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Durham Light Infantry facts for kids

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The Durham Light Infantry (DLI) was a famous British Army regiment. It was made up of soldiers from the Durham area in England. The DLI existed from 1881 until 1968. It was formed when two older regiments, the 68th and 106th, joined together. These brave soldiers fought in many important wars around the world.

What Was the Durham Light Infantry?

The Durham Light Infantry was created in 1881. It was formed by combining two older army groups. These were the 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) and the 106th Regiment Of Foot (Bombay Light Infantry). Soldiers from Durham county also joined.

The DLI fought in many major conflicts. These included the Second Boer War, World War 1, and World War II. They also served in the Korean War and the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation.

In 1968, the DLI joined with other regiments. They formed a new group called The Light Infantry. Later, The Light Infantry became part of an even bigger regiment called The Rifles.

Heroes of the DLI: Victoria Cross Winners

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award a soldier can get in the British military. Eight members of the Durham Light Infantry were awarded this incredible honour for their bravery.

World War I Victoria Crosses

  • In November 1915, Private Thomas Kenny of the 13th Battalion received a VC.
  • In October 1916, Lieutenant Colonel Roland Bradford of the 9th Battalion earned a VC.
  • In May 1917, Private Michael Heaviside of the 15th Battalion was awarded a VC.
  • In July 1917, 2nd Lieutenant Frederick Youens of the 13th Battalion received a VC.
  • In December 1917, Captain Arthur Moore Lascelles of the 14th Battalion earned a VC.
  • In March 1918, Private Thomas Young of the 9th Battalion was awarded a VC.

World War II Victoria Crosses

  • In May 1940, 2nd Lieutenant Richard Annand of the 2nd Battalion received a VC.
  • In June 1942, Private Adam Herbert Wakenshaw of the 9th Battalion earned a VC.

Battle Honours

Battle Honours are special names given to regiments. They show the important battles or campaigns where the regiment fought bravely. The Durham Light Infantry earned many Battle Honours, including:

  • Salamanca
  • Vittoria
  • Pyrenees
  • Nivelle
  • Orthes
  • Peninsula
  • Alma
  • Inkerman
  • Sevastapol
  • Reshire
  • Bushire
  • Koosh-Ab
  • Persia
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa 1899-1902
  • Ypres
  • Hooge
  • Loos
  • Somme
  • Delville Wood
  • Arras
  • Messines
  • Polyogn Wood
  • Lys
  • Passchendaele
  • Kemmel
  • Hindenburg Line
  • Selle
  • Sambre
  • Flanders
  • Macedonia
  • Egypt
  • Afghanistan
  • Dyle
  • Arras
  • Dunkirk
  • Rauray
  • Syria
  • Tobruk
  • El Alamein
  • El Kourzia
  • Cosina
  • Salerno
  • Burma
  • Middle East
  • Malta
  • Athens
  • Greece
  • Korea

Images for kids

  • Monument to the Durham Light Infantry, Durham Marketplace

    Monument to the Durham Light Infantry, Durham Marketplace

  • Christ Church Mhow Plaque 2nd Durham Light Infantry

    The 2nd Durham Light Infantry installed this at Christ Church, Mhow during their time at Mhow between 1892 and 1896.

  • 9th DLI colour party 1909

    Colour party of the 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry after receiving new colours from King Edward VII, 19 June 1909.

  • British plan Somme 1 July 1916

    British front line Divisions on the first day of the Somme.

  • Durham Light Infantry signallers Battle of Menin Road 1917 IWM Q 5968

    A signal section of the 13th battalion D.L.I. on the Menin Road ridge, September 1917.

  • Battle of cambrai 3 - British Offensive

    Initial British gains at Cambrai.

  • Battle of Vittorio Veneto

    The Italian Campaign.

  • 1DLI 1937

    1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry leaves Farnborough in October 1937 on the first part of their journey to Shanghai.

  • The British Army in Tunisia 1943 NA1344

    A wounded soldier from the Durham Light Infantry shares a cigarette with a wounded German prisoner during the Mareth line battle, 22–24 March 1943.

  • IND 003698 Garrison Hill Kohima

    Garrison Hill, Kohima.

  • The British Army in Sicily 1943 NA4614

    Men of the 6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry chat with an American paratrooper of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, part of the 82nd Airborne Division, in Avola, 11 July 1943.

  • Douet 11 June

    Officer, NCO and men of 'A' Company, 6th Durham Light Infantry, 50th Division, in the village of Douet, France, 11 June 1944.

  • The British Army in North-west Europe 1944-45 BU2836

    Men of the 9th Durham Light Infantry clearing resistance in the village of Weseke, Germany, 29 March 1945.

  • Monument to the Victoria Cross winners of the Durham Light Infantry, Durham Cathedral square

    Monument to the Victoria Cross winners of the Durham Light Infantry, Durham Cathedral square.

  • King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in the uniform of the Durham Light Infantry

    King Vajiravudh of Siam in the uniform of the Durham Light Infantry. The photo was taken in 1917 after the king was made an honorary General in the British Army.

  • Durham Light Infantry Museum and Arts Centre - geograph.org.uk - 145003

    Former D.L.I. Museum and Durham Art Gallery.

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