My branch of the Royal British Legion takes care of five war graves from the First War for the War Graves Commission. They are in the village of Thurstonland but why are they there? I decided to research it and found that four of them had died in a local hospital.I found this by getting copies of their death certificates.
The fifth soldier cannot be traced at the Registrar's office.
He is Private L Walton, 81704 of the 3rd Battalion Durham Light Infantry and died on 5th June 1919.
We would like to find out who he was and how he died so if anyone knows of him we would be pleased to send a photo of the grave to any next of kin.
Many thanks.
Peter Peter Paxton, [email protected], Holmfirth, WEST YORKSHIRE, England, 15/07/2003 23:25:23
In memeory of my Grandfather Sgt William T Caddy 8728. Killed in action 29 September 1918. My Mother was born the following March so she never knew her Father or I my Grandfather. He is buried Trefcon British Cemetery, Caulaincourt, France.
I would like to know what Battle he was fighting in when he lost his life. From the area he is buried, I wondered if he was involved with the
St Quentin Tunnels? Joan Collis, [email protected], 02/07/2003 21:25:03
In memory of my Greaty Uncle Private Charles ( Tommy ) Goforth 44003 18 Bn Durham Light Infantry killed in action on Thursday 28 March 1918. His loving family have all passed over and it is left to those who never knew him to remember him. His life on this earth was short, his sacrifice supreme , his memory will be kept . Ian Padget, [email protected], Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire , England, 19/06/2003 01:34:50
Memories of Peter Million killed in Korea,We had good chats on 355 and yes mate where ever you are I did tell them all. wALLACE dOUGLASW, [email protected], 17/06/2003 00:31:57
My mother in laws father George Edward Taylor was in the DLI and was killed in action about 1940. We have no photographic record of him and would like to hear from anyone with information about him. He is buried in a cemetary in Burqouy Road, Arras, France. This is about all we know. Joanne Johnson, [email protected], Cleveland, United Kingdom, 06/06/2003 21:29:29
In Memory of my great uncle Private Alexander Henry Poole 1st/5th Durham Light Infantry who died age 20 on Monday 23rd April 1917. Son of Frederick and Sarah Poole of 63, Dames Rd Forest Gate. London.He died 20 years before I was born and although my brother was named for him he was never spoken of.Is there a way I can trace how he died ? Like so many other young men he gave his life for his country,may his and their sacrifice never be forgotten.God Bless them all, L D. Bradley. , [email protected], 02/06/2003 12:28:25
In Memory of my brother Pte. LEONARD GEORGE MANTLE 16th Btn D.L.I who was killed in action in Salerno Italy on 23rd September 1943. He remains forever in our hearts Arthur Mantle, farringdon 5 @aol.com, Kent, 30/05/2003 15:30:49
I am looking for info on my uncle William Marshall whom was killed while in service with the 6th bat DLI june 29th 1942 he was from Glasgow scotland so i hope it narrows it down. I am planing to start a 6th Bat reenactment group in the states so any info would help sean quigley, [email protected], petaluma , california, USA, 22/05/2003 18:29:20
looking for information on george owens in durham light infantry 2nd battlion, he was a first aider,
he was also in the dli band and he received the george medal if anyone has any documents of these
could you please get in touch. thank you. michelle owens, [email protected], durham, durham, england, 19/05/2003 23:14:42
In grateful memory of our mother's 4 brothers.. "The Fighting Bradfords" ... Durham men through and through. All four brothers were born in Witton Park, County Durham. Three of them were in the Durham Light Infantry and the 2nd eldest brother was in the Royal Navy:- Colonel Sir Thomas Bradford DSO, Lieut-Commander George Nicholson Bradford VC Royal Navy, Second-Lieutenant James Barker Bradford MC and Brigadier-General Roland Boys Bradford, VC MC, who was the British Army's youngest Brigadier-General at the age of 25. Jonathan L Bradford Cremer, [email protected], East Sussex, England, 17/05/2003 00:17:51
In memory of my Gt Uncle, Private 4/8748 Alfred Archer, 2nd Bn DLI. Killed in action on monday 12th April 1915. France/Flanders. Born Crook Co Durham, Enlisted Newcastle, Residence Edmonsley, Co Durham. Lest We Forget. Peter Brennan, [email protected], West Malling, Kent, England, 20/04/2003 10:13:24
I am researching my family history and desperately wish for more information regarding my Grandfather (John Mills) who served in the Durham Light Infantry from during WW1. We have no medals or details regarding his service as he was unable to read or write when he died in the mid 1980's. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Neil Mills, [email protected], Walsall, West Midlands, 24/03/2003 12:43:35
My father Jim Ratcliffe served with the DLI from North Africa to Berlin and was de-mobbed in 1946.
He was in the Mortars of the 9th Bat DLI, his CO was Lt Col Woods, who got killed at the battle of Lingevres, Major Mogg took over as CO for the rest of the campaign.
My Dad is still alive and kicking at 80 years old. He would love to hear from any relative/friend of his old mates who are still around. Alan Ratcliffe, [email protected], Bolton, Lancs, 05/03/2003 19:37:56
To my father who fought a great fight whilst in the DLI and to cancer which eventually took his life in 1990 aged 44. Brian Douglas Constable travelled to Borneo, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Northern Ireland amongst others, whilst in the DLI. I only wish I could of learnt more of his time in the forces, I am so proud of my father and always will be. Your ever loving daughter Rachel. x Rachel Ward, [email protected], Hartlepool, England, 05/03/2003 16:32:59
In loving memory of Private Matthew Hall 47071 15th Bn., Durham Light Infantry who died on Wednesday 23rd October 1918. Buried at Amerval Communal Cemetery Extension Solesmes, Nord France. If there are any of your decendants out there, especially your sister's family (Barbara), I would like to hear from them. Linda Hall, [email protected], Murton, Co. Durham, 04/03/2003 12:15:10
My great grandfather private Robert Niles 19780
15th battalion DLI died France 13/11/1915
Any ideas as to which battle? Anyone any photos of this battalion? Buried at Houplines Cemetery France. Took my mother and her sister. It was a very humbling experience. The cemetery is well kept and very peaceful. Looking around the graves was quite disturbing seeing the young ages at which these fine young men died. I hope to go back again in the near future and take a couple more of my aunts who would never have known anything about their grandfather if I had not done my family tree.Anyone with any information please email me gail hunt, [email protected], gainsborough, lincs, england, 25/02/2003 20:45:48
I'm writing this on behalf of my Father Jim Craig
who was in the Durham Light Infantry Medical corp around 1950/51. 21 years old at this time.Now aged 78 this March.
(Nickname Jock not surprisingly!)
It would be great to hear if there are any old mates out there to get in touch.
Trying to locate some old photos if possible?
If anyone can point out another possible source of information it would be a great help. Name Withheld, 25/02/2003 08:17:46
I would like some information on my great uncle who enlisted in the DLI, during WW1. He was called Wilfred Whittington, but we believe enlisted as Alfred Whittington, as he ran away to join up against his parents' wishes. He came from Normanton, W.Yorkshire and died from wounds received in battle. He is buried in France. Many thanks Joan Cambage, [email protected], Boroughbridge, N Yorkshire, UK, 24/02/2003 14:41:25
I am interested in obtaining any info on my Great Uncle, Corporal G Harding, buried in Loos Cemetery, he died aged 19years on 4/10/1917 he was awarded the Military medal and I would like to know why. He wa swith the "B" Coy.14th BN.,DLI Any info would be appricated P Parnaby, [email protected], Durham, 23/02/2003 00:17:32
In loving memory of my father, John Sanderson, 1st/9thBn,DLI.Killed in action 23rd April, 1917.Age 29 yrs.Battle of Arras.I do not remember you,but I have always missed you. John Sanderson, [email protected], York, North Yorks, 18/01/2003 12:58:15
In Memory of all the HALL brothers from Croxdale, Co.Durham who served with the DLI and other services during WW11. Five out of seven brothers served, of the other two, Joseph was killed in an accident and Sep was too young to serve. One of the brothers, Harold never came home, killed in service in Malta aged 26 years. Proud to be descendants of these brave men. Vic & Wendy Hall, [email protected], Albion Park Rail 2527, New South Wales, Australia, 17/01/2003 03:40:20
In memory of my great-great-uncle William Benjamin Reeds of the 2nd/5th DLI, who died 12th Dec 1918 just after the conclusion of the first world war and is buried in Italy. If anyone has any information about him or his battalion, I would be very glad to hear from them. Name Withheld, [email protected], 11/01/2003 19:26:38
DLI correction-re inquiry about Pte Sturgeon 5/11 /2002. My unit was the 1st Batt D.L.I. and not the 2nd Batt.I did receive a very prompt correction of this, plus the relevent identification of Pte Sturgeon, and where he was laid to rest at Forli Italy.Many thanks to the researcher T.T. for putting my mind to rest.My invitation still holds for any relative who would like any info by someone who was with him the night he died on the night of Dec 27 1944 Email me with his army number
John E Parkin John E Parkin, [email protected]., British Columbia, Canada, 31/12/2002 07:31:02
I am researching my family history and would be grateful for any information regarding my grandfather. William Cuthbertson was born in Gateshead and enlisted in the DLI, posted at some stage to 1st batallion The (London)Rifle Brigade was killed Nov 5th 1918 and is buried in the communal cemetry, Sebourg, France. alex martin, [email protected], bath , somerset, u.k., 04/12/2002 21:36:55
It has been great to find you on the web. My father was a member of the DLI in the 50's. I had the pleasure of serving with the modern LI. It is fantastic to know our history and contribution by so many from the greatest county in England is not dwindling away as is the case with so many other regt's. Let the memory of their achievements and sacrifice never be forgotten. Lest we forget.
CPL TJ BELL
1 RAR. Timothy Bell, ozding@bigpond, townsville , QLD, Australia, 27/11/2002 07:36:10
After searching for information on my Gr Grandfather and his brother,Sgt Nathan Brown & Pte Edward Brown, I finally got my hands on a copy of "Faithful Sixth" I was Proud that my family gave their all and in the case of Edward Brown,the ultimate sacrifice- his life for the sake of freedom and us all in the great war.
thank you for the sacrifice that all the lads in the DLI gave from it�s beginning to it�s disbandment,I for one will be forever grateful.
Cpl Des Walker
REME Derrick N Walker, [email protected], Bad Fallingbostel, originally from Crook, Co. Durham, Currently Germany, 15/11/2002 21:49:02
I am trying to find imformation about my uncle. William Arther Armstrong 325065 1/9 DLI killed at Bucqouy france thursday 28 march 1918 aged 24. We have his pay book bronze plaque and some letters he sent home ,but his medals have diseapeared over the years . Is it possible to find out what he was awarded and when . I know that he was killed at the time THOMAS YOUNG won his VC ,and wandered if he could have been one of his casualties. Roly Armstrong, katrina@ westbury6946.freeserve.co.uk, Canterbury, Kent, England, 13/11/2002 22:44:18
In memory of my uncle Private John Davidson 7046101, 9th Bn. D.L.I. Who died aged 23 on Sunday 3rd September 1944. buried in Lille France exhumed and reburied in London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval France by the C.W.G.C. Sadly we never met. Rest in Peace. J. Scott, Northern Ireland, 11/11/2002 01:37:24
In memory of my grandfathers brother Private Edward Raper 6096 1st/6th Bn DLI who died on 15th Sept1916 aged 26yrs. Ian Raper, [email protected], Haverhill , Suffolk, 10/11/2002 23:35:46
I would very much like to know the name of a fellow soldier who took my place while on recchi patrol,and died from mortar fire.We were with the 2nd battn D.L.I.near the town of Fianza or Forli. Italy,On the night of Dec27 1944.I think his name was Sturgeon,but am not at all sure!If you are related, or know of this incident, I would appreciate hearing from you by Email,and maybe I can get back to you with details.J.E.P John E Parkin 2ndBatt D.L.I. Italy 1944, [email protected], Coquitlam.B.C. Canada, 05/11/2002 07:36:16
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