The Association has been invited by the Royal British Legion, Durham County, to attend the Annual Rally and Special Service on Saturday 22 July 2006.   The Service will be in Durham Cathedral at 5.15 PM and those attending should be seated by 5.00 PM.   A short parade around the Palace Green will take place after the Service.

Refreshments will be available in the Town Hall after the parade.   The County Rally this year is to celebrate the 85th Anniversary of the RBL, the Queen’s 80th birthday and the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

We apologise for the late notice but the invitation has only just been received and any branch accepting the invitation should advise the RBL direct on 0191 383 2021.    Standards should be paraded and medals worn.

Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal

Any member who has served in Malaya or Malaysia (which includes Borneo) between 31 August 1957 and 12 August 1966 has qualified for a medal which has been authorised by the Malaysian Government.    Application forms for this medal can be obtained from the Light Infantry Office, Elvet Waterside, Durham DH1 3BW or by telephone 0191 3865496.

Members who have already applied for the medal should send their details to John Taylor, 1 Wick Cottages, Wick Lane, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex CO7 7RS or telephone 01206 231214.   If there are sufficient numbers, John will try to arrange a special presentation by a member of the Malaysian Government, possibly at the DLI Reunion in September.

The family of Major Ian English MC wish to thank all those who attended the Memorial Service on Monday 10 July 2006 in Durham Cathedral.   It was a truly memorable occasion and a fine and lasting tribute to one of the Regiment’s heroes. 

The DLI Association Christmas Card for 2006 is now available.   Once again it is an attractive card featuring in a full colour print of the 68th on the march by D. Giles circa 1850.   On the inside cover there is a sepia type photograph of the Old Colours of the 1st Battalion being marched on parade for the last time in Dortmund during the presentation of the New Colours on 23 July 1949.  The Old Colours had been presented to the Battalion by H.M. King George V at the Delhi Durbah in 1911.   Beneath the photo is the named Colour Party and the popular coloured badge of the Regiment.

On the inside back cover is a reproduction of the pre 1881 Colours taken from an early silk.

The back cover is a final tribute to all the Regiments who have been part of the Light Division since it was formed.   It shows the badges and gives a short history of them. The Light Division becomes “The Rifles” in 2007

The price remains at 65p and if you require orders to be posted to you please add the following charges 10 cards £1.00 - 20 cards £1.80 - 25 cards £2.75.   Those persons wishing to buy online should telephone 0191 3865496 for further details.

All the sweepstake tickets printed have now been issued to sellers.   Would the branch secretaries of Spennymoor, South Shields, Hartlepool , Darlington & Newton Ayclffe make an effort to collect their allocation from the Light Infantry Office, Durham.

Annual Reunion

Branches are reminded that applications for Reunion lunches at £10.00 should reach the LI Office by 25 August 2006.   You are also reminded that a shuttle bus will run between the usual places, however the LI Office should be advised of branch numbers wishing to use the service.   Please remember that the disabled have priority.

Cenotaph Parade 2006

The Royal British Legion will once again be co-ordinating the Ex-Service and Civilian Contingents attend the Parade and Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday 12 November 2006.

The RBL regrets that in the light of the increased security implications and for the health and safety of all those within the confines of Horse Guards Parade the maximum number of tickets that are available to the DLI Association is 61.   If applications from branches exceed this number then priority will be given to members who have served with the Regiment,

We have been asked to ensure that the members of our Association are aware of the physical demands of standing in Whitehall for at least one hour and then marching for a distance of at least one and a half miles, possibly in inclement weather.

All applications to be made to the LI Office Durham by 1 September 2006.

70th Anniversary Dinner - 8th/11th OCA

Colin Armstrong  has advised us that the above dinner will take place on Saturday 21 April 2007 in the Gilesgate Armoury commencing at 7.30 PM.    The Ceremony at The Bede Memorial will be at 6.30 PM.   Please put this date in your diaries and Branches should avoid arranging functions which would be in conflict.

The usual invitations will be issued nearer the date

Deaths

We have been advised of the following deaths:

4451282 Pte Owen Wade TEMPLE - 1 DLI

Eddie BELL -DLI/3LI - Warden at Whitburn

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

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29 March 2007