1st DLI Pre-War 1931-39

Discussion in 'Durham Light Infantry' started by Verrieres, Oct 22, 2008.

  1. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Hi,
    I am interested in any information relating to 1stDLI during the periods 1931-1939 I am aware of their locations during this time frame however if there are any personal accounts out there on the web from ex-DLI soldiers or their families would someone be good enough to point me in the right direction.
    My uncle served with 1DLI during this time.In 1939 they were in Tientsin during a great flood and it was reported that officers recieved news of the outbreak of war from a passing sampan whilst playing tennis on the roof of the officers mess!!:):):)

    I`ve attatched a copy of a photograph which shows a Patrol of 1DLI on Racecourse Road Tientsin August 1939 by some miracle is there anyone out there can identify any of the men?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Hi,
    Don`t seem to have had much luck with this one so far..Still ...my uncle J W S GIBSON served with 1st DLI a story which my Grandmother used to tell us in relation to `Billy` (everyone knew him as Billy) was a Court Marshall during his pre-war service,I unfortunately do not recall where he was stationed at this time but the tale I was told that my uncle was one of the sentries posted on the outer perimiter and of course no one was allowed through without the password....Early one morning my uncle was aware of someone creeping through the undergrowth and challenged him for the password without getting a response three times the challenge was called three times nothing came back ,another sentry was also alerted by this person..suddenly a figure staggered out of the undergrowth and moved quickly towards my uncle ,the other sentry yelled out ¬Shoot the B******! My uncle raised his rifle to shoot but changed his mind and hit this person in the face with the butt of his rifle it was only when the alarm was raised that they found that the `intruder` was infact an officer of the Regiment.My uncle was later placed under arrest and brought before a Court Marshall at the Court Marshall the Officer whom my uncle had struck (and lost an eye) spoke up for my uncle stating it was his(the officers)fault he had been to the Town, had too much to drink and could not remember his name let alone a password!He had somehow made it back to camp and decided (in his drunken state) to rush the sentries so really it was`nt the Corporal`s (Billy) fault it was his own.The court marshall deliberated and addressed the officer in Question and said "Thats all well and good but the Corporal really should have shot you! My uncle was found Guilty reduced to Private and recieved a fine!...no idea how much is true and how much is folklore but it`s a cracking story of which if it is true there must be some record!
    Regards
    Verrieres
     
  3. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Hi,
    Another little snippet regarding 1DLI pre-War anyone else got any pre-war pictures of 1DLI ?
    Regards
    Verrieres:poppy::poppy::poppy:
     

    Attached Files:

  4. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    Ah right fair enough, had not seen your earlier thread...makes sense to add anything there...and I can do so if I find info in my materials/research. Wouldn't it be wierd if the pics I have coming from ebay turned out to be Durhams !
     
  5. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Hi,
    My uncle served in China Pre -War his list of service dates reads as follows for the China Period
    Shanghai 1937-1938,
    Peking 1938,
    Tientsin 1938-1939
    Hong Kong 1939-1940
    obviously he has spent months rather than years in these places over a three year period
    Heres a few China related images of 1DLI
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    1st DLI soldiers playing ice hockey at the Tientsin Country Club! during the winter of 1938-39.

    1st Battalion DLI soldiers on Patrol on Racecourse row during the great flood when the Pei-Ho burst its banks,look at how depressed the second soldier from the left looks! Mind you I remember a letter my uncle sent to his mother(my Grandmother)and he included the line...I`ll have to go now the smell is terrible I`m surprised you cannot smell it in England!its that bad!
    [​IMG]
    A sentry of the 1st DLI outside of the camp again in the winter of 1938-39.


    Regards
    Verrieres
     
  6. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    Interesting stuff ! :) Like the fur hat ! Is that regular issue or a (cough) local purchase, I wonder ?

    Interesting that he - just him, or the whole battalion ? - moved around quite a bit.

    Have you got a lot of photos and other materials etc ???
     
  7. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Hi,
    Photographs ..no....printed regimental stuff...quite a bit...but always looking out for anything with a DLI interest.

    Bit of background information regarding the DLI involvement in China Pre-War,
    In 1927 2DLI were stationed at Sialkot in India when in January 1927 they were moved to Shanghai as part of the Shanghai Defence Force to deal with The Shanghai Crisis which had developed when Russian inspired armies of the Kuomingtang (The Nationalist Party of China) led by the warlord Chiang Kai Shek moved from Hankow towards Shanghai in pursuit of Nationalist forces
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Chiang Kai Shek (Wiki)
    The Shanghai Defence Force had , I believe, the approximate strength of a Division, three infantry brigades, two from England and one the 20th from India of which 2DLI was a member.
    (2nd Gloucestershire 2nd Durhams 4/1st Punjab Regiment 3/14th Punjab Regiment)
    The 20th were originally stationed at Jhansi but was brought down to Calcutta where on the 27th January 1927 they embarked on The Takliwa and landed with the Glosters at Shanghai on the 14th February 1927 2DLI were under the command at this time of Col J W Jeffreys. The Daily Mail Correspondent wrote….No Strangers have ever stirred this cynical cosmopolitan city so deeply and so diversely as did the lads from two English Counties ….1500 of them in their familiar Khaki as they marched this morning, with shining bayonets, through the heart of the International Settlement a living pledge for the protection of British life and property.
    [​IMG]
    The 2nd DLI were on a constant duty at the barbed wire cordon from 25th February 1927 through until 17th April 1927 called into action on numerous occasions. Most notably on the 22nd March 1927 when fleeing Nationalist Forces attempted unsuccessfully to storm the Durham’s sector(Two men of `C` Company 2DLI were wounded) The main problem was trying to stop fleeing Northern troops from entering the Settlement. But hundreds broke through the line as the fighting came upto the Settlement perimeter. 2 men of the DLI were wounded and their position was in danger of being overrun due to the pressure of Northern troops trying to get in. The order was given to open fire. 'A' Company, Glosters, rushed in to support the DLI positions.
    The Chinese were warned but the warning went un headed a single round was fired with no effect, the officer gave the order to open fire but even he was alarmed by the ferocious fire laid down by the DLI and Glosters.When the firing died the officer heard one of his men remark that this was the first time he had known a lewis gun to fire a whole drum without jamming…was this minimum force thought the young officer …so many bodies…they still hung peole for murder…there would be an enquiry…these were things which ran through the mind of the young DLI officer.. one of the men said quietly “at least the press were`nt here Sir!” Just then a smartly dressed man presented a card to the Officer and announced ”I`m fromThe TIMES Sir!”
    About 60 Chinese soldiers were killed, but this halted the onrush. About 600 more threw down their weapons and were herded into a temporary cage. Many more surrendered to the forces further to the east. The situation calmed down, though their was sniping and bursts of gunfire through the night.There was of course an enquiry and the gentleman from the Times had stated “I witnessed the whole incident and in my opinion the officer acted entirely properly” the officer was awarded an MBE in other circumstances he would have been awarded a Military Cross.
    .Although the situation in Shanghai remained dangerous the crisis was over as the triumphant Chiang,having rided himself of his Communist extremists ruled supreme from Nangking.The Shanghai Defence Force duties had been fulfilled and in the summer of 1927 it was gradually dispersed with 2DLI (its reputation for painting the town red only surpassed by its fine fighting record )re- embarked on the 22nd July 1927 on the troop transport Karmala for India arriving in Sialkot on the 12th August 1927.
    In ten short years it would be the 1st Battalion DLI who would be in Shanghai to help deal with the Japanese who were then threatening the cities security……..
    Regards
    Verrieres
     
  8. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    Interesting thanks for this...I will let you know if come across more re DLI in my own reading etc :)
     
  9. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Hi,
    No problems heres a few photographs associated with the second Shanghai incident in the 1930`s European and Chinese Troops.Sorry cannot associate them 100% with any regiment;-
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    The Bund showing British Troops on the Street and the 2nd showing The Garden
    Bridge to the Western Approach
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Roadblocks and fortified blockhouses
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Mixed company of French? and Chinese troops
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    British Barracade and British and Chinese Troops in Zhabei.

    Regards
    Verrieres
     
  10. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    Yeah...recognise some of these ones. Lot of the lads guarding the barricades etc could well be Shanghai Volunteer Corps. Must dig out some of mine of this period and get them up for folks.

    Garden Bridge is a real Shanghai icon...it is currently removed, undergoing renovation...I was at the site about a month ago and it looks really odd with the bridge missing ! ;)
     
  11. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    Hi...that packet of snapshots from China c. 1927, via ebay, arrived this morning...a few of them, maybe dozen or so, show some British soldiers, generally relaxing, apparently at the Jessfield Barracks in Shanghai. Some in similar cold weather kit to your pic above. Most of others are general "atmospheric" shots of street and countryside scenes in China, interesting in themselves, although not maybe for this site.

    Sadly no direct indication of unit :( although couple do show a chap (photo is labelled "self", so assume this is original owner of pics) wearing a gym shirt marked XVI. Hum. My first thought here, knowing affection for regimental numbers, especially amongst the "old" regiments, was 16th Foot...who was 16th...Bedfordshire Regiment...quick Google suggests Beds were in Shanghai around this time, and also in Malta just before, which is interesting as there are some pics of Malta too.

    Will study further and post the relevant ones. Sorry not DLI but maybe of interest anyway...
     
  12. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Hi,
    Second part of the Durhams Involvement in China in particular Shanghai and Tientsin:-
    On the 12th May 1937 the 1st DLI provided a party of eight officers and 228 NCO`s and men for the Coronation Parade in London. In July 1937 it received warning that it was to be ordered to Shanghai in China to help deal with the rapidly escalation of Japanese activities in the region .
    So it was that on the 16th October 1937 the battalion sailed from Southampton on board the HMT Dilwara with a total complement of 10 officers and 364 NCO`s and men en route The 1st DLI called at Port Sudan to enlist the turnover personnel (men from reorganisation/discharge) from the 2nd DLI who were on their way home. This brought the strength of 1DLI up to 19Officers and 717 NCO`s and men.
    [​IMG]
    HMT DILWARA
    On arrival A,B,C Companies were billeted in The (Franco- Chinese?)Municipal School (Boys )whilst Headquarters company along with D Company occupied The Girls Section Officers were billeted in Private houses on the Yu Yuen Road. There was a great deal of sickness during those first weeks and this temporary accommodation was far from satisfactory for the !st DLI as it took up, on the 29th November 1937, five section posts in the Southern sector previously manned by The 2nd Loyal Regiment. In addition an emergency platoon was to stand ready at Barracks should the other companies require assistance.

    [​IMG]
    The Municipal School(Shanghai)
    The Japanese were now moving in the Eastern part of the International settlement and things were very tense on many occasions soldiers from 1 DLI were snatched by the Japanese and returned(in what state)several days later without apology or explanation .
    [​IMG]
    Japanese troops move into the eastern sector 1937
    My uncle Cpl J W S Gibson told my grandmother that he and other DLI had been forced to watch helpless as Japanese soldiers brutally murdered Chinese civilians, the Battalions officers ordering restraint, the men retired that night very angry at not being allowed to exact revenge on their tormenting murdering foe but in the early hours of the morning two officers dressed in civilian clothes entered the billet and asked the soldiers present if any would be willing to, without any official involvement, like to pop out to sort out these Japanese chaps!, everyone wanted to go!. Lots were drawn and two officers and seven men in civilian clothes walked out in full view of the guard who turned a blind eye to the proceedings well aware of what was going on, the party returned before dawn having extracted their own retribution on the Japanese soldiers responsible for the previous days atrocities and throughout the Company there was a sense of a job well done!(my grandmother never asked what retribution was carried out but I think we can guess).
    [​IMG]
    Japanese troops in Nanshi (Southern sector Shanghai)1938
    [​IMG]
    Japanese officers pictured on Hungjao Road November 1937(Which I believe is now Hongqiao Road and the name of a metro station on the Shanghai line)
    The garrison was reduced to two battalions in January 1938 with the departure of the 2nd Royal Welch Fusiliers the first DLI`s responsibilities now comprised the entire Western Perimeter from Jessfield Park to the French Concession.
    [​IMG]
    1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry Shanghai 1937(Unconfirmed but captioned on rear as such)
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Brutality in War and on the Streets 1937
    The 1st DLI`s relief in October 1938 was put off due to the Munich Crisis .On the 20th October the battalion landed at Chinwangtao with a total strength of 22 officers and 701 nco`s and men.On the 23rd October `A` Company plus one platoon were moved by rail to Peking with the remainder at Tientsin where it was reorganised into a rifle battalion in the 1938 Pattern .
    [​IMG]
    Chinese ingenuity..
    In August 1939 the Pei-Ho river burst its banks flooding areas to over six feet in some places.The men evacuated their barracks by wading or swimming to one of Jardine Matthesons large warehouses on the Bund.Patrols were carried out often in Sampans while the officers played deck tennis on the mess roofs! The 1st DLI with the news of the outbreak of war moved to Hong Kong ,where it left for Suez and the middle east arriving on the 30th January 1940……
    Regards
    Verrieres
     
  13. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    Hi, Happy New Year ! :) Interesting stuff thanks for this :) Unofficial retribution ! Hmm...bet they didn't tell the Foreign Office about that ;)
     
  14. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Heres a Poem from an issue of the DLI regimental Journal of April 1939 whilst 1DLI were in Tientsin and Peking.Thought I`d share it with you.

    The Bugler he had sounded and out went every light,
    When I hit my Three by Six I planned to stay there all the night,
    But all of a sudden a heavenly voice in the stillness rent,
    Twas good old St Peter calling and heavenwards I went,
    The journey took a hundred years I did not travel fast,
    But rather like a troopship or a goods train going past,
    I wondered why we made no stops till I heard St Peter say,
    Hold back all them Generals boys theres a Durham on his way!

    At last I reached the pearly gates,in awe I gazed around,
    For there were forty Majors there Policing all around,
    While in dismay a Colonel stood guarding Early until Late,
    He`d overstayed his leave one day and could not pass the gate!
    St Peter looked me over and shouted through the door,
    You`ve earned your place in heaven lad come view the golden shore,

    I know you`ve served in China and helped write a history page,
    And its not your fault you pegged it though you reached a right old age,
    Just bide your time rest all you can for time means nothing here,
    The NCO`s do all the work and Corporals serve you beer!,
    The barrack room was marble inside were easy chairs,
    A Captain fanned my heated brow while Lance Jacks cleaned the Stairs,
    The Sergeants were the porters all were drawing lots,
    To help the young Lieutenants who were busy drying pots,

    One Sergeant in the hospital got salts and three black pills,
    Then I marked him fit for duty to cure him of his ills,
    We searched all the Lieutenants for fags and matches too ,
    And then they`d run our errands till the day was nearly through!

    Tiring of all this pleasure I took to my feather bed,
    Reveille never crossed my mind I`ll sleep till noon instead,
    When all at once I felt a jerk and in my ear I heard a croak,
    "Its just on three relieve the Guard!" and then Oh Hell I woke,
    I grabbed my good old rifle and then without a care,
    I stepped smartly out on guard again despite the frosty air!
    I walked that beat in earnest until my feet were really sore,
    But I`m proud that I`m a `Tommy` and a `Durham to the Core!


    Verrieres
     
  15. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    That's nice - thanks for sharing, mate.
     
  16. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Shanghai ??? Anyone confirm this location both photographs from a 1st DLI photo Album (Shanghai,Tientsin,Peking) The second is a street view of the same location titled `Armistice Day 1938`






    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  17. China Hand

    China Hand No Longer A Forum Member

    These photos are Tientsin. That gothic style building is, I think, Gordon Hall ???
     
    Verrieres likes this.
  18. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    These photos are Tientsin. That gothic style building is, I think, Gordon Hall ???

    Thanks Graham,Hoped you`d pick this one up!


    Verrieres
     
  19. vespa100

    vespa100 Member

    I have a picture off my grandad who was DLI I think was in Italy. My grandad is in the back row right, what do you think the man the in back ground is thinking?http://[URL="http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc520/adepinky/scan0001-1.jpg[/IMG"]http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc520/adepinky/scan0001-1.jpg[/IMG[/URL]]

    sorry I can't upload a picture
     
  20. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    vespa100 `s photograph
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=53878&d=1308610597
     

    Attached Files:

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