4451105 Private Ralph Edwards

Discussion in 'Durham Light Infantry' started by MichaelRobertson, Nov 11, 2015.

  1. Hello I'm Ralph Edwards grandson and recently have been looking into his service with the DLI from 1934-1946

    I have been helped a lot by a man I believe is on this forum Versailles (Jim). He has been a brilliant help to me and my family. I have recently just received his service history from the mod so have a bit more to go on.

    Just thought I'd put a post up in here with a couple of pics maybe someone will recognise a relative in the pic I have?

    Ralph Edwards born 22/12/1912. Blood Terrace Jarrow. He signed up to the DLI in 1934 and was posted to the Sudan in 1937 moved onto Shanghai and Tientsin. Egypt and Nwe to name a few

    None of our family know of the whereabouts of his medals so that's the next step for me.

    Wish I had a few more pics of my grandad but with a bit of luck it might tie in with someone on here recognising someone on a picture and go from there. I know it's a long shot!










    image.jpeg

    Khartoum 1937

    image.jpeg
     
    amberdog45 and CL1 like this.
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Welcome to the forum
     
  3. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

  4. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Michael.

    Was he 1 DLI or 2 DLI?

    FdeP
     
  5. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Both :)

    2 DLI were in Sudan in 1937 then their turnover personnel were transferred to the 1st DLI at Port Sudan to journey on to China (Michael I`ve spoken to Jim too :) )

    Welcome to the Forum


    Kyle
     
  6. Thanks for the welcomes :)

    Yes as Mr Jinks said he was both minden1759, good isn't he Kyle!

    What do you think my chances are on someone recognising someone on the pic I put up?
    Would also love to find any more pics with him in
     
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  7. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Michael, My Grandfather also asked about soldiers in a photograph on this forum and was given everything but his inside leg measurements! So you never know ! I see your Grandfather is on Jims website Well done he`ll be over the moon to have added another :)


    Best Wishes

    Kyle
     
  8. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Was he in 1 DLI during their torrid time on Kos in Oct 43?

    FdeP
     
  9. From what I can see he was there 20/09/1943 - 13/10/1943 but I could be wrong on his records it looks like they have spelled it cos

    He had previously been to Egypt 19/06/43 then Syria 06/07/43 Palestine 22/07/43 then Cos (Kos) 20/09/43
     
  10. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Kos was captured by the Germans on 3 Oct 43 so, if he was not with them on the island at that moment he would have escaped becoming a PW. If he left 1 DLI on 13 Oct 43, it would is likely that he was transferred to 2 DLI because 1 DLI ceased to exist.

    FdeP
     
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  11. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Hi,

    I think there maybe a bit of confusion regarding 1st DLI? They never ceased to exist only 120 escaped but they were re-enforced and fought on in Italy for the rest of the War.2 DLI never fought in Europe after 1940 spending the War in the Far east fighting the Japanese.


    Kyle
     
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  12. Hope this clears it up

    image.jpeg
     
  13. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Kyle.

    Thanks for correcting that.

    Much appreciated.

    Frank
     
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  14. Just an update managed to source some un named medals on eBay and put together a frame for my Mam

    image.jpg
     
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  15. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    That is terrific. If it not too late, the correct unit is 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry.

    FdeP
     
  16. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    I'm no medal expert but I think you may have them "mounted" in "wrong order"?

    IMHO they should be -

    From the left 39/45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, F&G Star, Defence Medal and finally on extreme right 39/45 War Medal.

    Regards

    Steve Y
     
  17. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Theres an order for wearing medals but as its a display does it matter? Its still a great gift for your Mam . I bet shes well pleased :)


    Kyle
     
  18. Thanks, all text on there is able to be changed its just cut vinyl applied to an acrylic panel.

    Hi, wasnt aware of an order when I made it up. Everything can be moved around easily enough so if anybody else mentions it I will put it in the correct order. Thanks for the info

    She got choked up when I gave her it, so very pleased (I hope!). Thanks
     
  19. Tricky Dicky

    Tricky Dicky Don'tre member

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