somerset and cornwall light infantry SCLI scli
The Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry
6 October 1959 - 10 July 1968

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1959-1968

 

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www.britisharmedforces.org

www.lightinfantry.org.uk


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Brief History of the SCLI

Foreword
by Brigadier A.I.H. Fyfe DL
SCLI in Osnabruck... More
SCLI in Gibraltar... More
SCLI in Tobruk... More
SCLI in Berlin... More
SCLI in Gravesend... More
SCLI in Aden... More
 
SCLI Memoirs now linked to each page
Screen Savers

Should any ex SCLI wish to trace old pals Email site curator (Keith) .. with full name (not nicknames) and area last known, I will see what I can do.


Northern Ireland
Special Notice

The Northern Ireland page remains but will probably not been updated. As the Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry (SCLI) became the Light Infantry (LI) on the 10 July 1968 just before doing a tour in Northern Ireland.

But for the information it already contains it was decided not to totally remove the content from this site. As it was felt that it may useful for people doing research on the Light Infantry in Northern Ireland.

Books

"One and All" by Hugo White

Review by Richard Holmes

The real merit of the British infantry across the centuries has been to preserve qualities when organisations change, for change they must in a world where few things are constant. But none of this stopped me having to blink rather hard when I saw the photograph of Colonel Williams leading his troops out of the depot at Bodmin for the last time.

 

Somerset & Cornwall Latest Posting

CAPTAIN PETER MAURICE COATES - R I P.

died Jan 29th 2012

Royal Marines - KSLI - 3rd Para - SLI - SCLI - SOAF

Many will be sad to hear of the recent death of Captain Peter Coates. Following a month of illness Peter died on 29th January 2012, aged 76.

Details were passed to Taunton office by Peter’s son, Roger, who serves in a Full Times Reserve Service (FTRS) appointment, following regular service in the Coldstream Guards. Peter had two other children, Dawn and Luke.

Peter began his military career in 1954 with The Royal Marines before being attending Eaton Hall. Initially becoming a 2nd Lieutenant in The King’s Shropshire Light Infantry he was seconded to 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment serving in both Cyprus and Suez. Then, having gained a regular commission in The Somerset Light Infantry, he served as a platoon commander before assuming the appointment of weapon training officer with 1st Battalion The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry. A tour with 1st Battalion The Herefordshire Light Infantry followed before two years service with The Sultan of Oman Armed Forces. Having received the Sultan’s Commendation in 1968 he left the Army in 1969. He subsequently worked for the Home Office.

Peter and Sheila were married for over thirty years. Some ten years ago Peter suffered a stroke and many appreciate how hard Sheila has worked during this time. Meanwhile Peter was particularly proud of his regimental links and those with the Association in Somerset. Funeral arrangements will soon be determined by Sheila and her step-children. Meanwhile those wishing to write to Peter’s widow, may do so at the following address: Mrs Sheila Coates, 10 Plymouth Hill, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6QG.

The funeral will take place at Princetown Methodist Chapel, beginning at 12.00 noon on Monday 6th February 2012. Donations, if desired, can be made to SSAFA and the Royal British Legion. Funeral directors are: Morris Brothers of Tavistock, The Old Bedford Foundry, Lakeside, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0AZ.

OBITUARY by Bob Bogan BEM

Again! we have a blank file in the ranks which is very sad. I remember Lt.Peter Coates as O.C. Training Coy.Osnabruck, I was a Weapon Training Corporal fresh from D.L.I. -- K.S.L.I. Sept./Oct.1959.

Lt. Coates having "sat in" on several of my lesson's was the officer who gave me a "Glowing Recomendation" to be posted to the Regimental Depot Bodmin" as a Weapon Training N.C.O. , to train the last "Intakes" of National Service Drafts, which were often over 120 to 150 in numbers. The last years for call up of N.S.Men was very busy and hectic, due to the large numbers in each draft. (The Training depot closed forever in 1962).

I recall Lieut. .Peter Coates being O.C. of the Training Company and the C.S.M. was WO11 Ted Gillard, C.Q.M.S. Duchy Holland M.M. also the 2/1/c was a 2nd .LT.VINCENSI? (sorry not certain of spelling).

The short time that "Lieut. Peter" was my O.C. was a happy time.Yes! he was correct.The 2 years plus I spent as part of the Staff at Victoria Barracks instructing the large intakes of "National Servicemen" was without a shadow of doubt the best year's of my service life.
To Lieut. Peter Coates and those hundreds and hundreds of National Servicemen. Thankyou.!

I have a debt! I can never, never, ever repay! I learned more from you! than I ever taught,or instructed in. To
"Lead by example" firm! but fair!. Have an open mind and liste to young men who are away from their families, facing military discipline (a kind word,a sympathetic ear these young men blossomed into soldiers).

Capt.P.M.Coates R.I.P. Our paths criss -- crossed several times.
Peter --- Sir! memories are so precious.My thoughts are with your family.

Bobby Bogan.

CAN YOU HELP

 

It is desired to trace a former Light Infantyman one Mick Kaine who served in KSLI. LI

and later as a RSM of a Green Jacket Bn. Any info please to Lawrie Hodges on 01823-279109.

It is desired to trace a former Light Infantyman one Reginald Humphries who served in 1Bn/KoylI, 1952-1953, Dortmund BAOR. 1953 to 1954 Malaya, 1BN/SomLI Malaya. Any info please to Keith on 01202 577488

 

NEXT SCLI REUNION - APRIL 28th 2012

Picture Gallery for 2011 Reunion

If you come across broken links or any mistakes please email KEITH.


SCLI 50 at Wells

211 Pictures for you to enjoy - more just added from Rex Brain!

Click image to enlarge.

They march again!

The Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry Guestbook

I have created a new guestbook for the SCLI website, the older guestbooks have been replaced due to spam. Should you particularly want to see something in the old books, they have been archived, but I will send you a link if you wish. Do not post a message in them as nobody will see it.

In fact all the guestbooks have been renewed on www.lightinfantry.org.uk due to the generosity of a group of SCLI veterans, they all know who they are, I have thanked them for you all. Very gradually as I see the books used I will upgrade them to remove all the adverts as I have done on SCLI.

In response to requests, a new guestbook has been created which is especially for

The Afghanistan Conflict Guestbook

You are invited to leave your message of condolence or sympathy, any messages likely to cause offence will be removed.

Notice

Please note that SSAFA will help Ex Servicemen who have a problem, its no good going to your old Regt.HQ. they do not have funds to help.

SSAFA Website

The confidential support line is 0800 731 4880

SCLI in Colour

This site is devoted to the history of the regiment from 1959 to 1968. If you served in the Somerset & Cornwall Light Infantry (SCLI) during those years the webmaster (ex SCLI) would like to hear from you with any memories of especially 1963 to 1968. Pictures are especially welcome. e-mail

The Parent Regiments

The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry

The Somerset Light Infantry

I appeal to any ex members of the SCLI whatever your rank to help build this site as a lasting memory of a great regiment. Please contact the site curator. All pages will be added to on a continual basis, so check back often.

 
The 1st Battalion The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry served at Osnabruck until June 1961, when it moved, by way of Plymouth to Gibraltar.It is interesting to note that as Barrymore's (13th) Foot and Fox's Marines, the two parent regiments first met (and shared the same battle honour) at Gibraltar. Gibraltar Day is now celebrated annually on 6th October as the Regimental Day of Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry. The old Regimental Days of Jellalabad, Lucknow and Paardeburg are still remembered, with short histories published in Battalion Orders.

Among the distinctions brought from its parent regiments, the Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry has the Royal Blue Facings and Royal Bugle Cords of the Somerset Light Infantry, the red patch commemorating the red feathers of the Light Company of the 46th Foot (later the 2nd Battalion the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry) and the privilege of wearing the sash knotted on the right side ,a unique distinction usually associated with the gallantry of the 13th Foot at Culloden.The green head-dress, whistle cord and No 1 Dress Uniform are common to all Light Infantry Regiments.The parent Regiments were raised: in 1685 as Huntingdon's Foot (now The Somerset Light Infantry), in 1702, as Fox's Marines, and in 1740 as the 57th (later renumbered 46th)(1st and 2nd Battalions The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry). Their names remain the names of the two Territorial Army Battalions.

The 1st Battalion received Colours in May 1962 whilst stationed in Gibraltar, the Colours being presented on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen by Field Marshal The Lord Harding of Petherton. The 1st Battalion served in West Berlin, Gravesend and Aden before becoming part of the new Regiment in 1968..

In 1968.07.10 1st Battalion, The Light Infantry redesignated upon formation of "large" regiment from Light Infantry Brigade.

LI Assoc. (South Somerset Branch). Monthly meetings held at Yeovil Ex-Services and Social Club, Grove House, Preston Rd, Yeovil First Wednesday of the month. - 01935 472258

LI Assoc. ( Taunton Branch )We meet at Jellalabad House, 14 Mount Street, Taunton. Meetings are now held on the last Tuesday morning each month from October to March ( Apart from December ) at 1100hrs.The last Tuesday evening of each month from April to September commencing at 1930hrs.

Contact Lawrie Hodges on Taunton 01823-279109. Click HERE for more information

LI Assoc. (Bristol Branch). We meet at the TA centre in Whiteladies Rd. Bristol on the third Thursday of every month except August and December.
There are lots of ex LI men in and around Bristol we could do with your support. Tel: 0117 9861674

LI Assoc. (Bodmin). Meetings Quarterly Contact the Secretary Mr M Vigus Tel: 01726 852640


Click image to enlarge
The SCLI Colours that were presented at Europa Gibraltar 1962 (Photo supplied by Stephen Taylor)


3D SCLI Screen Saver
Downloads
[14th Sept 2005]

 

 


Updated 2nd Feb 2012



UK Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge

All those who have served in HM Armed Forces.

Lots more information and application


Book the Bugle Major for Funerals - Weddings etc.

The Bugle Major

Subject: New Message Forum

There is now a new message forum, free from those annoying pop-ups and adverts, it has been supplied due to the generous donations of SCLI & LI veterans.

Message Forum

 


All the articles and galleries on this website have been registered with the UK Copyright Service - Copyright © 2003/2008 Keith Petvin-Scudamore

Copyright Notice fact sheet from UK Copyright Service.

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