Page 61 - Bugle Autumn 2023

NORTH
Gravenstafel Ridge Commemoration
This year the Gravenstafel Ridge Commemoration took place in April, the Anniversary
of the Battle in 1915 when the 8th Bn DLI alongside the Royal Winnipeg Rifles became the forward troops on the salient after the French Zouaves retreated in disorder when attacked with gas by the German Army. The Commemoration recognises this association, and the action.
DLI Association indoor games
The DLI Assn Annual Indoor Games were held at the Dubmire RBL HQ at Fencehouses in March where Branch Teams competed in fierce but friendly competition for the Association Championship in the three disciplines of Darts, Dominoes and Whist. The Games were run by the Assn Secretary Lt Col John Heron with his team of assistants. Bishop Auckland Branch, who won all the three competitions and were crowned overall Champions. Sunderland and Washington
were shared runners-up. The winners of the wooden spoon were Gateshead & Newcastle. Prizes were presented by the Assn Chairman Maj Chris Lawton.
Choral evensong for HRH King Charles
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE DLI ASSOCIATION 2023
The AGM in April and saw the retirement of the Assn Secretary Lt Col John Heron after 10 years in the role. The new Assn Secretary is Richard Tough.
8/11th Bn DLI OLD COMRADES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL DINNER
The Annual Dinner of the 8th/11th Bns DLI Old Comrades
Assn took place I late April in Gilesgate Armoury. The dinner commemorates the action on Gravens Tafel Ridge in the 2nd Battle of Ypres on 22-26 April in 1915 when the 8th Bn DLI with its student company from Bede College fought alongside the Winnipeg Rifles -13th Bn (1st Canadian Division), to hold the Gravens Tafel Ridge against elements of the 4th German Army.
VIGIL FOR STOCKTON CENOTAPH FOR 100 YEARS
Stockton Cenotaph celebrated a 100 years in 2023 and held a vigil for veterans of the services and the general public in June to commemorate its dedication. At the head of the memorial is the badge of the DLI.
BUS-LES-ARTOIS
It commemorates the 2,223 casualties of Stockton in WW1 of which 287 were DLI soldiers. Its dedication was attended by 25,000 people of the borough including 8,000 children, and relatives of the casualties. The Cenotaph is the centre of the Ceremony of Remembrance in Stockton. Wreaths are laid each year by The Lord Lieutenant, the Mayor of Stockton, local Members of Parliament, Councillors and members of Ex-servicemen’s Associations, including the Stockton Branch of the DLI Assn.
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