Page 59 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

STOCKTON BRANCH DLI ASSOCIATION
David Smith, Chairman of the Stockton Branch of the Durham Light Infantry Association, organised the Consolidated Wake which ran at the Last Post Memorial Hub in Thornaby on 27th March 2022.
This was the event where the Association remembered those members who had died during the COVID pandemic and whose passing could not be commemorated because of the restrictions. The Last Post Hub is where the Stockton Branch hold their monthly meetings.
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Guyzance Commemoration 2022
DLI ASSOCIATION INDOOR GAMES
The 10 teams that played in the Indoor Games Championship had a great day of competition. As ever, the competition was tough, but friendly with umpires for all the games being provided by the Association branches. The trophies were presented as usual by the Association Chairman Major Chris Lawton.
The Commemoration of the Guyzance Tragedy was held in January, 76 years to the day of the drowning of eight DLI and two Duke of Wellington’s Regiment trainees from Felton Camp who were practising small boat river crossings ready for Europe in 1945.
The DLI Association have commemorated this incident since 1995 after former DLI Cpl and Association member Burnett Seyburn worked with local girl Vera Vaggs to make sure it was not swept under the carpet and forgotten. Since 1995 the commemoration ceremony has been held at the memorial above the weir where the drownings occurred.
The commemoration was led by Revd Kenneth Crawford DLI Association Chaplain and The Revd Helen O’Sullivan the Vicar of Acklington and surrounding area. The names of those killed in the tragedy were read by Major Chris Lawton Association Chairman, and a commemorative wreath was laid by Major Michael van der Gucht, Association Vice Chairman. After the ceremony everybody was invited up to Acklington Village Hall where refreshments were laid on including a glass of whisky for everyone followed by a toast to the DLI Association.
The Gravenstafel Ridge Commemoration and Annual Dinner
The Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge on 25 April 1915 was fought by battalions of the DLI, particularly the 8th Bn, which had with them students from the College of the Venerable Bede Durham Contingent of 8DLI. As part
of the 2nd Battle of Ypres in April 1915, it was a baptism of fire for them all, particularly the students. They were left exposed when the French on their left fled the field when attacked with German gas.
The battle is commemorated each year by the College of St Hild and St Bede at their Memorial Cross raised in 1922. The service of commemoration was conducted by the
College Chaplain Revd Tim Ferguson and
the DLI Association Chaplain Revd Kenneth Crawford, the Bugle calls and the hymn being played by the Durham Army Cadet Force Band and Bugles. A wreath was laid by the student President of the Student Representative Council. The Band and Bugles played a very enjoyable Retreat in the Caedmon Hall, where after receiving the permission of the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham the Band and Bugles were fallen out for refreshments at the college.
RIFLES The Bugle 59
CONSOLIDATED WAKE