The Durham Light Infantry
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The regiment can be traced back to May 1758. The Durham Light Infantry was formed in 1881 with the 1st Battalion, formed from 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) and 2nd Battalion, the 106th Regiment of Foot (Bombay Light Infantry)
During the Great War 37 Battalions were raised and 12,606 members of the regiment were killed or died of wounds.
Battalions during the Great War.
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion
- 3rd Battalion
- 4th Battalion
- 5th Battalion
- 2/5th Battalion
- 6th Battalion
- 2/6th Battalion
- 7th Battalion
- 2/7th Battalion
- 8th Battalion
- 2/8th Battalion
- 9th Battalion
- 2/9th Battalion
- 10th (Service) Battalion
- 12th (Service) Battalion
- 13th (Service) Battalion
- 14th (Service) Battalion
- 15th (Service) Battalion
- 16th (Reserve) Battalion
- 17th (Reserve) Battalion
- 18th (1st County) (Service) Battalion
- 19th (Service) Battalion
- 20th (Wearside) (Service) Battalion
- 21st (Reserve) Battalion
- 22nd (3rd County Pioneers) (Service) Battalion
- 23rd (Reserve) Battalion
- 25th (Works) Battalion
- 26th Battalion
- 27th Battalion
- 28th (Home Service) Battalion
- 29th (Service) Battalion
- 51st (Service) Battalion
- 52nd (Service) Battalion
- 53rd (Service) Battalion
- 1st (Home Service) Garrison Battalion
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Sjt. Joseph Heron 9th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Sjt. Joseph Heron played the clarinet in the band of the 9th Battalion. |
John Miller Durham Light Infantry This is a picture of my Grandfather, John Miller, and some comrades who served with the DLI during WW1. The photograph, I believe, was taken in a POW camp, somewhere in France. |
Robert Edward Meek Durham Light Infantry I am trying to trace my family tree. I was informed by my father that his father, Robert Edward Meek was in the DLI in the Great War. I have tried to find out to no luck. can anyone help me? I have no other information about him not even his service number. It seems a complete mystery. I believe he was born in Middlesbrough and lived in the South moor, Stanley area.
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Robert Brown Durham Light Infantry I am seeking information about my uncle, Robert Brown (DLI) who joined up when he was only 14/15yrs old and was taken prisoner arround 1916. His parents were originaly told he had died but later found he was still alive. It led to their seperation. I believe that his return may have featured in the local (Sunderland?) newspapers.
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Sjt Mjr Joseph Turnbull 3rd Btn. Durham Light Infantry I am trying to find any info about my Grandfather's Service record. He was Joseph Turnbull of the 3rd battalion D.L.I. Prior to WW1, he was serving I believe in Cork, Ireland. He was a sergeant major instructor around 1917. He was wounded in France and I have a copy of his medal card. He had the Victory,British and 14 Star medals. Any help any one?
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James William Robson 12th Btn. Durham Light Infantry I'm trying to find any imfo on my great granddad James William Robson who I'm told served in the 12th DLI in the first world war his number was 17090. Can anyone give me any information?
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William Albert Rose 11th Btn. Durham Light Infantry I am researching my grandfathers service within the DLI during WW1 and would love to hear from anyone who may be connected in any way. Details of my grandfather are as follows: Name: William Albert Rose Born: 12 August 1895 Add: Possibly 35 Crossgate, Durham. Served in World War One 1914-1918 Durham Light Infantry. Army number and battalion: 25757 Sgn. 11th Durham L I. Rank: Pte. 11 DLI was a Pioneer battalion raised at Newcastle in September 1914.
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Capt. J. McNiff Royal Army Medical Corps. Captain McNiff of the RAMC was attached to the 8th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. |
Lt. J. A. Stenhouse Royal Army Medical Corps. Lt J A Stenhouse of teh RAMC was attached to the 8th battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. |
Pte. G. J. Wandless 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Wandless was wounded during the Bombardment whilst serving at Heugh Battery on the 16th of December 1914. |
L/Cpl. Henry Arthur Scott Durham Light Infantry Lance Corporal Scott was one of those wounded at Heugh Battery during the Bombardment on the 16th December 1914. |
Pte. Thomas Rutherford 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Rutherford was wounded on the 16th of December 1914 whilst serving at the Heugh Battery during the Bombardment. |
Pte. Walter Rogers 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.16th Dec 1914) Pte Rogers was killed during the Bombardment of the Hartlepools whilst serving at Heugh Battery on the 16th of December 1914. He was 25 years old. |
Lt. G. K. Raine 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.2nd Jul 1916) Lt Raine was killed on the 2nd of July 1916 he was 19 years old. |
Pte. G. H. Powell 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Powell was one of 11 soldiers of the 18th DLI wounded on the 16th December 1914 whilst serving at Heugh Battery during the Bombardment. |
Pte. L. H. Robinson 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Robinson was wounded during the Bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th of December 1914 whilst serving at Heugh Battery. |
Pte. Thomas Minks 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.16th Dec 1914) Pte Minks died of wounds sustained during the bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th December 1914, he was 25 years old. |
Pte. J. W. Lewis 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Lewis was wounded on the 16th December 1914, during the Bombardment of the Hartlepools whilst serving at Heugh Battery |
Pte. D. Lamb 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Lamb was wounded whilst serving at Heugh Battery during the Bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th December 1914. |
Pte. Leslie Dobson Turner 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.16th Dec 1914) Pte Turner was 24 years old, he died of wounds having been struck by the first shell of the Bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th of December 1914. A plaque marks the spot where then men were manning a machine gun.
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Pte. Alex Ollife Liddle 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.16th Dec 1914) Pte Liddle was 25 years old, he died of wounds having been struck by the first shell of the Bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th of December 1914. A plaque marks the spot where then men were manning a machine gun.
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Pte. Theophilus Jones 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.16th Dec 1914) Pte Jones is believed to be the first soldier killed in action on British soil during the Great War. He was 29 years old and was killed instantly by the first shell of the Bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th of December 1914. The rest of the gun crew Cpl Alex Liddle, Lance Cpl Charles Clarke and Private Les Turner, died of wounds soon afterwards. A plaque marks the point close to the gates of Heugh Battery where they were manning a machine gun. |
Pte. Robert Garrett 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Garrett was one of those wounded during the Bombardment of the Hartlepools on the 16th of December 1914 whilst he was serving at Heugh Battery. |
Pte. T. W. Dees 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte Dees was wounded during the Bombardment of Hartlepool on the 16th of December 1914, he was serving the the 18th Btn, DLI at the Heugh Battery. |
Act L/Cpl Charles Stephen Clarke 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.16th Dec 1914) Acting Lance Corporal Charles Stephen Clarke served at the Heugh Battery in Hartlepool and was killed during the bombardment on the 16th of December 1914 aged 25. |
Pte. R. B. Brown 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Pte. R Brown served at the Heugh Battery in Hartlepool and was wounded buring the bombardment on the 16th of December 1914. |
Pte. William Bartle Baines 5th Btn. Durham Light Infantry My Grandfather, William Bartle Baines served with the 5th Battalion of the DLI. I dont know much about the rest of the men in the picture I am trying to find out more about the 5th battalion.
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Albert Edward Bezant Durham Light Infantry My grandfather, Albert Edward Bezant (1879-1927) served with the Durham Light Infantry in World War One. He is marked by the "ex's" in ball point pen in both photos.
 Bezant.jpg)
My Grandparents, Albert Edward & Mary Ellen (nee Fox) Bezant
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Lt K J Fisher 9th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Lt K J Fisher DLI is commemorated on the Grantown on Spey War Memorial.
His name appears under the "Duthil" section.
Can anyone supply me with more details about this officer?
pp.aanderson@btinternet.com |
Pte. William Renton 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry William Renton was born 18.03.1886 , and christened 08.05.1886 At the time of his birth the Renton family were living at number 4 Minorca, in the east end of Sunderland. William married Rose Powers Renton on 22 August 1910 at St Patrick’s RC Church in Sunderland. The couple ended up having four children John William, James Patrick, Dorothy & Mary.(my grandmother)who was born in July of 1916 His service number 3/8476 indicates he was serving with the 3rd Special Reserve Battalion DLI when war broke out and entered France with the first or second reinforcements to the 2nd Bn on 24/09/1914. The fact that he went out to the 2nd Battalion DLI in September 1914 would mean that he was up to date with his camps and drills as a special reservist, no Territorial’s went out as drafts to the regulars as far as we are aware. The war and victory roll has him as 3/8576 serving with 2nd, 19th, 2nd and 1/9th Battalions and was charged with desertion on 7/11/1916, but was found not guilty. He returned to duty and ended the war with the Gatehead Bn |
Prince Clegg My father was gassed in France in 1918 while serving with the Durham Light Infantry, but I am unable to discover which battalion he was in. My father did survive the war. His name was Prince Clegg, or he may have been known as Prince Russell. His service number was 81913. |
L/Corporal Alfred "Alfie" Bloomfield M.M. 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry I am trying to find out more about my father's army service in WW1 and wonder if anyone can help. I have visited National Records Office at Kew but have found only a record of his award of M.M. Durham Records Office holds war diaries of 2 D.L.I. and my father's name is mentioned as recipient of M.M. in the appendix to the action for which it was awarded. I still have his medals, the Military Medal, War Medal & Victory Medal plus two citations which read: 1. Your Gallant Conduct in the Field on July 14th 1918 near Dickebusch; by capturing a machine gun and team and thus preventing serious loss to your company, has been reported to me, and I have much pleasure in reading the record of your gallantry. J.G.Crawford, Brigadier General Commanding 18th Infantry Brigade. 2. Your Commanding Officer and Brigade Commander have informed me that you distinguished yourself on the 14-7-18 by conspicuous gallantry and coolness when you rushed a machine gun and captured it. I have read their report with much pleasure. T.O. Marden, Major General Commanding 6th Division Awarded M.M. 29-7-18 I also have a newspaper cutting of a social evening in Burnmoor Parish Hall at which my father was presented with an inscribed gold watch by Lord Durham and a gold chain by Lady Anne as the first employee on Lambton Estates to receive the Military Medal. All the other information I have tends to be anecdotal. Is it possible from his service number to discover when he enrolled or was conscripted and when he was demobilsed? Are there any Battalion disciplinary records and if so, where might these be found? I know from a photograph that he was a full corporal, and from what he did tell me, he was reduced to the ranks for striking a sergeant. I assume that he had been promoted back to L/Cpl before the action on 14-7-1918. I would be grateful for any help and advice on where I can search further. |
L/Cpl John Dixon MM. 9th Btn. Durham Light Infantry I have been looking for the records of my Grandfather's military medal and why he won it. I can remember my father telling me that when he was on sentry duty he closed his eyes and heard a click and when he opened them he saw a gun pointed at his head. Who ever it was said you asleep weren't you, of course he denied it, other wise he would have been shot for sleeping on duty. He also told me that he held his brother on the battle field when he died then buried him on the field. |
Private Sydney Clark 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (d.27th May 1918) This would have been my Great Uncle whom my father was named after. He is commemorated on the war memorial in Soisson France along with nearly 4,000 others from the first world war. We guess something awful happened to the 15th battalion on the 27th May 1918 as so many of the 15th were killed in action including their Captain Charles Stanley Herbert. MC. Sydney was only 18 when killed and we believe only given 6 weeks basic training before being sent out to France. Is there any one who knows any more detail about the 15th Battalion and what went wrong? we can only surmise that the unit was obliterated into nothing as we know they died on this day but no trace must have been found. |
Private Emmerson Beckwith 8th. Battalion Durham Light Infantry (d.29th. April 1917) Emmerson (Emmy) was my father's step brother (aged 25) was killed in the Second Battle of Arras just 6 days after my father's brother in law, Lance Corporal Robert Lightburn (Aged 29) was killed, serving with 11th. Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, in the same battle, but different sectors. The two families lived within 1 mile of each other in the same mining village in North West Durham |
Private Robert Atton 1/5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (d.18th Sept 1916) Robert Atton was my Great Uncle,he died at the Battle of the Somme and his name is on the Thiepval Memorial. He was the son of Dick and Emma Atton who moved to Burton-on-Trent from Hallaton in Leicestershire around 1870.He was one of 7 children and born in 1883.As far as I know he never married. I am still working on his family tree and hopefully may update his life story at a later date |
Cpl. James Carrigan M.M. 10th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.10th Oct 1917) I would like any information on the 10th battallion of the DLI.My grandfather was killed in France in 1917. His name appears on a tablet at the tynecot memorial cemetery.I would dearly love to find out the circumstances in which he was awarded the military medal. His son, my father, died last year without knowing him.I would be grateful for information on any web sites specific to the 10th battalion and possible war diaries.I was told by the DLI museum locally that many records were destroyed in a fire so I am concerned that not much may exist |
Pte. Benjamin Dodds Durham Light Infantry (d.30th Dec 1915) This information was given to me by my Cousin to whom I am most grateful |
Daniel Overfield 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (d.1st July 1916) Daniel Overfield from Lilac Road, Eaglescliffe Junction, Co. Durham served with the 15th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. He was killed on the 1st of July 1916 and was buried in Gordon Dump cemetery Ovillers-laboisselle. He was 27 year old.
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Private William Bainbridge Bailey 13th Durham Light Infantry, Northumberland Fusiliers I have been doing some research into my great-grandfather who fought in the Great War.
His name was William Bainbridge Bailey. Rank: Private. He fought with the 13th Durham Light Infantry at Contalmaison on the Somme and also with the Northumberland Fusiliers in many fronts, including the Third Battle of Ypres.
There is some confusion with the Battle of Contalmaison; his war diary (now in the University of Leeds) says he fought on the 4th August 1916. However the websites I have researched show the Battles of Contalmaison were in July 1916. If anyone has any information on this I would be grateful. I would also love to hear about any connections with my grandfather.
Main Events from 1915 – 1917
Joined the Royal Fusiliers on November 1915, aged 19. Transferred to Northumberland Fusiliers June 24th (part of Tyneside Scottish Regiment). Arrived in France July 15th. Transferred to 13th Durham Light Infantry in Franvilliers. Fought at Albert in front line 28th July. Said there were very heavy casualties. August 1st was deployed to Contalmaison (part of the Somme front). 4th August attacked Contalmaison at dusk (hit by machine gun bullet in right thigh and lay in no-man’s land for three days). 7th August crawled back to trenches. Sent home to England for treatment 13th August.
Served in reserve Northumberland Fusiliers four miles from Hull. Transferred to Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) 9th January 1917. Deployed to Armentiers. 11th February went on bombing raid at Armentiers. Not injured although the battalion suffered heavy casualties.13th February came back to battalion at Gadewelde. 9th April (Easter Monday) went over top at Arras. 24th April left Arras reserve and went to front line. Had a rough time taking position and Battalion suffered heavy casualties. 30th April, just one hour before being relieved, the unit was shelled heavily. Had a very narrow escape, five men killed next to him and two wounded.
After being in and out of hospital with a skin disease, he returned to Northumberland Fusiliers. 5th July left for front lines at Peronne. 8th July went to front for four days. Said it was ‘very hot’ with no let up at all. Went over the top just East of Hardecourt. Captured 600 yards of enemy trench.
7th October deployed to Ypres. 16th October was sent to Ypres front line (Passchendaele). Night of 16th October was hit with shrapnel in both legs and right arm. Sent to Number 2 Canadian General Hospital, had three operations and left leg was amputated just above knee. Left for England, or in his words, ‘Back to Blighty.’
Overview
- Trained with Royal Fusiliers
- Fought for Durham Light Infantry at Albert and Contalmaison (The Somme).
- Fought for Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Scottish) at: Armentiers, Arras, Peronne, Hardecourt and Ypres. (Passchendaele).
War Reminiscences
“Enough of War”
“I realized how close God always is to us, one always feels a little reserved about one’s own experience, suffering and hardships. Never boast. And your never alone in trouble.”
Main Reminiscences
- Laying alone in no-man’s land.
- Crossing channel for third time in a paddleboat when he encountered a mine. Suffered worst sea-sickness but said, “Navy, good work.”
- Etaples, never ending stream of men.
- Doing gas guard.
His Lucky and Unlucky Fridays
- Born on Good Friday April 3rd 1896.
- Sworn into the army Friday November 19th 1915.
- Left England for France Friday July 14th 1916.
- Wounded at Contalmaison Friday August 4th 1916
- Home on sick furlough Friday October 1916.
- Left leg amputated Friday November 12th 1917. |
Private Arthur Huitson 2/7th Battalion Durham Light Infantry My grandfather Arthur Huitson was born in Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham 17th September 1889. He served with the Durham Light Infantry (No. 276005) in WW1. He was married and lived in Sunderland when he joined up early in the war. His date of discharge was 19th April, 1919.
He was also in the East Surrey Regiment (No. 204320) as Corporal Arthur Huitson, 2/7th DLI, 6 squad Command School of Musketry at Aldershot between 20th January 1917 and 22nd February 1917 (according to his study note book which he used at Aldershot).
He was a POW but I don't know where. He most likely went to Archangel with the 2/7th but don't know whether he served in France or where he was a POW.
He and his wife and daughter came to Australia in 1922. He was a carpenter. He died on in January 1957 in Ipswich, Queensland. |
William Powell Durham Light Infantry My grandfather, William Powell, served during the Great War. This is his wedding photo, he is the little guy on the right. |
L/Cpl. George William Burgess 8th Battalion Durham Light Infantry
I would like to remember my great grandfather:
Lance Cpl George William Burgess 8th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, service no:1801/300098. He survived the war but was taken prisoner 26th April 1915 at Ypres. |
Captain Robert Haylett MC & Bar 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry I have, for a number of years, tried to trace how my grandfather, Robert Haylett, 37931, 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry, won his Military Cross. I have an old portrait of him in the uniform of the Home Guard during WW2, it is a photo that has been “touched up” i.e. coloured. On it he shown wearing his WW1 medal ribbons and what appears to be two white and purple ribbons. I remember seeing the medals many years ago and there was a small silver rosette on the MC, signifying a second award. I also know he was commissioned in the field from Company Sergeant-Major to Lieutenant and then to Captain.
If you have any information or know where I can obtain it please contact me. |
Pte. John Kirk 15th Btn. (d.21st Mar 1918) John Kirk was my grandfather's youngest brother. He was born in 1899 in Kimberley, Notts, we did not know anything about John until my grandfather informed us just before he died, that he had a younger brother who died. Seeing that I am doing my family tree, I just happened upon John being on the roll of honour. I even found his photo in my old photos, it put a chill down my spine. Its just nice to know that I can put him on this website, so he is remembered. I hope one day to go to Pozieres to see his name there so future generations of the Kirk family will be able to see this. |
Pte. William Joseph Law 11th Battallion (Pioneers) (d.3rd Sept 1916) My grandfather William Joseph Laws (correct name Law)was a miner at Heworth Colliery. He enlisted 31st August 1914, then aged 27 years 4 months. Entered the field of operations (France) on the 20th July 1915. In May & June 1916 he was treated for spinal fever at St. Omer. On Sunday 3rd September 1916, at the Battle of Guillemont,he was killed by a single bullet which pierced a photograph of himself which he carried in his battledress pocket. I have that photograph. He is buried in Plot 7, Row B, Guillemont Cemetery, France. The Battle of Guillemont was a subsidiary attack of the Somme offensive. With its maze of underground tunnels, dugouts and concrete emplacements it was a tough nut to crack. In the Second World War one of his sons, also named William Joseph Law joined the 9th Battalion D.L.I. (Private 4454416)and was also killed-in-action at Vimy Ridge, near Arras, on the retreat to Dunkirk. His name appears on the Dunkirk Memorial, Nord, France which commemorates those soldiers of the British Expeditionary Force who have no known grave. |
Pte. Matthew Foster Durham Light Infantry Matthew Foster enlisted 30.09.1914. He served on the Western Front and was discharged due to wounds on 07.04.1916. |
Pte. George Foster 19th Battalion. D Company (d.22nd Aug 1917) George Foster enlisted at Cocken Hall, 14.06.1915. He was killed in action on the Western Front, 22.08.1917 at 13.10 local time. He served with the D.L.I and 173 Company (Tunnellers) Royal Engineers.
He was the brother of Matthew Foster, (Enlisted D.L.I, 30.09.1914) and Joseph Henry Foster (Enlisted -1914- Northumberland Fusiliers + 172 Company (Tunnellers), Royal Engineers. KIA Western Front, 18.04.1915. |
Sjt. Charles E. Spour Durham Light Infantry My great grandfather, Charles Spour joined the DLI in february 1914. Very little is known of his service records, but he did serve in france & recieved medals for action on 9th December 1915. It is believed he was gassed. This is the only information I have so far, I would love to know more. |
Pte. George Eastwood 15th Battalion (d.10th Sep 1918) My great uncle, George Eastwood, was killed in France on the Western Front, somewhere near Sailly-Saillisel. He died before my mother, Joyce Curson, was born, so I knew very little about him - just that he died at the age of 18, just a couple of months before the end of the war and that he was the brother of my grandmother Margaret Eastwood. When my grandfather died I found, amongst his papers, the medal and commemorative plaque for George and I decided to see if I could find out more. I now know that he has no known grave but is commemorated at the Vis-en-Artois Memorial at Pas de Calais. One day I hope to go and leave a flower for the young man who died in a muddy field and whose remains probably lie there still. My only regret is that I have no picture of George. If there are any distant relatives researching his story and who have a photo of him, I would love to see a copy. |
Pte. Benjamin Bennett 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry I believe at sometime my grandfather, Benjamin Bennett was a prisoner of war. This is a memory of a conversation with him over 40 years ago. He served with the 2nd Btn DLI and also with the West Riding Regiment. |
RSM. Arthur William Thew DCM, MSM. 5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry R.S.M. Thew was my grandfather. He was born in Elvet, Durham in 1877 and was educated at the Bluecoats School. After a few years as a clerk at the pits, probably elvet pit, he enlisted with the DLI in 1896.
He served with the 1st battalion in South Africa during the Boer War.
He was transferred to India in 1902 where he stayed until 1907.
He returned to the UK in 1907 and married Durham girl Mary Elizabeth Wandless. He then joined the regiment in Cork, Ireland. He also spent some time in Colchester and Newcastle. In 1915 he went with the 1/5 battalion to France. He was returned to Stockton in 1917 [age 40] to help with recruitment and training. He died in 1943, 3 months before I was born.
His SA medals which included bars for Tugela Heights /Laings Nek and the WW1 medals were donated to the DLI museum. These medals were lost to the family for many years until in the late eighties on a chance visit to the old family home in Durham Road, Stockton, my mother and I met the current occupant, a WW2 DLI veteran, who had the medals, he promised the to us and several days later they arrived in the post. |
Pte. George Edward Jackson 5th Battalion Durham Light Infantry George Jackson, enlisted 25th September 1914, and arrived in France on the 1st May 1915. he was wounded on the 11th of March 1916 and discharged as no longer fit for service on 10th October 1916. |
Pte. Joseph Richardson Summerson 6th Btn. Durham Light Infantry Joseph Richardson Summerson was born 7th April 1892 at Kirk Merrington, County Durham to parents Thomas and Mary Jane, nee Richardson, at the time of his enlistment on the 28th September 1914 was living at 51 Lincoln Street, Leeholme, County Durham.
On the 29th September 1914 he was posted to the 6th Reserve Battalion,
19th April 1915 posted to France, 26th August 1918 posted to the 15th Battalion.
On the 9th Sept 1918 reported as a prisoner of war in Germany ,
Then on the 12th January 1919 was posted to the Depot and on the 18th April 1919 discharged.
My grandfather was gassed during the war and was captured by the Germans and imprisoned in a forced labour camp which was Berlin Gasworks , most of the time he had to just live on potatoes as also had to eat the potato skins just to survive.
I remember my grandfather could speak some French and would often play his harmonica,one of the story's of his time during the great was that he on one occasion slipped in to the French lines for a drink and drank schnapps with the French and would sing with them, but was caught by a commanding officer on his way back to the British lines , no mention of any disciplinary action given for this either from his story's or in his army records, so am guessing that it was not an unusual occurrence in the war at that time?  Grandad sitting on the front row second man in on the left,stripes on his right forearm.
I have two photos of him taken in the prisoner of war camp, on the group photo he is the second man sitting on the first row on the left hand side, second man in with the stripes on his forearm, there is a story that he was offered promotion in the ranks but later refused it as he did not want to be a higher rank to his pals, but there is no mention of this promotion in his army records? On the photo you will see that the words Berlin Gasworks is chalked on the shovel.
The second photo is one of him with a friend and is standing on the left of the photo,don't know of a name of his friend all I do know is that he died of Pneumonia on the return trip to England?
Second photo was taken just before he departed England for France in 1915, story goes that he and a few others got soaked in the rain that day and decided to get their photo taken before they boarded the ship?
This picture is the Roll Of Honour that mentions my grandfather and is for the men of Coundon and Leeholme, that fought in the Great War, the men listed with stars along with the names are ones that died in service, this Roll of Honour hangs in the entrance to Coundon Workingman's Club, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, Durham.
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L/sgt Andrew Charles "Mac" McIver 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry From his service records, I have discovered that my grandfather Andrew Charles McIver initially joined the special reserves at the age of 17, ( No 400700 ). After a few months he reached the age of 18 and joined the Durham Light Infantry, ( No 11555 ), and I believe, posted to Colchester for training with the 3rd Battalion. He was posted to France in May or June 1915 to join the 2nd battalion DLI, where, on the 8th August he received a bayonet wound at the "Hooge". He was sent to the 5th northern hospital in Leicester for treatment until Dec 1916 when he posted back to France. Between this posting date and Mar 1917 he was gassed and once again returned to England but only until May 1917 when he was returned to France but I am unsure if he was still part of the DLI or he had at this point was in the 798 area employment coy. Its very difficult to decipher the service records as they are very faint and damaged, I do however know that in May 1919 he was a stretcher bearer at the Windmill camp in Boulogne from an order slip that he kept that is now 90 years old. On his discharge he was serving as a L/sgt with the West Yorkshire Regiment at the Northern command discharge centre in Ripon. Grandad very rarely spoke of his time in WW1 so its only by the aid of various wesites, mostly unreadable records and the DLI museum that this part of his life can be recorded and remembered. The only story that he ever related to me was that at some time he was a "runner" between trenches. On carrying a message to his officer he was slightly wounded in the leg, when entering the command post his officer glared at him and ask " why are you not standing straight man", "I've been injured in the leg sir, sorry sir", grandad replied, with that the officer moved over to him and proceeded to cut open his trouser leg, with this grandad got very aggitated, " stay still, whats wrong with you man?" the officer growled, "Its the other leg sir", said poor grandad. He went two days with a racy split in his trouser leg. |
Pte. James Parker 1/5th Btn. Durham Light Infantry |
Pte William Brown 10th Btn Durham Light Infantry (d.26th Sept, 1915) William Brown joined up in August, 1914. I think he may have thought it was going to be an adventure, as his records show repeatedly that he was punished for being drunk! He died 13 months after enlisting and in that short period he was punished several times for being drunk and once for being late back off leave. He left a wife and two sons, age 4 and 3. I don't suppose they thought it was much of an adventure.
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Cpl. Thomas Albert Crawford 15th Battalion Durham Light Infantry My stretcher is one scarlet stain,
And as I tries to scrape it clean,
I tell you what - I'm sick of pain,
For all I've heard, for all I've seen;
Around me is the hellish night,
And as the war's red rim I trace,
I wonder if in Heaven's height
Our God don't turn away his face.
I don't care whose the crime may be,
I hold no brief for kin or clan;
I feel no hate, I only see
As man destroys his brother man;
I wave no flag, I only know
As here beside the dead I wait,
A million hearts are weighed with woe,
A million homes are desolate.
In dripping darkness far and near,
All night I've sought those woeful ones.
Dawn suddens up and still I hear
The crimson chorus of the guns.
Look, like a ball of blood the sun
Hangs o'er the scene of wrath and wrong,
"Quick! Stretcher-bearers on the run!",
Oh Prince of Peace! How long, how long?"
Written by Thomas Albert Crawford, my father, who served with the 15th DLI. Tommy was injured on 1st July 1916 on the Somme at Fricourt. He survived the war only to lose his wife (from cancer) and his two sons in their early 30's. Tommy re-married and had two sons, Colin and Brian. Colin died at 25 years of age and six months later in 1980 Tommy passed away. I have recently published Tommy's memoirs entitled "Tommy" available from Woodfield Publishing - all royalties go to the Commonwealth Graves Commission.
Corporal 28695 Thomas Albert Crawford, 15th (Service) Bn. Durham Light Infantry (later Labour Corps, service no. 123884). The 15th Bn. was part of the 21st Division, which arrived in France in September 1915. The division attacked Fricourt on the 1st July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme in which action Corporal Crawford was wounded. |
Pte. John Jefferson MM & Bar 15th battalion Durham Light Infantry (d.4th Oct 1917)
22848 Pte John Jefferson MM&Bar
Born Tudhoe Co. Durham enlisted Spennymoor
Killed in action (Passchendaele) 4th 10th 1917
Award of Military Medal published London Gazette
Tuesday 12/12/1916 and the Bar published London Gazette
Friday 28/9/1917 Unable to gain information on why these Medals
were awarded due to the fact that these records were destroyed
during world war 2, I would be more than grateful if anyone
out there could supply any.
A very proud Grandson
Thomas Jackson. |
Pte. John Nicholson 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry (d.8th Feb 1916) John Nicholson was my grandmother's younger brother who was only 19 when killed in action in France. |
L/sgt Andrew Charles "Mac" McIver 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry From his service records, I have discovered that my grandfather Andrew Charles McIver initially joined the special reserves at the age of 17, ( No 400700 ). After a few months he reached the age of 18 and joined the Durham Light Infantry, ( No 11555 ), and I believe, posted to Colchester for training with the 3rd Battalion. He was posted to France in May or June 1915 to join the 2nd battalion DLI, where, on the 8th August he received a bayonet wound at the "Hooge". He was sent to the 5th northern hospital in Leicester for treatment until Dec 1916 when he posted back to France. Between this posting date and Mar 1917 he was gassed and once again returned to England but only until May 1917 when he was returned to France but I am unsure if he was still part of the DLI or he had at this point was in the 798 area employment coy. Its very difficult to decipher the service records as they are very faint and damaged, I do however know that in May 1919 he was a stretcher bearer at the Windmill camp in Boulogne from an order slip that he kept that is now 90 years old. On his discharge he was serving as a L/sgt with the West Yorkshire Regiment at the Northern command discharge centre in Ripon. Grandad very rarely spoke of his time in WW1 so its only by the aid of various wesites, mostly unreadable records and the DLI museum that this part of his life can be recorded and remembered. The only story that he ever related to me was that at some time he was a "runner" between trenches. On carrying a message to his officer he was slightly wounded in the leg, when entering the command post his officer glared at him and ask " why are you not standing straight man", "I've been injured in the leg sir, sorry sir", grandad replied, with that the officer moved over to him and proceeded to cut open his trouser leg, with this grandad got very aggitated, " stay still, whats wrong with you man?" the officer growled, "Its the other leg sir", said poor grandad. He went two days with a racy split in his trouser leg. |
Pte. George Duncan Hill 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry My great grandfather, George Hill was a Private of the Durham Light Infantry 2nd Battalion. He saw active service right at the beginning of the First World War but became a Prisoner of War some time in 1914. He returned to Jarrow living in either St Pauls Road or Ferry Street in Jarrow and married Catherine Doogan in 1919. He went to work in the ship yards and later on when he was 52 years old, took part in the Jarrow March. Two of his medals, the 1914 star and victory medal (1914-1918) are on display in the Durham Light Infantry Museum. |
Pte. James Walker 2nd battalion Durham Light Infantry (d.9th Aug 1915) My great grandad James Walker was killed in action on the Western Front on 9th August 1915 aged 30 years, leaving a wife and 4 children. My grandad would of been 3 the last time he saw his dad. My respect for him knows no bounds he died for his country yet is forever alive in my thoughts. |
Cpl. Arthur Huitson 2/7 Btn, 6th Squad. Durham Light Infantry My grandfather, Arthur Huitson was with 2/7th DLI 6th Squad when he attended the Command School of Musketry at Aldershot during January and February of 1917. He was a prisoner of war in a german prisoner of war camp but I don't know where but would be happy if someone has any information. His best friend was shot through the neck right in front of him and he kept a stiff white collar which had a bullet hole in it but other than this, I don't know any more details. I have photos of Officer's mess where he appears to be wearing a cook's white uniform. I also have a photo of him in uniform and photo taken with his two brothers all in uniform. He was also with East Sussex Regiment and his number was 204320. |
L/Cpl. Alfred Chamberlain 2nd Btn Durham Light Infantry My father, Alfred Chamberlain was Lewis gunner. He told me of forced marches in lower Alps in Italy 1917-18, when buglers played to boost the speed and their lips were blue with cold and swollen. |
Sjt. Abraham Eden Todd 15th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.31st May 1918) My great uncle, Abraham Todd died of wounds during the battle of the Aisne, May 1918. He is buried at Beaurepaire, French National Cemetry, Pontavert. |
Pte. Joseph William Walker 10th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.10th Apr 1917) We always believed Uncle Joe died in Turkey, but after a more in depth research discovered he died in France and buried at Tilloy British Cemetary, Tilloy-Les-Mofflaines, I would like to know more of the battle he was engaged in. |
Sjt. John Ernest Elgie 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry John Ernest Elgie, was my Gt Grand father, Son of the late Tom Elgie, of Black Lion Hotel, Thirsk, Yorks.; husband of Lily Elgie, of 13, Alexandra Rd., Grangetown, Yorks. |
Thomas Edmenson Durham Light Infantry My relative's name, Thomas Edmenson appears on the War memorial in West Hartlepool, in spite of extensive search I can find very little information about him. If anyone are able to help in any way it would be appreciated..... Thank you. |
Pte. Charles Thomas Goforth 18th Btn. Durham Light Infantry (d.28th Mar 1918) My grandmother was Charles Goforth's younger sister and she never got over losing "Tommy" and she always wanted to visit his grave. He has, like so many of that conflict no known grave and I am going to visit the area shortly and pay my respects at the Arras memorial.
I have detailed maps of the places where the battalion fought during the 1918 German offensive and I hope to try and re trace the steps he and his comrades took all those years ago. |
Dawn Raid: Bombardment of the Hartlepools J M Ward
An excellent account of the naval bombardment on the 16th of December 1914.
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Guns of the Northeast: Coastal Defences from the Tyne to the Humber Joe Foster
A detailed study of the coastal defences of North East England, including accounts of the bombardment of the East coast in 1914, with many excellent photgraphs and diagrams.
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Bombardment: The Day the East Coast Bled Mark Marsay
A well researched book with many personal accounts of the events of the 16th of December 1914
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The Steel of the DLI (2nd Bn 1914/18) John Sheen
Sheen's history has all of the insight and detail we have come to expect of modern scholarship, drawing deeply on official, regimental and private records. With many excellent photographs, most of which will not have been seen before, and lacing the battalion's history with the stories of individual officers and men, he takes us through the whole war from the battalion's first searing experiences on the Aisne, right through to the honour of advancing into Germany as part of the army of occupation. In between, the 1915 nightmares of Hooge, the latter stages of the Somme, Hill 70, Cambrai and ceaseless engagement in 1918. The story also brings out how the nature of the battalion inevitably changed, from wholly regular through mostly volunteer to conscript, yet managed to maintain an ethos and professional air throughout.
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The Attack of the British Ninth Corps at Messines Ridge (1917) The War Department
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Hill 60: Ypres (Battleground Europe) Nigel Cave
The shell-ravaged landscape of Hill 60, some three miles south east of Ypres, conceals a labyrinth of tu nnels and underground workings. This book offers a guide to the memorials, cemeteries and museums at the site '
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