Hello world!

2007 – A New Year – A New Optimism!

A review of the last year’s LI related Guestbook inquiries, uncovers the wishes and fond hopes of family and friends to gain information about British Light Infantry Old Soldiers, as far back as the Boer War. The reality that needs to be faced is that memory and recorded memorabilia for events that occurred beyond the recall of a living person, is probably not available.

Guestbook postings, wherever lodged are reliant on a reader’s interest, and a reader’s interpretation of the (often) scant references that are given. While many living Old Soldiers are highly computer literate, there is little evidence of replies made to Guestbook postings.

With these observations in mind, this Blog system coupled with the British Army’s LI Most Wanted website, has been developed to provide a vehicle for visual references, sometimes with full military stories and histories attached, of the “Old Soldier”. A visual aid, such as a photograph of a person or an event will provide a better opportunity to trigger a memory recall.

It will only work for you the Inquirer, if you make the effort to meet the minimum information profile, i.e. Full name, rank, service number, Regimental Unit and theatre of military history. DOB and DOD (where applicable) together with a facial photograph (if possible).

The function of this Blog is to encourage cross response and ‘conversations’ from others having a like minded focus, that might lead to the discovery of Old Mates who are still alive. It is not a research source tool for service histories, battle details and insignia identification.

Go to: The British Army’s Most Wanted List

Carpe Diem!

EDITOR – 3rd January 2008

Another reflection on a year gone and sadly many of our 1DCLI mates from Bermuda departing this life – without a message from ‘em for our sites. Most of us know the pain of losing a loved one whom we’ve known for most of our adult lives, but for me there’s a subtle difference in finding out that the image of a youthful soldier (in Bermuda in my case) has gone forever. I never saw him grow old, never met his family, never had a beer with him in civvy street. Never shared the joys and remembered mischief that we got up to on the beaches and in the cafes and restaurants of Hamilton. Never again to smirk at the smartass comments made in the ranks while on parade or while some dickhead subaltern looked up our nostrils and examined our belly button for evidence of poor hygiene.

Why is it that the few always stand out from the crowd in showing willingness to ‘muck in’ and develop multiple email contacts and make phone calls and write letters – while the majority stand idly by and watch it all happen. The 1DCLI Roll Call of contributors now stands at around 34 or so and has been added to by other Light Infantry stalwarts who also do their bit. I personally am bloody glad that at least there’s a few photos of me and comments from me to be viewed on the websites. I’ve got to say this to the majority out there who despite appeals for action and sharing, despite watching your Old Mate get involved. “Are you dead now and just waiting for burial?” GOYA for your own sake, you miserable bastards and help us build 1DCLI Memorabilia beyond anything that can be accessed for this remarkable time window in Regimental History. Recall the time when you marched at 140, rifles at the trail, cussing yes, but proud to be part of a truly unique band of young men.

We live in an age of a phenomena where photos and email text can be flashed around the globe quicker than you can think and where in most cases your 4 year old grandchild can do it for you. In the past few weeks we’ve linked up to You Tube where you can even hear as well as see those tinny Old Toons that echoed around the Barracks. We’ve opened up Blog pages where you can vent your anger and/or incredulity at the stupidity of politicians and public servants; where you can wax lyrical, poetic or just plain old sarcastic at world events that defy logic. We’re on the hunt for Tommy Atkins from Merxem Belgium in 1944 and we’re even trying to repatriate with honour the remains of a KSLI Boss killed in Kenya in 1955 by his own troopers. Let’s see what we can do in 2008 cheps!

Carpe Diem!

August 2009

An eventful year in many respects, but mainly highlighted by the Caribbean Re-Union in Penzance and Bodmin during the month of June.Visitors from all over the South West of England converged upon Penzance to make a real fist of our long planned soirees, dinners and the West Cornwall Branch Meeting. Events and opinions leading up the Editor’s departure from OZ to attend, in late May, can be viewed on The Caribbean Blog, and shows the depth of interest and undertaking that the various support ‘core few’ were prepared to go to.

A commemorative sweat shirt, emblazoned with all the postings throughout the West Indies was designed and produced and eventually worn with pride at many of the gatherings. The highlight of that week was the Memorial Day on 11th June at The Keep, Bodmin, where over 60 guests, including 1DCLI veterans and families, attended the inspection of the Colours at St Petroc’s and a fine carvery lunch at the Borough Arms and thereafter a wreath laying service at the Memorial.

We shall preserve the memories of this fine event for years to come and hopefully add to the (slowly) growing numbers of “Old 1DCLI Soldiers” who exchange serious and humorous view of 21st Century life, on our many Blogs.

Carpe Diem!