The Colours Of The DLI

Origins Of The DLI

In 1758, General John Lambton of County Durham formed the 68th Regiment of Foot to fight in the Seven Years’ War between Britain and France.

This Regiment merged with the 106th Regiment of Foot in 1881 and was renamed the Durham Light Infantry.

The DLI fought in Crimea (now part of Ukraine), New Zealand and South Africa, before serving in all but one major battle of the First World War and every major theatre of conflict in the Second World War.

Following further active service in Korea, Cyprus, Germany and Borneo the DLI merged into a larger regiment, The Light Infantry, in 1968. The Light Infantry later joined with other regiments forming The Rifles in 2007.

The Colours in the DLI Collection mark some of the key events and changes in the Regiment from the late 1700s, to the Second World War and beyond.

The map below shows some of the places that the DLI and its ancestor regiments served.

The South Shields Loyal Volunteers

Click the images below to learn more about these Colours.

This Colour has a red silk, background, with dark coloured streaks caused by age. The top left corner of the Colour has a Union Jack and there is a crest in the centre with the name of the unit, a green wreath, a large ship and a golden cross on a blue background.

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

Close up photo showing the design of the central crest on the Colour.

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | Most of the details in this Colour are hand painted on silk. A Union Jack can be seen flying on the ship, which is often used to represent the coastal town of South Shields.

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | Most of the details in this Colour are hand painted on silk. A Union Jack can be seen flying on the ship, which is often used to represent the coastal town of South Shields.

This Colour is a red, white and blue union flag with a central crest showing a green wreath, name of the unit and a crown.

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

Close up photograph of the central crest showing the name of the unit and a crown. Intricate gold lettering reads G.R.III.

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | The wreath of roses and thistles was hand painted on this Colour along with the crown. The central text reads G.R.III, representing King George III, who reigned from 1760 – 1820.

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | The wreath of roses and thistles was hand painted on this Colour along with the crown. The central text reads G.R.III, representing King George III, who reigned from 1760 – 1820.

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This Colour has a red silk, background, with dark coloured streaks caused by age. The top left corner of the Colour has a Union Jack and there is a crest in the centre with the name of the unit, a green wreath, a large ship and a golden cross on a blue background.

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

Close up photo showing the design of the central crest on the Colour.

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | Most of the details in this Colour are hand painted on silk. A Union Jack can be seen flying on the ship, which is often used to represent the coastal town of South Shields.

Regimental Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | Most of the details in this Colour are hand painted on silk. A Union Jack can be seen flying on the ship, which is often used to represent the coastal town of South Shields.

This Colour is a red, white and blue union flag with a central crest showing a green wreath, name of the unit and a crown.

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798

Close up photograph of the central crest showing the name of the unit and a crown. Intricate gold lettering reads G.R.III.

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | The wreath of roses and thistles was hand painted on this Colour along with the crown. The central text reads G.R.III, representing King George III, who reigned from 1760 – 1820.

King's Colour of the South Shields Loyal Volunteers, 1798 | The wreath of roses and thistles was hand painted on this Colour along with the crown. The central text reads G.R.III, representing King George III, who reigned from 1760 – 1820.

In 1797, Sir Cuthbert Heron founded the South Shields Loyal Volunteers to help protect Britain in the event of an invasion by French forces. Over 250 men signed up and took part in training drills and marches, as well as attending local ceremonies.

Throughout the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s, 20 different units like this were raised within County Durham. These small units are an important part of the history of County Durham and the DLI.

In 1798, these Colours were blessed in a local church and then presented to the unit by The Ladies of South Shields. Whilst the Colours were never used in battle, they were used in parades. They were used for the final time in March 1813 when the unit was disbanded.

The granddaughter of Sir Cuthbert Heron presented the Colours to South Shields Town Council in 1867. For years, the Colours were thought to be lost, until they were found under a seat in the Town Hall in 1908.

The community decided it was important for the Colours to be repaired by the Ladies’ Work Society of Newcastle so they could be displayed in South Shields Public Library. Later, the Colours entered the DLI Collection.

This Colour has a red silk, background, with dark coloured streaks caused by age. The top left corner of the Colour has a Union Jack and there is a crest in the centre with the name of the unit, a green wreath, a large ship and a golden cross on a blue background.
This Colour is a red, white and blue union flag with a central crest showing a green wreath, name of the unit and a crown.

The Loyal Volunteers have gone the way of all flesh, but their colours remain, a silent witness to the days that are gone.

George McVay, ‘Old South Shields, Some Random Notes’, Smith’s Dock Monthly, May 1923.

This Colour is a red, white and blue union flag with a central crest showing a green wreath, name of the unit and a crown.
Photo of the Colour of the 2nd Bombay Light Infantry, in a wooden frame. The central design is red, with bugle logo in silver. The surrounding wreath is green leaves with pink flowers.

This is the Colour of the 2nd Bombay Light Infantry, presented in 1846. Today only the centre of the Colour survives. The materials used include silver and pearl bullion threads on a red silk background.

This is the Colour of the 2nd Bombay Light Infantry, presented in 1846. Today only the centre of the Colour survives. The materials used include silver and pearl bullion threads on a red silk background.

2nd Bombay Light Infantry

The 2nd Bombay (European) Regiment was formed in 1839 as part of a private army controlled by the East India Company. It changed its name to the 2nd Bombay (European) Light Infantry five years later. In the 1800s, India was one of the key possessions of the British Empire, bringing great economic benefits to Britain.

Despite widespread corruption among the officials running the East India Company, the vast profits that they returned to Britain meant they remained in control of large sections of India.  Although authorities in Britain slowly began to seek greater power over the country, small forces set up by the East India Company to guard trading stations soon grew to become large private armies that dominated the military landscape.

The Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw thousands of people rise up in opposition to the harsh rule of the East India Company. Although the rebellion was ruthlessly put down, the conflict led to the East India Company being disbanded and their forces becoming part of the British Army. Absorbed into the British Army, the 2nd Bombay (European) Light Infantry was renamed the 106th Regiment of Foot in 1862, later becoming the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry in 1881.

The Indian Rebellion was historically termed the ‘Indian Mutiny’ and is now often called the First War of Indian Independence. British rule in India did not officially end until 1947.

Francis Warden was commissioned as an Ensign in the 2nd Bombay (European) Light Infantry in 1855. Part of his role may have been to carry these Colours.

Warden was presented with the Indian General Service Medal (left) and medal for service in the Indian Rebellion (right).

Black and white photo of Francis Warden standing in a long suit with arms crossed on a walking stick. Warden wears a serious expression and an impressive moustache connecting with his sideburns.

Francis Warden was commissioned as an Ensign in the 2nd Bombay (European) Light Infantry in 1855. Part of his role may have been to carry these Colours.

Francis Warden was commissioned as an Ensign in the 2nd Bombay (European) Light Infantry in 1855. Part of his role may have been to carry these Colours.

Photo of two medals on a black background. Left hand medal has a blue and red ribbon, right hand medal has a red and white ribbon.,

Warden was presented with the Indian General Service Medal (left) and medal for service in the Indian Rebellion (right).

Warden was presented with the Indian General Service Medal (left) and medal for service in the Indian Rebellion (right).

Comparing the South Shields Loyal Volunteers and the Bombay (European) Light Infantry offers an insight into Britain’s political and military activities in the 1800s.

One of these Regiments was formed to stand guard and protect Britain from potential invasion. The other was formed to impose British rule overseas, extracting wealth and resources from existing populations.

Parts of the DLI collection are linked with Britain’s colonial past and systemic racism.

We acknowledge this and are working towards using these collections in an equitable and just way.

9th Battalion DLI

Click the images below to learn more about these Colours.

Photo of the King's Colours of 9 DLI in a wooden frame. The colour has significant fire damage, especially on the left hand side, which is almost completely disintegrated. Despite the damage, the Union flag and central crest of 9 DLI is still visible, along with some of the battle honours.

King’s Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | 9 DLI was formed in 1908.

King’s Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | 9 DLI was formed in 1908.

Photo of the Regimental Colour of 9 DLI in a wooden frame. Significant fire damage has burnt away much of the right hand side of the Colour. What remains is on a green background with central DLI crest and wreath with crown, surrounded by many battle honours.

Regimental Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | The green background matches the uniform collar of the DLI. These Colours remained with the Battalion through active service in both World Wars.

Regimental Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | The green background matches the uniform collar of the DLI. These Colours remained with the Battalion through active service in both World Wars.

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Photo of the King's Colours of 9 DLI in a wooden frame. The colour has significant fire damage, especially on the left hand side, which is almost completely disintegrated. Despite the damage, the Union flag and central crest of 9 DLI is still visible, along with some of the battle honours.

King’s Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | 9 DLI was formed in 1908.

King’s Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | 9 DLI was formed in 1908.

Photo of the Regimental Colour of 9 DLI in a wooden frame. Significant fire damage has burnt away much of the right hand side of the Colour. What remains is on a green background with central DLI crest and wreath with crown, surrounded by many battle honours.

Regimental Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | The green background matches the uniform collar of the DLI. These Colours remained with the Battalion through active service in both World Wars.

Regimental Colour, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry | The green background matches the uniform collar of the DLI. These Colours remained with the Battalion through active service in both World Wars.

Looking at the battle honours on the Colours of 9 DLI reveals the number of conflicts the DLI fought in.

Photo of the Regimental Colour of 9 DLI in a wooden frame. Significant fire damage has burnt away much of the right hand side of the Colour. What remains is on a green background with central DLI crest and wreath with crown, surrounded by many battle honours.

Most of the honours on the Regimental Colour were awarded before 9 DLI was formed, serving as a reminder of previous DLI victories.

Spain, 1812-14

The 68th Regiment of Foot was awarded six battle honours for their service in the Peninsular War. These honours include the Battle of Salamanca, the Battle of the Pyrenees and the Battle of Orthez.

Crimea (now part of Ukraine), 1854

The three honours awarded to the 68th for their role in the Crimean War includes an honour for the Battle of Inkerman, 5 November 1854. The date of this victory over the Russian forces became the Regimental Day of the First Battalion Durham Light Infantry.

Persia (now Iran), 1856 – 57

The 2nd Bombay (European) Light Infantry were awarded four honours for battles in Persia.

New Zealand, 1863 – 66

The 68th were sent to New Zealand in the 1860s to combat local forces and spread British settlements in the country.

South Africa, 1899 – 1902

The recently formed Durham Light Infantry was awarded a battle honour for their part in the Second Boer War in South Africa.

Afghanistan, 1919

1 DLI were sent to Afghanistan in 1919 to take part in the Third Anglo-Afghan War. This conflict is also known as the Afghan War of Independence. A battle honour was awarded even though the Battalion never saw active service.

Photo of the King's Colours of 9 DLI in a wooden frame. The colour has significant fire damage, especially on the left hand side, which is almost completely disintegrated. Despite the damage, the Union flag and central crest of 9 DLI is still visible, along with some of the battle honours.

The battle honours on the King’s Colour of 9 DLI all relate to the First World War, including honours from Ypres 1915 and The Somme 1916.

As a Regiment, the DLI was awarded a total of 67 battle honours for their service in the First World War.

To learn more about the history of 9 DLI and the remarkable story of their Colours, visit the Life of the Colours section of this exhibition.

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The bugle emblem of the Durham Light Infantry, alongside the words: DLI Collection

Unless otherwise stated, all photographs reproduced with the permission of the Trustees of the Former Durham Light Infantry Regiment and the DLI Collection.

Unless otherwise stated, all photographs reproduced with the permission of the Trustees of the Former Durham Light Infantry Regiment and the DLI Collection.

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