Page 55 - Bugle Spring 2024

NORTH
70 year commemoration
of the Korean War
The DLI fought in Korea from 1952-53 and were commanded by Lt Col Jeffreys DSO. Brig MacGregor-Oakford CBE MC was there as a newly commissioned 2Lt where he won his MC. Gen Peter de la Billiere KCB KBE DSO MC DL (who commanded the British Army in Iraq in 1990) also joined the DLI in Korea as a 2Lt in 1953.
PASS OUT PARADE CATTERICK
Members of the DLI Assn attended a Passing Out Parade at Vimy Barracks, Catterick organised through former WO1 John Dawson MBE, Sjt Garry Mccuaig and the Chairman
of Stockton Br DLI Assn. After the parade Association members met The Rifles Platoon Commander, Lt Treasure who made everyone feel very welcome.
ALL RANKS DINNER
This was a well-attended and successful event held at 8 RIFLES, Gilesgate Armoury, Durham. In attendance were the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor’s Consort for Durham as well as members of the DLI, LI, RILFES, 7LI Dinner Club and Faithful Inkerman Dinner Club.
BLACK TIE DINNER
This event has been the traditional DLI Reunion Dinner held for
former Officers of the Regiment and was held at the Sea Cadets
HQ in Chester-le-Street. It was chaired by Maj van der Gucht TD; also in attendance was Brigadier MacGregor-Oakford CBE MC, having been associated with the DLI since he was commissioned into the Regiment as a 2Lt in 1952 in the Korean War.
DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY REUNION
The DLI Reunion Parade is traditionally held in the Cathedral Close on the second Sunday in September. Thankfully Sunday 10 September was a beautiful morning, one which the long-term members of the reunion would call ‘Harry Lowe’ weather.
The parade was inspected by the Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowdon, accompanied by Brig MacGregor-Oakford CBE MC, and the Mayor of Durham Councillor Lesley Mavin. It was good to see Col Steve Hopper, Lt Col Simon Furness, Maj Paul Wharton MM, Maj Michael Bond, and Maj John Jackson on parade. Members were under the command of Lt Col Jimmy Brown.
The Association Vice Chairman read the names of those who had served with the DLI and had passed away during 2023, with some of their family members in attendance. As the VIP party walked out through the Cloisters of Durham Cathedral the Lord Lieutenant spoke
to as many of the Standard Bearers as she could, thanking them for the heavy job they do of carrying their Branch standards throughout every formal parade. Afterwards there was a lunch at the Poplar Garden Centre with the Lord Lieutenant and former High Sheriff of Durham, the Mayor and Mayoress of Durham and members. The Band and Bugles of the Durham ACF Band gave a concert.
RIFLES The Bugle 55
BOB MARTIN –
Interntional Veterans
Games Gold Medallist
Bob Martin, a member of the Sunderland Branch of the DLI Assn
returned from his
recent successful
achievements at the US Paralysed Veterans Games in the United States where
he won three swimming gold medals (100m backstroke,
freestyle and
medley) and
one silver
medal for
the indoor
version of
boules.