Welcome to our experimental method for users of the British Light Infantry Regiments that can assist in providing information and limited research content.
The above words were written in November 2006 – this blog page being the first of many that have now sprung into being and practically rendering this initial page obsolete. Preferential DCLI usage has now shifted to britisharmylimostwanted a multi listing site for many sub categories. Postings to that site are more likely to gain a response.
November 16, 2006 at 8:49 pm |
This is an experimental post to the Research Blog to seek responses from all former Light Infantrymen who have a story to tell, information to pass on, or have a long lost comrade they would wish to contact again.
When one reads the various Regimental Guestbook postings from family members with the poignant messages that seek information about fathers, grandfathers, uncles, great uncles and other mates, it’s clear that many younger people have an interest in Light Infantry Regimental history. This LI Blog is designed to do just that and the Editor hopes that this internet technology will find support from many subscribers with a contribution to offer.
This Blog platform enables an exchange of comment that can be seen by many, who in turn might just have a snippet of memory recall that helps to build a bigger picture of answers to: “where is my father’s grave?”, “does anyone remember L/Cpl Jones KOYLI 456123″ etc. We have for instance, already developed a thread of email exchange from KSLI soldiers who served in Kenya in August 1955 under Lt Col C Brooke Smith, with regards to his untimely and accidental death during a Mau Mau ambush. The information exchanged over a few weeks, provided history with the accurate information that Historians required, which proves beyond much doubt that the information is out there and is searchable.
For 1DCLI general memorabilia go to: http://djkl157.googlepages.com/1dclimemorabilia and consider adding your stuff. Just email the Editor (“Dick”) Lovemore.
“The good old days are here and now” (Denis Waitley)
Carpe Diem!
December 25, 2006 at 5:13 pm |
Anyone remember me. Now living in Pembroke, West Wales. Contact at email above
December 26, 2006 at 1:53 pm |
1952 I joined after two years in RAF Apps joined by going to the local dole office and being offered a dish washing job, the clerk took a long time to work out that I wanted to get the hell out of Plymouth. Eventually the papers arrived and with my newly scrubbed Airforce backpack I cycled to Bodmin, 30 odd miles. On arrival the NCO signing in the sprogs/erks recognised that I had done some and promply relieved me of my bike to go to an urgent bog break with a wink. So I had to sign in the new arrivals.
As always when someone decides to drop you in it, the Orderly Officer arrived and put my brain in top gear. I introduced myself and explained that the NCO had rushed off to the latrines putting me in charge of the reception. He bought it, lucky for both of us. After training I went to Minden BAOR ,then Blighty, Bermuda to drop off, Jamaica to drop off, British Honduras to drop me off then onward to British Guiana to drop the last lot off. After around six months in British Honduras I was sent back to Jamaica, as I refused to take orders from the OC`s wife, bloody sprogs! Three years glorious holiday, for two of the rifle companies not so good, as our sister battalions in Korea were getting a bit thin on the ground, due to what they call today “friendly fire”, then it was the bloody Yanks who couldn’t hit a barn door at twenty paces, we got two men back out of two rifle companies. One went on to kill himself on a m/cycle in Jamaica hitting an unlit milk lorry. On demob I joined the Post Office Telephones later British Telecom from which I retired in 1989.
December 29, 2006 at 7:29 am |
Begin ‘conversation’ with Roy (Taffy) Dudden – Post above dated 25th Dec.
Thank you for your Comment Taffy, but please note. Your email address is not published to view (even if it was noted correctly – which unfortunately it isn’t).
I suggest that you ‘click’ on my name above that is hotlinked to another site where you are invited to publish a profile of yourself in detail. That alternative might present a better chance of a response. Again, your email details are obscured in the Post and any messages are relayed through the Editor.
Carpe Diem!
February 13, 2007 at 8:55 pm |
Does any one have any info on Pte Bill Evans or Patrick Carney both of (?) platoon A Coy. Platoon commander Lt J Hooper, Plt Sgt Bulley. Sorry to hear about Dick Dyer met him briefly at last years open Day. Any one remember Cardy’s Tailor shop?
I was not a good soldier, too interested in my local girlfriend. Any ex Acy lads I would love to hear from you.
Mike
Postscript added 21st March ‘07
Thanks for post to the site Mike. I note John Tenniswood’s reply regarding Cardy the tailor. The “A” Company website is now building rapidly with cross links to other related 1DCLI sites that might offer more information. Sgnt John Tenniswood (Garrison Pay Sergeant) would know most of the Sergeants, but I do believe that Sgt Bulley took over 4 Platoon during my time there. If I have the right bloke he was a small fella – ex Para?
Carpe Diem
Derek (Dick) Lovemore Editor
March 2, 2007 at 4:04 pm |
Mike Cummings
Yes I remember Cardy’s shop very well. The single Sgts had rooms on the verandah above. Like you I bought those shirts and trousers from him.
Hey let’s remember this was before jeans….
Cardy had lots of gold teeth
Pedlar Palmer the DCLI Colour Sgt (also single) was convinced that Cardy was up to no good with the lads and was always on about the gathering of squaddies in the shop on the evenings….
October 19, 2007 at 3:13 pm |
Our first regimental barber in Prospect was Ginger Brayley who came from Nth Devon. The barber’s shop was next to Cardy’s. Ginger was good barber – but not to senior ranks who would insist you had it cut again! Short back and sides?? After Ginger left Bermuda, Brian Peters took over the job and turned out a jolly good barber, it being his trade in civvy street.
I was a plumber and pipefitter working in St. Laurences Hospital in Bodmin where Brian lived and as I was a couple of months ahead I had left Bermuda in May 1955, but a few months later rode my 350BSA to visit Brian in Bodmin.
I haven’t seen him since that day in 1955. Everytime I visit Bodmin I enquire about him but no local people seems to know his whereabouts. He was another gentleman.
November 22, 2007 at 9:49 pm |
Thanks to Derek Lovemore’s communication skills I have just discovered this contact and am thoroughly enjoying the memories.
I am interested in hearing from, or hearing about any of the soldiers who boxed with me on the Regimental Team that competed against Bermuda in Hamilton in 1954.
Also so sorry to hear of Lt Francis Drake’s passing. Any news on Lt’s Peter Mitchell, Andrew Law, David Nation and David Coggin?
John.
ED: We advise that sadly John Rutter died suddenly and unexpectedly on 9th January 2008 in his home in Canada. We hope to eventually liaise with Family to procure John’s Bermuda and Jamaica photos that he had indicated he would contribute to our “A” Company collection. Anyone with stories or anecdotes associated with John, kindly forward to Editor.
March 1, 2008 at 12:30 am |
Nosing around the LI sites. (still learning how to use this thing). Only got it about Sept. last year. Took a couple of months to learn how to switch on.
I was interested in the blog sent in by Peter J B Dunbar. Dec 2006. His name doesn’t ring a bell, but we must have joined up about the same time. Give or take a month or two. I joined in June 1952 in Bodmin and signed on for three years in July. Got posted to Minden after basic training to B Coy for a few weeks (hated it) but got posted to MMG’s S Coy (loved it ).
Our Co Com was Major Tyack, now Brig Gen Retired. A real gentleman and our CSM was Joe Rowley, then CSM Smokey Hallet. Platoon Commander was Lt Tim Hodder. Platoon Sgts. John Holland MM. Dick Oram. Cpls and L/Cpls, Les Southworth. Jan Wardle. Mick Jose and John Fisher.
I remember the Coronation Parade well. We had to mark time during the march past, to let the other Regiments get off the parade ground, then we still passed them. (too slow to catch cold). Peter mentioned about a soldier being killed in Jamaica. If I remember right, he was a member of the Anti tank Platoon S Coy. A sad thing.
We had four platoons in S Coy. MMGs (the cream) – chuckle, 3in Mortars. Anti tanks and Assault Pioneers. Sections from the four platoons served in Belize. I didn’t go with my section, as I went up to Newcastle on a NCO’s course. Didn’t do much after demob. Went to London and worked for a few years. Came home to Cornwall, married this loving kind woman, 46 years this October. Settled down, raised a son and daughter. Have three lovely grandchildren. Bliss. My daughter served in the LI TA for ten+ years as a medic. Had to keep it in the family some how.
Thats about it, I think. Hope I haven’t bored you to much.
Jack Madron.
ED: Thanks Jack for your memories. On the DCLI Memorabilia site you’ll find a reference to Raymond Woods RIP who served in 3″ mortar platoon and son Vince is seeking contact with Ray’s old mates. Any memories?
March 17, 2008 at 7:26 pm |
Derek.
Sorry to take so long in answering. couldn’t remember how I found this blog in the first place. The old grey cells aren’t working like they used too. Come to think of it, they’ve never worked.
About Raymond Woods RIP. I can’t remember anybody with that name in S Coy during my time in Jamaica. Do you know what date he joined the mortar platoon? I left the MMGs in June 1955 for demob so he might have joined about that time or just after.
As you know, some names stay in your memory for ever, while other names have just gone completely. Once again Derek, sorry I can’t help any more than this.
Jack.
ED: Thanks Jack – I’ll need more info on Ray Woods from his son whom I’ve written to recently.
March 29, 2009 at 11:49 am |
Hi All ex A Coy. Just logged on again after being in hospital having a bionic knee fitted. Extremly traumatic and painful. Been two months now and I can still only bear to sit at my PC for short periods. Any one going to the 50 anniversery of the amalgamation with the Somersets? It is in September in Wells. Got to go now getting uncomfortable.
Bye Mike
April 3, 2009 at 1:36 am |
Hi Mike,
Thanks for comments and updates. Hope you will recover swiftly and get comfortable again soon. Are you up to date with the Caribbean Re-Union in June? See hotlinked titling.
Regards
Derek