These were the items which made the news in 2006

14th December 2006                                         POW book a favourite for Christmas

'For you Tommy the War is over' is selling so well that the original print run looks as if it will not satisfy demand. The book, by Harry Moses and Major Ian English MC is proving to be a popular choice of those searching for a Christmas present with a difference.

Harry was met by a queue when he arrived to sign copies of the book at Durham Tourist Information Centre on 9 December 2006 and many copies were sold on the day.

Details of the book can be found below - see news items of 3rd October and 28th November - and by visiting 'The Light Infantry Office' home page on this site and clicking on the 'LI/DLI Shop' page and then 'DLI Books'.

                                                                        If you still want a copy you will need to order quickly!

4th December 2006                                              Search for DLI hero's lost medal

The Northern Echo's 'Hear All Sides' section carried, today, a letter from Pauline Longhorn of Ingleby Barwick.

Pauline's grandfather, Sergeant Harold Ions, 202990, of the 5th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, won the Military Medal on March 31st 1918 at Arras.

His award citation read:

"For bravery under very trying conditions on 31st March 1918, S of the Luce during the German offensive. When in charge of an isolated post, he skilfully brought a Lewis gun into action on his flank, and scattered a party of the enemy who were attempting to surround them. Later, he showed great courage in covering the withdrawal of his Company."

The medal was later lost - probably, thinks Pauline, to a pawnbroker.  Pauline's Christmas would be a much happier one if should could be re-united with the original as she has only a replica.

If you can help, contact The Northern Echo on  01325-381313

28th November 2006                                             For you Tommy the War Is over*

Harry Moses will be signing copies of his new book 'For you Tommy the War is over' at Durham Tourist Information Centre, Millennium Square, Claypath, Durham City from 10.30am to 1.30pm on Saturday, 9 December 2006.

This book tells the untold story of one Regiment's men in captivity from 1940 - 1945.   The Durham Light Infantry served in almost every theatre of the Second World War, and over 3,500 of its men were captured and made prisoner.   'For you Tommy the War Is Over', explores their experiences, describes daily life in the camps and examines the part POWs had to play in the eventual victory;  preoccupying large numbers of German troops and passing vital coded information to British intelligence at great personal risk.   Many men who joined up together found themselves imprisoned together, reflecting the fierce loyalty and comradeship typical of this renowned fighting regiment.

Compiled by Major Ian English, a DLI company commander and himself a prisoner in Italy, and military historian Harry Moses, this is a frank and moving account in their own words of the bravery and suffering of the Durham Lads behind the wire.

The book is also available from:

Business Education Publishers Ltd,

The Teleport,

Doxford International,

Sunderland SR3 3XD

Tel:  +   44 (0) 191 5252410

Fax +   44 (0) 191 5201815

*See News item below dated 3rd October 2006 and LI/DLI Shop page

27th November 2006                                          The North East War Memorials Project

The North East War Memorials Project group has, this month, launched its web site at: www.newmp.org.uk

The Project which is Heritage Lottery funded "is intended to assist the public, Local History Groups and Schools, and care for their neighbourhood war memorials and record the results".  The Project's aims include establishing details of every memorial with location and history, high quality photographs and searchable lists of memorial names.

Interested individuals and groups are being sought by the The North East War Memorials Project to assist with the work and to widen and improve the skills base.  The Newsletter of the group is into its third (Autumn 2006) issue and carries details of ongoing projects, contact details and Workshop Minutes.  The current issue can be seen by clicking on the Newsletter No 3 link here*

For details of further Newsletter issues or to express interest or offers of help please contact the Secretary, Dorothy Hall, on 0191 388 3667 or email: dorothy@newmp.org.uk

* nb  You will need to have Adobe Reader installed. To download at no cost click here    

13th November 2006                                          Annand plaque dedicated

On Saturday 11th November the Annand family held a private ceremony in the DLI Memorial Garden at Durham Cathedral when a plaque to the late Captain Richard W. Annand VC DL was dedicated.

At the same ceremony the ashes of Captain Annand were interred in the garden.

A small group from the Durham Branch of The DLI Association attended by invitation.

Picture by kind permission of John Attle

* Other DLI pictures can be seen on the John Gordon Photography website at: http://web.mac.com/jg.photography/iWeb/site/Welcome.html

30th October 2006                                    Private Thomas Kenny VC remembered

'The Faithful' Inkerman Dinner Club members will, once again , this year, lay a wreath at the Durham Light Infantry Museum VC memorial on Inkerman Day, Sunday November 5th.

This will be the fourth such ceremony and will be attended by infantry from Catterick Camp, standard bearers from the DLI Association and the band and bugles of the Durham Cadet Force Borneo Band.

As on previous occasions the citation for one of the 11 DLI VC winners will be read out.  This year Private Thomas Kenny's citation will be the one featured.

To find out more about Pte Thomas Kenny go to the 'Activities' pages and the Inkerman Club Projects of 'The Faithful' Inkerman Dinner Club section of the web site.

18th October 2006                                            New Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator

Danny Cassidy who served in Borneo and Northern Ireland with the Durham Light Infantry  has been appointed County Durham Co-ordinator for the annual Poppy Appeal. He will be assisted by a team of about fifty Poppy Appeal organisers but he is looking to recruit more organisers and sellers to help with the ongoing need to raise funds. Danny would welcome hearing from anyone interested, and previous connection with the armed services is not necessary. Danny takes over from Hugh Williams.

14th October 2006                                              Irish Village To Honour DLI VC

Press release issued by Kevin Storey - DLI Association Secretary

On Saturday the 14th of October. Kevin Storey the secretary of the Durham Light Infantry Association and two Association colleagues, Tommy Gibson, secretary of the Consett & Stanley Branch and Brian Paley a branch member will fly to Ireland to take part in the Dedication of a Plaque honouring John Byrne the Regiment's first VC winner.

The stone plaque has been commissioned by a group of Irish local historians, headed by Martin Barrett and Elizabeth Moran, who are residents in the town of Castlecomer, County Kilkenny.

John Byrne who was born in Castlecomer on the 27th September 1832, won his medal on the 5th of November 1855 at the Battle of Inkerman for bringing in a wounded comrade under fire - also mentioned in the citation for the award was the fact that on 11 May 1855, he had been engaged in hand-to-hand combat on the parapets near Sabastopol, preventing the entrance of the enemy, killing the man and capturing his arms.

John Byrne VC later went to New Zealand with the Regiment where he again showed his prowess with the bayonet, being awarded the second highest award for bravery, the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) in 1864. John Byrne VC DCM died tragically in Maindy, South Wales and is buried in St. Woolo's Cemetery, Newport, Monmouthshire. Through the efforts of a group headed by Sir Peter de la Billiere and Lt Col John Arnott, the Regimental Secretary, a headstone was erected there in 1985.

The dedication of the Plaque, which is in the local Court House yard in Castlecomer, will take place on Sunday the 15th at 3 pm. On Monday 16th of October the DLI delegation will be taken by their Irish hosts to a cemetery in Derrinlough, Co. Offaly where it is known that the Regiment's third VC winner Sgt John Murray is buried.

8th October 2006                                                            40 year wait over

The Malaysian government has finally been permitted to formally recognise the efforts of soldiers who fought against communist guerillas in Malaya and Borneo between 1957 and 1966.  Veterans of 1 DLI were among others who received the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal from Brig Gen Razef Idris, Malaysian defence advisor, at an award ceremony at Colchester. A memorial to those who fell in the conflict was also unveiled.  Medals awarded by foreign governments are now allowed to be worn below those officially awarded by the British government. The General Service Medal had previously been awarded.

Pte Thomas Griffiths, who was killed on 26th February 1966 while involved in Operation Blaydon Races in Borneo, was the last DLI soldier to die in action.

Ralph Harrison, with the assistance of John Heron, has compiled a history of the Borneo Campaign which The Friends of the DLI Museum hope to publish in Spring 2007. The story of the events of the time, entitled "Jungle Offensive - The Durhams in Borneo 1965-66", will cost in the region of £6.00.

3rd October 2006                 "For you Tommy the War is Over"   -  Have you ordered your copy?

Until his death in March this year, Major Ian English MC, TD had been working  with Harry Moses on a book which was to be a tribute to the approx. 4000 DLI, and former DLI, prisoners of war held in captivity by the Germans and Italians in World War II.  Ian English had personal experience on which to draw, but the research and collection of data and personal accounts proved to be a significant challenge which Harry Moses had to complete on his own.

"For you Tommy the War is Over" is due to be published in October.  It is a book that has aroused a great deal of pre-publication interest and anticipation, and a work that is a fitting memorial to Ian.   Details of the book, price, etc. and a pre-publication order form can be can be accessed by clicking on the book title above*.  Alternatively contact:       

                                                                        Major C Lawton MBE,

                                                                        Regimental County Secretary
                                                                        The Light Infantry Office
                                                                        Elvet Waterside

                                                                        Durham
                                                                        DH1 3BW      

                                                                or    Tel: 0191 3865496, fax:  0191 3865950 or email:  licsecdurham@licsecdurham.wanadoo.co.uk

                                                 * nb  You will need to have Adobe Reader installed. To download at no cost click here    

                                                                                      A great Christmas gift!

23rd September 2006                                                  DLI veteran dies at 89

The death has been announced of Fred Verdun Parkinson who served with 6 DLI during the Second World War.  Fred, who was a Dunkirk veteran, will be remembered for saving a colleague, Geordie Smiles, in North Africa after Geordie, another Barnard Castle soldier, had been given up for dead.

After the war he worked as a postman, on army camp maintenance and at the Glaxo complex.  He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in 1974 for his services to the Crown.

His funeral service will take place at St Mary's RC Church in Barnard Castle on 27th September at 10.15am. Donations in lieu of flowers will be given to local charities.

22nd September 2006                                    New Durham Light Infantry Chapel Guide

A new guide to the DLI Chapel in Durham Cathedral has been published. Priced at £2 the proceeds go to the Durham Light Infantry Association. 

5th September 2006                                           Haig's son attacks posthumous pardon plan

Earl Haig, son of the World War 1 Field Marshal Douglas Haig, has claimed that many of the 306 soldiers executed during that war were rogues, persistent deserters and criminals or were guilty of cowardice. He said that the decisions taken by commanders at the time should be respected as they knew best . He reiterated the view that "this is history" and that the merits of each case had been well considered before any execution had been authorised. 

nb. See below (16th August) for details of 7 DLI soldiers who were numbered among those executed

23rd August 2006                                                          DLI Colditz escape hero dies

The death has been announced of Rev. John Beaumont MBE. He was 86 years old.

While a POW he attempted, together with a colleague, to escape from Laufen dressed as a chimney sweep but failed. He later escaped from a train while in transit to another camp and was re-arrested posing as a Belgian worker.

He tried to escape a third time while at Eichstätt, joining an attempted escape by 65 prisoners.  He was caught swimming the Danube and relocated in Colditz.

At Colditz, under very strict surveillance, he pulled off a remarkable escape attempt while on the way to the exercise compound. His citation details the episode. ".......To defeat such comprehensive and elaborate guarding arrangements in broad daylight appeared to be not only fantastic, but well nigh impossible.  Captain Beaumont alone conceived the idea that it might be possible to leave the column at one particular point on this route by means of stepping into the shadow of an angle made by a wall and simultaneously dropping to the ground enveloping himself with a cloak which was camouflaged to give the effect of a heap of rubble and rubbish, when covering his body on the ground......I cannot think of any scheme which embraced in full so many of the ingredients of the perfect escape ‑ and it was carried out by Captain Beaumont with exceptional skill, coolness and daring."   He smeared himself with garlic to fool the guard dogs and made it as far as the forest where he was caught.

He was awarded an MBE in May 1948 and was ordained in 1951. He is survived by his wife, Angela, and their two sons and two daughters.

16th August 2006                                                               DLI Soldiers to be pardoned

The Government has announced that it will seek Parliamentary approval to grant a blanket pardon to every soldier executed for cowardice during the First World War.  The total number of 306 includes some who were Durham Light Infantrymen.

They were:  Pte G Hunter, executed 2/8/16

                    Pte W Nelson, executed 11/8/1916

                    Pte A Hamilton,executed 27/3/1917

                    L/Cpl P Goggins, executed 18/1/1917

                    L/Cpl J McDonald, executed 18/1/1917

                    Sgt W Stones, executed 18/1/1917

                    Pte W Clarke, executed 29/2/18

20th July 2006                                               90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

                                                                      DLI Veterans visit Thiepval for the Anniversary

The highlight of the Association's visit to the Somme was the Royal visit to the Thiepval Memorial on which is inscribed 73,000 names of men lost on the Somme who have no known grave.

HRH The Prince of Wales, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, led the Service of Remembrance, after which five DLI veterans, five cadets from Durham ACF and five soldiers from 2LI were presented to the Royal couple.

Details of this visit will feature in the Autumn 2006 edition of The Durham Bugle to be published on 7th September.  A selection of photographs can be seen by clicking below on

                                                                                                                              Somme Visit

24th June 2006                                                           Chester-le-Street Veterans Day

Tom Watson MP, the Under Secretary of State for Defence, was the Minister who was involved in the design and inauguration of the Veteran's badge to be awarded in phases to all ex-service men and women. 27 June 2006 was chosen to be the inaugural National Veterans Day, an event which will be celebrated each year. 

The MP for North Durham, Kevan Jones, who is a member of the Defence Select Committee, approached the Chester-le-Street Branch of the DLI Association to host the occasion. The date was adjusted, as is the case with Armistice Day, to 24 June and the Civic Centre at Chester-le-Street was booked as the venue.

The former colliery village of Craghead still supports a brass band which was booked to entertain, and a buffet was arranged. Several schools were asked to submit their pupil’s images of veterans and, on the da,y various montages and drawings of past VC holders of the regiment were shown.

30 badges were presented to veterans or their wives, and photographs were taken of the event to be later sent to them as a memento of the day.

[This report together with photographs of the event can be found by visiting the DLI Association Branch page and clicking on the Chester-le-Street Branch name]

nb.  For further details of help and support available to veterans visit the Veterans Agency website. Click on the name.

21st June 2006                                                   Somme battlefield crosses together again

Three crosses erected on the Butte de Warlencourt, part of the Somme battlefield, after an attack in November 1916 by Durham Light Infantry soldiers, have been brought together again for the first time since 1926.

The crosses are reunited in a special 90th Anniversary exhibition at the Durham Light Infantry Museum and Durham Art Gallery which is open until 3rd September.

Since 1926, when they were removed from the battlefield, the crosses have been on display separately in St Andrew's Church at South Church, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street Parish Church and the DLI Regimental Chapel in Durham Cathedral.  They were originally erected in memory of the many DLI soldiers who died in the attack, some of the 7000 DLI fatalities in the Somme battle.

31st May 2006                                                   Second former Durham college student killed

On 23rd April mention was made below of the death of Lt Richard Palmer of Ware, Hertfordshire, who was killed on Easter Saturday while serving in Iraq.  Richard, who was serving with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at the time of his death, had been a student at the College of St Hild and St Bede between 2000 and 2003. 

Sadly, on Sunday 28th May, one of Richard's fellow tutor group members at the College of St Hild and St Bede, Lt Tom Mildinhall, serving with the Queen's Royal Dragoon Guards was also killed while on routine patrol in Basra.  Tom graduated from Durham University in 2002 with a BSc. He rowed for the College 1st Eight, the University 2nd Eight and had attended international trials. A popular student, he was also a musician, playing the saxophone and piano.

30 May 2006                                                 Veterans Day event organised for Chester-le-Street

It was reported today that North Durham Labour MP, Kevan Jones, together with the Chester-le-Street branch of the Durham Light Infantry Association, has organised an event for Veterans Day. It will be held at the Civic Centre on Saturday 24th June from 2pm to 4pm and will include a photographic display, military band music and the presentation of Veterans Badges.  Members of the public are invited and refreshments will be available.

Veterans who apply for badges before 9th June may have them presented on the day by Kevan Jones MP.  Application should be made to Kevan Jones MP, Co-operative Buildings, 9 Plawsworth Road, Sacriston, Co. Durham DH7 6HJ  (Men & women who served in the Armed Forces up to and including Dec 31st 1954 are entitled to wear the new Veterans Badge)

Web note:  

Veterans are former members of HM Armed Forces (Navy, Army, RAF, regular or reserve. The term applies to all UK ex-servicemen and women.  There are an estimated 5.5 million in the country and with their wives, husbands, partners and children they comprise the 10.5 million-strong Veterans Community.

Further information regarding Veterans can be found on this site by following the 'Light Infantry Office' link on the Home page and then the 'Family Support' link.

For complete details visit the Veterans Agency web site.

20 May 2006                                                                    Veterans Day difficulties

Local participation in the national celebration of the inaugural Veterans Day on June 27th is proving problematic in one area according to local Press reports.  Chester-le-Street District Council has come under attack from North Durham Labour MP, Kevan Jones, because of the lack of plans to celebrate the event. 

The Council claims that it had too little notice of the event and of the funding available to support activities to promote and mark the day.  To emphasise the value the Council places on recognising the contribution given by Veterans the Council leader, Councillor Ebbatson, said that the Authority was going to organise a summer festival featuring, hopefully, a Veterans Day.

5 May 2006                                          Death Of David Bower - Former Light Infantry County Secretary (Durham)

David Bower, former Light Infantry County Secretary (Durham), died quietly and peacefully at 1905 hours Saturday 29 April 2006  whilst a patient in Darlington Memorial Hospital.

His funeral will be held on Thursday 11 May at 12.30 hrs at St Peters Church, Croft, after which friends are asked to gather at Croft Village Hall.

The crematorium service will be a private family affair.

29 April 2006                                                     Presentation of the medals of Major Ian English

The medals of the late Major Ian English were today, at the request and on behalf of members of his family, presented to the Durham Light infantry Museum by his long-time friend and colleague, Harry Moses.

The presentation was made in the presence of many of Major English's friends at the 2006 Annual General Meeting of The Society of The Friends of The Durham Light Infantry Museum where the medals will, in due course, be displayed.

They are an unusual group featuring his Military Cross and two bars and make a significant addition to the Museum medal collection.

The notice of the death of Major English with brief biographical information and the date and time of a Memorial Service may be found below.

27 April 2006                                                             Memorial Service for Major Ian English

A Memorial Service for Major Ian English is to be held in Durham Cathedral at 1.30pm on 10th July.

When arrangements are finalised further details will be posted here.

Major Ian English was one of only twenty four soldiers to win three Military Crosses for bravery.

Further brief details about Major English are posted in a news item (31 March 2006) below.

23 April 2006                                                          Act of Remembrance for the Bede Contingent

Former students of Bede College, Durham, were remembered at a special ceremony at the Bede College War Memorial at 6.30pm on Saturday 22 April.

They were members of the 102 - strong Bede College Contingent of 8 DLI (A and D Companies) which suffered badly while fighting at Gravenstafel Ridge on 25th April 1915.  17 of the close comrades and friends died together while 10 others were wounded and 31 taken prisoner.

The annual ceremony held at, what is now, the College of St Hild and St Bede recalls and reaffirms the strong links the College had with the Durham Light Infantry and still has, in more recent times, with the Light Infantry.

Saturday's ceremony also paid tribute to Lt Richard Palmer of Ware, Hertfordshire, who was killed on Easter Saturday while serving in Iraq.  Richard, who was serving with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards at the time of his death, had been a student at the College of St Hild and St Bede between 2000 and 2003, graduating with a degree in Social Sciences.

April 2006                                                                   Reunion planned for Borneo veterans

Forty years ago, in June 1966, DLI soldiers returned from a six month Borneo jungle campaign, an operation which was to be the last for the regiment which was disbanded in 1968.

On April 29 a reunion is to be held at the TA Centre at Gilesgate, Durham City at 7pm. 

Music will be provided by the Borneo Band and Bugles and there will be a buffet.

Tickets for the event which cost £12 are available from Tom Hudson by calling 0191 387 3599

Veterans can gather the night before (April 28) for an informal get-together at the Durham Light Infantryman pub in Gilesgate from 7pm.

31 March 2006                                               Death of Major Ian English, Second World War hero

One of the DLI's greatest heroes has died at the age of 86.  Major Ian English was a larger than life character - one of only twenty four soldiers to win three Military Crosses for bravery - and a lifelong DLI member.

A veteran of Dunkirk, Palestine and Iraq, he won his first MC in North Africa at El Alamein and, after six months as an Italian POW, walked for three months to gain freedom. Repatriated, and not required to go on active service again, he rejoined the 8th Battalion in time to take part in the invasion of Europe. He won two more MCs while fighting through France and Belgium finally being wounded at Gheel where his war ended. 

Apart from his peacetime job with Fisons he was President of the Chester-le-Street Old Comrades Association and a DLI Regimental trustee. He also wrote two books about the war and had a third, written in collaboration with Harry Moses, ready for publication. 

21 March 2006                                                                 Death of Korean War Hero

Korean War veteran Major Michael 'Recce' Newcombe MC was buried yesterday after a packed memorial service. He was 82, and single.  Growing up in Newcastle, he became an architect before the Second World War broke out in 1939.  He joined the Durham Light Infantry at the outbreak of that war and was commissioned to join the 1st Battalion.

After retiring from the Army in 1963 he worked for Northumberland County Council in a number of roles including Civil Defence and Emergency Planning until his retirement in 1985..

He saw service in Syria, at Tobruk, in Malta and the Dodecanese during WWII and then took a Regular Commission becoming a gunner in 1947 and serving in Germany and then Korea.

'Recce' Newcombe won his MC for extreme valour during conflict, being mentioned in dispatches for his actions during the River Imjin battle. He had been reported dead when a moustache similar to his was found after battle and he was missing. Later, to the surprise and delight of his friends, he emerged from a Korean POW camp.  He wrote about his military life in 1999 in his book, 'Guns and the Morning Calm' . 

March 2006                                                Korean veterans gather in Durham to say 'Thank You'

Breaking with their London venue tradition, a dozen Korean War veterans held their re-union in Durham this year, hosted by the City's mayor, Coun. John Lightley.

Durham residents in the early 1950s collected thousands of comfort parcels for the troops, many of whom were national servicemen - radios, biscuits and warm clothing were among the many items shipped out and greatly appreciated. Every platoon received a radio and there were plenty of parcels to go round.

Brian Tonkinson MBE, one of the veterans attending the get-together, wrote his own story of the Korean War called 'Subaltern'. He was a Signals Officer and later a regimental HQ  Adjutant. "The spirit of the people of Durham in support of the regiment was tremendous," he said,"..there was nothing they wouldn't do to help us.  No county served its regiment better than the County of Durham."

The 1st Battalion of the DLI lost 24 men killed and had 121 wounded in the war which saw DLI involvement from Sept 1952 until the end of 1953.

Feb 2006                                                    Former DLI soldier's grandson runs museum in Iraq

Roommates, Sergeant Wayne "Bob" Dixon, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, and Staff Sergeant Richard Parsons who admit they are "spotters" have set up a military museum in their portable cabin, near Basra, Iraq.  They are with the Royal Army Medical Corps and are in Basra on a six-month operation where they work in the medical camp

The museum, which had a grand opening with bunting, flags, music and a "street party", has been named Kitchener's Corner (Lord Kitchener was the famous face on the ‘Your Country Needs You’ posters, in the First World War).

On show is a variety of military memorabilia including old Army and RAF uniforms, medals, war posters, model fighter planes. There are also cap badges and pins from other regiments in Iraq. Though a large picture of the Queen has a prominent place another 'royal' is highly valued, too.  Among their prized exhibits, and their oldest display item, is a Princess Mary battle tin dating from 1914.

Both Sgt Dixon, who collects medals as a hobby and his roommate, Staff Sergeant Richard Parsons from north Wales, are committed collectors. The latter has built a museum in his attic at home. Sgt Dixon claims an unusual and probably unique link with Iraq. His grandfather, Raymond Dixon, from Spennymoor, served in Iraq with the Durham Light Infantry in 1941. "I was sent out here on the exact same date - November 7 – 63 years later.”

The pair are proud that the museum brightens up people's lives on the base and they have started collecting photographs of the visitors."

Countering suggestions that it is all a bit odd, S/Sgt Parsons said: "Some people think we are eccentric, but I like that."

The families are recruited to support, too, and are planning a joint holiday in Belgium where top of the agenda are visits to former battlefields in search of 'new' stock.

26 January 2008