DLI Objects

A set of Colours was presented to the 3rd Battalion DLI in June 1912 at Whitley Camp by the Earl of Durham. The 3rd Battalion DLI had its origins in the old North Durham Militia raised in Durham City in 1853. This battalion saw no active serve in the First World War and was put into 'suspended animation' in 1919. These Colours were then kept at the DLI's Depot at Fenham Barracks in Newcastle until they were finally laid-up without ceremony in Durham Cathedral. In 1981 all the DLI's Colours in the Cathedral were taken down and photographed. This is the 3rd Battalion's dark green Regimental Colour. Interestingly, though no longer in use after 1919, changes were made. The battle honour 'Afghanistan 1919' was added in 1926 and then the central 'DLI' bugle badge was added in 1935, when the Roman numberal 'III' was moved to the top of the Colour.