Page 63 - Bugle Spring 2023

Parade Commander Steve Robson parades the Buglers and Standard Bearers
NORTH
THE VICTORIA
CROSS STONE
COMMEMORATION
As is tradition, the Victoria Cross Stone Commemoration took place on Sunday 6 November following Inkerman Day on the Saturday. The Commemoration celebrates the award of the Victoria Cross to members of the 68 LI and DLI, for acts of supreme gallantry on the field of battle. The Parade Commander was Steve Robson and buglers from the Durham ACF, under the command of WO1 Bugle Major Derek Corbett, played the traditional calls.
The 11 Victoria Cross holder’s names were read by Richard Tough, but each year one recipient is especially remembered. This year it was Pte Thomas Young, who in his civilian life had been a hewer at High Spen Colliery near East Boldon. On volunteering he joined the 9 Bn DLI, where he was trained as a stretcher bearer. His gallantry included rescuing nine injured soldiers from No-Man’s Land during the Battle of the Somme, some of whom had lain there for up to six days.
Wreaths were laid by Lt Col Heron, President of The Faithful Inkerman Dinner Club, Major Michael van der Gucht, DLI Assn Deputy Chairman and Maj Chris Lawton, Chairman
of the DLI Assn. Also present were Colonel Steve Hopper, former Dep Comd 15 Bde, Paul Wharton MM former Chairman of the DLI Assn, and members of the education staff at the DLI Collection at Spennymoor.
Festival of Remembrance
The Durham Light Infantry leads the procession of the Standards in Durham Cathedral
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
The 68th Re-enactment and the Durham Light Infantry parade to the Market Place for the Salute
Mayor and Mayoress of Durham
with the Chairman of Durham County Council and the High Sheriff of Durham attend the Festival of Remembrance in Durham Cathedral
Buglers Billy Phillips and Mike Henry of the Durham ACF Band with W01 Derek Corbett at the VC Stone
The Rifles taking part in the Muster Parade at the Festival of Remembrance in Durham Cathedral
RIFLES The Bugle 63