Page 54 - Bugle Spring 2024

NORTH
THE NORTH REGION OVERVIEW
The last few months saw an upsurge in activity across the region with forming and antecedent regiments hosting Minden Day, the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Reunion weekend events and The Rifles Memorial Service, at York Minster.
Additionally, 8 RIFLES quarterbacked
two successful Bugle Breakfasts and
The Rifleman’s Association (TRA) North
East oversaw The Rifles’ Great Northern Gathering, which brought 500+ Riflemen and their families together at the Utilita Arena Newcastle.
3 and 8 RIFLES exercised the Freedom of Sunderland, marching through the city streets led by the Band and Bugles. This parade functioned as a forerunner for the annual Remembrance weekend where, in addition to laying wreaths at all our Freedom and Fallen memorials, buglers performed at both Leeds United and Sunderland AFC Remembrance matches.
The smaller, but no less notable events, were many and varied. Among them were displays from the Minden House Buglers and the dedication of a headstone for “Spike”
smaller, but no less notable events, were many and varied
Strowbridge (a Light Infantry legend).
It was heartening to acknowledge two
events that clearly demonstrated the lifetime ethos of The Rifles: The presentation of the Westminster Vocational Award to Cadet Serjeant Major Casey Burnett (RIFLES Cadet, Cleveland ACF); and the Minden House Buglers who helped to celebrate the 100-year birthday of Cpl John Arthur. He was a member of 2nd Bn OXF & BUCKS Light Infantry who served in Normandy, the Ardennes and took part in the Rhine Crossing operation before seeing service in Palestine.
NEWS FROM DURHAM
THE DEDICATION OF THE DLI BENCH AT BEAMISH MUSUEM
Branches of the DLI Assn each agreed to donate £75 towards the purchase of a bench to be placed at the recently opened Coronation Park and Bowls Green at Beamish Museum. The dedication inscribed were the words of Field Marshal Montgomery when he said of the DLI, “There may be regiments as good, but I know of none better.” The service was conducted by Maj Alasdair Watson TD while the speech was by Lt Col John Heron TD. A sizeable number of other museum visitors stood to watch the dedication.
OPERATION HUSKY
THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INVASION OF SICILY
Operation Husky (July 1943) was a major campaign of World War II. As part of it the 6th, 8th and 9th Bns of the DLI fought and won the Battle of Primosole Bridge which opened the route into Italy.
54 RIFLES The Bugle