet Waterside Durham,
DH1 3BW
16 September 2016
Thursday 22 September 7 – 8pm
Spence and the Journey of the 5th Durham Light Infantry Presented by Christopher Young, Collections Assistant, Preston Park Museum
Discover more about Colonel Spence, his family life, interests and career. The talk will also cover the journey of the 5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry, their battles, life at rest and profiles on the brave men, most of whom originated from Stockton and surrounding areas.
Advanced booking required for all talks. Reserve your place by telephoning 01642 527375.
OPENING TIMES AND ADMISSIONS
Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm (last admission 3.30pm) Closed Mondays except bank holidays and during school holidays Adult: £2.50 Concession/child: £1.50 Family ticket (2 adults +4 concessions): £5 All tickets are valid for one year from date of issue.
PRESTON PARK MUSEUM & GROUNDS YARM ROAD, STOCKTON-ON-TEES TS18
