Gardeners of Salonika

[Francis Stanley]

My Grandfather lived in Hersham Surrey but in 1916 joined the Durham Light Infantry, he was despatched in short order to Salonika where he remained untill the end of the war and his demob.

I know very little of his time there other than general information on campaigns out there, very little is said about the DLI.

My questions are; 1. Why would a Southerner Living in Surrey end up in the Durham Light Infantry?
2. Are there any accounts on the DLI's participation in Salonika post 1916?

Thanks in anticipation.

[alanbenn]

Francis, don't know if you have tried them yet but the Home of the DLI is up here in Durham (obviously) they have a museum and several records and documents held there. They were really helpful in helping me with details of actions when I was doing some research on my late father-in-law.


Here's a link to their website....

http://www.faithfuldurhams.com/index.htm

Regards
Alan

[Francis Stanley]

Alan
Thanks for that I will give it a try

[jainso31]

Hi Francis
Your GF belonged to the 2nd/5th batt. of the DLI which left Catterick31 10. 16 and went to Salonika as a Garrison Batt..via Havre(1 Nov)and Marseillles, arriving 15.11.16. To XVI Corps Troops.1.3.17, to 228Brigade attached to 28th Inf.Div.30.9.18 228th Brigade under command of Greek Crete Div.Macedonia,near Doiran.

Taken from British Regiments 1914-18 by Brig.E A James OBE,TD.

Hope this of some assistance to you.

jainso31

[jainso31]

I found this thread after quite lapse in time and have searched all (3) books that I have on this theatre of war and could find no mention of their existance.
They were a Garrison (Static) Btn and thereafter on Lines Of Communication work; and therefore were not used as an Active Service Btn.
You ask why a southern Englishman was in the DLI-It would depend on his age and medical category that he was posted to a Garrison Btn-usually an older man's deployment. 2/5th DLI were being prepared for Salonika and that's where your GF wound up.Best I can do I'm afraid Francis.

jainso31

[Francis Stanley]

Just seen this Jainso31
Thankyou for taking the time to give me this info
It certainly makes sense as he was indeed an older recruit at 38 in 1916
its all grist to the mill

[jainso31]

Thanks for the reply Stan-I have just sent you a PM outlining what I have said here; but perhaps a more detailed explanation.

jainso31

[Francis Stanley]

Jainso 31

Thanks to you and your information I have been able to find references to my GF's units at this website:

http://http://www.1914-1918.net/28div.htm (http://www.1914-1918.net/28div.htm)

If it hadn't been for your detail as to what the DLI battalion he ended up in and how it further broke down I would still be non the wiser
so thankyou for your kindness in taking time to help me out :)

[jainso31]

Stan I did my research through "British Regiments in the Great War" by Brig.A E James OBE TD and saw the 28th Division connection; but they were by then "Army Troops" under Greek command-so they were still L of C.

jainso31