DLI Association Information

History

The DLI Association was formed in 1933 and its membership grew rapidly until the beginning of WW2. As one would expect during those turbulent years, membership stagnated and it was not until after 1945 that membership of the Association showed any significant increase.

Under the leadership Lieutenant Colonel Harry Lowe, the Association thrived and a number of new branches were formed. However, when the Regiment was axed under the re-organisation of the Army in the 1960s and the DLI’S Colours laid up in Durham Cathedral on 12th December 1968, many believed that the Association would go into decline, but the branches held firm and, far from declining, the Association grew stronger. This growth can be attributed to the fact that many who had served in the Regiment now felt a need to hold on to the traditions and comradeship they had experienced. Also the DLI Association opened up membership to all Light Infantrymen, including those serving in the newly designated Light Division.

The Association now has 16 active branches, spread throughout the North East of England and much inter-branch activity takes place during the year, including dinners, dances, indoor games and trips abroad to visit old battlefields and war graves.

The Annual Reunion takes place in September in Durham City, when about 600 members parade outside the Cathedral on College Green and then, after a service in the DLI Chapel, celebrate in the usual style in Bede College.

Objects

1. To maintain the spirit of The Durham Light Infantry and The Light Infantry amongst all ranks past and present.
2. To keep in touch with those who have served in The Durham Light Infantry & The Light Infantry.
3. To maintain the comradeship which existed in the Regiment and that which now exists in The Light Infantry & to promote social intercourse by arranging functions and other such gatherings on a regular basis.
4. To afford opportunities of mutual assistance and, in close co-operation with the Regimental Fund, to investigate cases of distress and hardship and to obtain or give assistance where possible.

Membership

The following are eligible for membership:

1. All those who have served in The Durham Light Infantry or The Light Infantry or are serving as Commissioned Officers in accordance with the London Gazette.
2. All other ranks who have been enlisted in or transferred to The Light Infantry as shown in the records maintained at the Regimental Records Office.

Honorary Membership

The following may be admitted to Honorary Membership:

1. All ranks of Allied Regiments shall be Honorary Members without payment.
2. The following may be elected Honorary Members on payment of the subscription prevailing at the time of their election.
   • Officers of the affiliated Cadet Battalions.
   • Ladies and Gentlemen interested in the Regiment.
   • Other Ranks and ex-other ranks of the affiliated Cadet Battalions who have been recommended by their Commanding Officer and who have not served with, or are not now serving, with other Regiments, Corps or Services.
   • Near relatives of all ranks who are eligible for membership, may with the approval of the Executive or Branch Committee become Honorary Members on payment of the prevailing subscription.

Structure

There are 16 branches of the DLI Association. The branches are autonomous and elect their own officials, however, all branches are subject to the General Rules of the Association and the authority of the Executive Committee.

Each branch is entitled to a seat on the Executive Committee, which meets three times per year in The Light Infantry Office, Elvet Waterside, Durham, DH1 3BW. The Annual General Meeting takes place in April.

The present appointed Executive Committee officials are as follows:

President	Col. T.J. Gregson, MBE
Chairman	Major. C.E. Darwin, MBE
Secretary	Mr. Kevin Storey, BEM
Treasurer	Major Chris Lawton MBE
Hon. Vice President	Major J.W. Jones, MBE, DL
Hon. Vice President
Vice Chairman	Capt. A. Lynn

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