Chapel D.L.I. All Wars Cathedral

Cathedral Church of Christ, Blessed Mary the Virgin and St Cuthbert of Durham, Palace Green.

Just off south transept to the east.

All wars

Dedicated 20th October 1923 by the Lord Bishop of Durham and Lord Londonderry in the absence of the Lord Lieutenant.
Later additions were dedicated November 1934 by Dr. Alington.

Two pre-Reformation chapels. Screen of English Oak

Estimated at £1,500

Public subscription, Dean and Chapter, Regimental funds, and the balance of the County P.O.W. Parcels Fund.

Cornish and Gaymer, contractors already engaged in other work in the Cathedral.
Designed by W.D. Caroe, F.S.A., whose plans were modified by Sybil, Lady Eden.

This is the Chapel of
the Durham Light Infantry
our County Regiment, formed in 1758.
It served with distinction in:
The Peninsular War 1811-1814;
The Crimean War 1854-1855;
The Boer War 1899-1902;
The First World War 1914-1918
The Second World War 1939-1945
and several other campaigns.

This Chapel contains the Books of Remembrance of those
who died in the defence of their country. Men from the County
served in the First World War and the names of 12,556 who died
are listed in this Book of Remembrance. During the Second World
War local men again served and the names of the 3,011 who died
are in that Book of Remembrance.

There is also a book for the 19th Battalion and one for those
who died in other conflicts including Korea, Cyprus, Borneo and
Northern Ireland

The south wall of the Chapel lists the many Battle Honours won by the Regiment between 1812 and 1953; those in capitals are carried on the Queen’s Colour.

Most Battalions of the Regiment were presented with both the
Regimental and Queen’s colours; these were originally carried
into battle to represent the spirit of the Regiment and to act
as a rallying point. Thirty-eight of the Colours hang from their
pikes above the chapel.

Nine out of ten men who served in the DLI were from County
Durham and generations of local families continue to treasure
the Regiment’s proud memory.

This Chapel is a permanent shrine.

Officers of 151 (Durham) Infantry Brigade 1939-45
(6th, 8th, 9th Battalions, The Durham Light Infantry)
having met for the last time on 21 October 1999
dedicated this tablet to the memory of all their comrades.

Faithful.

Chapel.
“The altar of the chapel occupies the original position of the altar of St. Mary of Boldon, and stands upon five pillars surmounted upon the ‘Mensa’ by the five wounds of the Saviour upon the Cross. It is flanked by blue ridells and backed by a blue dorsal, and is furnished by a cross, candlesticks and vases, blue and silver being the colours of the original dedication. Angels upon the riddle posts carry the candlesticks. The chapel is separated from the south aisle of the choir by a light ballustred screen, the design of which is based upon the screens which enclosed the chapel before their removal in 1840. The regimental badge is worked into these screens, which are a fitting tribute to the skill and charm of Bishop Cosin’s characteristic work. There is a happy blending of the classical features with delicate Gothic detail, for the perfect harmony of which the original designer is to be commended in no small measure. The military character of the chapel is made complete by the placing of regimental colours in ordered sequence round its walls, over the screen, and upon the transept pillars. Within the chapel the colours belonging to the Great war are confined, while upon the pillars towards the church are the older colours going back to the days of the Peninsular War.” Durham Chronicle

There is a panel describing the dedication of the chapel, which has a dark red background on which the letters are painted in white lower case Roman.

1. “Altar. This occupies the site of the Altar in the Chapel of Our Lady of Bolton. The Altar Cross and Candlesticks were designed and made by Mr. David Mellor of Sheffield and were the gift of Mrs. Annie Oliver of Darlington, the widow of an officer of the Regiment.” (Cathedral Guide Book).

2. The Regimental Colours were laid up on the same occasion.

3. In 1934 the screen was completed by the Trustees of the 3rd Battalion, D.L.I. and the furniture was introduced by Mrs. Wilson in memory of her late husband, Col. C.E. Wilson.

4. Panels bearing Battle Honours were dedicated by Dr. Ian Ramsey, Bishop of Durham in Sept. 1970.

Photos: John and Mavis Dixon; James Pasby

Auckland & County Chronicle
18/10/1923 reports proposed dedication;
25/10/1923 reports dedication.

Durham Chronicle
19/10/1923 reports proposed unveiling tomorrow with description reported above;
26/10/1923 reports unveiling;

Durham County Advertiser
23/10/1923
2/11/1934 reports the additional unveiling.

Illustrated Chronicle
22/10/1923 reports dedication with photos.

Newcastle Weekly Chronicle
22/9/1923 reports proposed unveiling;

Northern Echo
14/9/1923 and 18/9/1923 report proposed unveiling;
12/10/1923 reports arrangements for unveiling;
15/10/1923 has description;
22/10/1923 reports unveiling;

South Shields Gazette
16/10/1923 reports proposed dedication

Cathedral Guide Book

Durham Cathedral and the County Regiment.

Durham City Remembered by Michael F. Richardson, ISBN 1 85983 291 1 has a photo of the dedication of the chapel furniture on page 220.

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
Dorothy Hall;
John and Mavis Dixon;
Cathedral staff;
Michael Mulhern

If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk