Durham in County Durham, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Durham Light Infantry
The Durham Light Infantry
Dedicated to All
Who Served in the Regiment
And in Memory of
Those Who Gave Their Lives
In the Cause of Freedom
Faithful
( side plaque )
The Regiment’s long connection with County Durham goes back to 1758 when the 68th Regiment of Foot came into being with John Lambton (whose family name came from the county) as its first Colonel. In 1808 it became the third regiment to be converted into light infantry, tasked with skirmishing ahead of the line, responding to commands given by the bugle and not the drum. Hence the cap badge.
In 1881 the link with the County was formally recognised with the 68th becoming the 1st battalion and the 106th (formerly the 2nd Bombay European Light Infantry) the 2nd battalion of the Durham Light Infantry. This local link was reinforced by two militia (post 1908 Special Reserve) and five volunteer (post 1908 Territorial) battalions. It was World War One however, in which 37 battalions served and 12,006 members of the Regiment were killed that turned this link into the exceptional bond between County and Regiment that so characterised it during the remainder of its existence.
During World War Two the Regiment fought in every theatre of the war, most notably in Burma and, under Field Marshal Montgomery, from El Alamein to the Rhine.
During the 210 years of its existence the Regiment won 38 Battle Honours and 11 of its members earned the Victoria Cross.
In 1968 the Regiment joined the other Light Infantry Regiments to form The Light Infantry which in 2007 was incorporated into a newly formed regiment, The Rifles.
( side plaque )
The bugler is carrying a rifle to show he is still, first and foremost, a rifleman. This is one of a pair of memorials to the Regiment, the other being at the National Memorial Arboretum.
( back )
There may be some Regiments as good but I know of none better
Montgomery of Alamein
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. In addition, it is included in the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 27, 1953.
Location. 54° 46.637′ N, 1° 34.539′ W. Marker is in Durham, England, in County Durham. Memorial is at the intersection of Silver Street and Saddler Street, on the left when traveling north on Silver Street. Located in Durham Market Place. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Durham, England DH1 3RD, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Neptune (a few steps from this marker); Charles William Vane Stewart (within shouting distance of this marker); Durham Cathedral and Castle (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Former Exchequer (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Bishop Cosin’s Library (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); For Valour (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Bishop Cosin’s Almshouses (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Old Registry (approx. 0.3 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Durham.
Also see . . . Durham Light Infantry. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 11, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 11, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 7. submitted on April 11, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.