Page 206 - The Bugle 2018

Unveiling of a memorial at The Discovery Museum to three citizens of Newcastle who were awarded The Victoria Cross
A memorial was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Mrs Susan Winfield OBE, in recognition of the bravery and gallant conduct of Pte Adam Herbert Wakenshaw VC, 9th Bn The Durham Light Infantry, John Aidan Liddell VC MC, The Argyl and Southerland Highlanders and Royal Flying Corps, and Edward Lawson VC, 1st Bn The Gordon Highlanders, at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, VIPs of the city, senior officers of the three services, and members of the Durham Light Infantry Association and their standards. Laying the wreath on behalf of The DLI Association was 97 year old Richard Atkinson, Chevalier de Legion d’Honeur. Reading the citation of Pte Wakenshaw VC was his daughter Lilian Wakenshaw, accompanied by other members of the Wakenshaw family. After the ceremony, all adjourned to the Discovery Museum for a buffet lunch.
Three different Wars, three different Regiments three Victoria Crosses
AN EXCELLENT EVENING WITH GOOD FOOD AND WINE AND IN THE COMPANY OF FRIENDS WAS HAD BY ALL
DLI 2017 Reunion Weekend
The Durham Light Infantry Annual Reunion took place in Durham in its normal three day phases. Friday evening 8 September was the WO’s and Sjt’s Mess of 1 & 2 DLI Dinner held in Durham City Rugby Club with 17 members and guests dining and 4 apologies. It was with sadness that we learnt that Sjt Alan Readman had fallen that day and broke his hip. It was even more sad when we received word that he died that same weekend of cancer. The dinner was chaired by Maj Paul Wharton MM and apologies were received from the Secretary Maj Ted Darwin MBE who had just completed his final course of chemotherapy and was not up to attending the reunion. In his normal optimistic manner, he relayed that he will be at the 2018 reunion. An excellent evening with good food and wine and in the company of friends was had by all.
Phase 2 was the DLI/LI/Rifles Northern Dinner held on the Saturday evening in the College of St Hild & St Bede’s Collier Room. Colonel County Durham the Honourable James Ramsbotham DL hosted the evening with the main guests, The Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowdon plus consort and the Mayor & Mayoress of Durham. Numbers were vastly reduced from previous years with many of the normal attendees still on their holidays. An excellent
evening and fine dining was enjoyed by all who did attend.
Phase 3, being the actual DLI Association Reunion was conducted in its now accepted three phases of the Parade, the Cathedral Service and the Lunch and Band Concert. Sunday started quite grey and unsettled prior to the parade but ever since these Reunion Parades were started again after WW2 the day changed into Colonel Harry Lowe weather with clear skies and sunshine (God Bless Col Harry). The Parade Commander was DLI Association Chairman Major Paul Wharton MM and the Inspecting Officer was once again the Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sue Snowdon. The centre and rear ranks were inspected by the Mayor of Durham and Col The Hon James Ramsbothsam. After the Inspection and March Past, the salute been taken by Mrs Snowdon and Col James everyone including all those on parade and family and friends moved into the South Transept of the Cathedral which houses the DLI Chapel. The service was conducted by the Dean, Vice Dean and the DLI Association Padre the Revd Kenneth Crawford. Colonel Ramsbotham read the Lesson and Major Chris Lawton read the Roll of Honour. Everyone moved up the road to St Hild & St Bede College for Lunch which was followed by a fantastic concert by the musicians of the Durham ACF Band and Bugles courtesy of their DOM Maj Colin Miller. The audience was introduced to the Band & Bugles brand new, hot off the press CD called “The Children of the Regiment”. It was an instant hit. The Lord Lieutenant spoke to the Associ- ation members and their families assuring them that she will be delighted to attend the 50th Anniversary of the disbandment of the DLI at the 2018 DLI Association Reunion. Another successful and very enjoyable Reunion weekend.
The unveiling of the Hesleden War Memorial which is dedicated to 51 men of Hesleden who lost their lives in 1st & 2nd World Wars was well supported by the village community, residents, campaigners, and children. There were 7 DLI Association standards and members present at the event which was led by the Methodist Minister the Revd Susan Richardson and Rev Roger Davis from St Andrews Church plus standards from the Royal British Legion and other Associations.
HM’s Lord Lieutenant for County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon is escorted by the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham after the 2017 DLI Reunion Service
212 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
THE RIFLES