District Notes
GATESHEAD

'Gateshead Gurkhas' 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry

Photo of Banks name on the Beam

In Harry Moses Book 'The Gateshead Gurkhas' the 9th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry were transferred to the Cotswolds in October 1939. "Battalion Headquarters and HQ company to Kitebrook House near Moreton-in-the Marsh, 'A' and 'B' Companies were at Shipston-on-Stour, 'C' 'D' Companies at Long Compton At first nervous of these men from the far North, the civilian population of the area quickly warmed to the friendly Geordies."

Whilst they were billeted there the soldiers had left their 'mark' on wooden beams within one of the buildings.

A Corporal J. Banks, 'D' Company. W. J. Bapter? Coy Sgt, Pte, Craggs 'D' Company, 1939 1940. A. Gardner, 1939 9th DLI. Mac, 1939-1940, 9th DLI. Purvis 1939-1940 'D' Coy, 9th DLI. R. H. ????? (inlegible) 'D' Coy. Pte, Sawyer, 'D' Company, 1939-1940. And then a TWY +. Pte, Viney, 5 Kings Reg.

These have survived still to this day. Very faded and not very clear. These have been written on in pencil.

If you can decipher the signatures or provide more details about these men please email us at : james@newmp.org.uk

Photos of the marks left still today