The KOYLI Light Infantry and Rifles
Regimental Association

Dear Armed Forces Community, On behalf of Castleford Tigers RLFC, we would like to extend a warm invitation to you and your members to join us for our dedicated Armed Forces Day fixture on Saturday 20th June, with an 8.00pm kick‑off at The OneBore Stadium. We are proud to offer a special ticket rate for Armed Forces groups as part of our commitment to recognising and celebrating the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community. Tickets can be accessed directly via

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Ian Edward (Eddie) Hovell- Late RGJ, 8LI, KOYY(LI), who died on the 16th May 2026 at the age of 80. Known as Eddie, he served as a Regular serviceman in the RGJ as a Regimental Chef. He later joined the Territorial Army, capbadged to the Army Catering Corps, attached to 8LI, and subsequently the KOYY(LI), as the cook sergeant. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Eddie's family, friends, and those who served with

With deep sadness, I inform all Association members of the passing of Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Deedes, a distinguished and esteemed officer, who passed away on 2 April 2026 in France, where he had resided for several years. Throughout his notable career, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Deedes served with numerous units, including 2LI, and was the inaugural Commanding Officer of 8LI. In this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Lieutenant Colonel (Retd

Saturday, 16 May 2026, Swarcliffe, Leeds. Today, we had the honour and privilege of meeting and conversing with Pte John Heald 2KOYLI, who is 100 years young. At the age of 20, John fought with 2KOYLI during the assault on Malaya in August 1945, and underwent training in the Mysore jungles for this purpose. John came to the attention of the Association Secretary through Royal British Legion member Jeff Gantschuk, who attended John's 100th birthday in December 2025. Jeff was s

On the 86th Anniversary of the Battle at Vist, Chairman of the Friends of Hustad Farm, Leif Kibsgaard, laid the KOYLI wreath at this year's annual memorial service at Hustad Church. A minute's silence was followed by the national anthems of both countries. In 2022, Captain (Retd) Dickie and Pippa Dutton, along with Standard Bearer Colin Cranswick, made the trip to Norway for the memorial service at Hustad Farm. It was during that visit and stay with Paul and Brit Kiddell that

The annual Eden Camp All Services Parade and Service of Remembrance will take place here at the museum on Sunday, 13th September 2026. The format and timings will be the same as in previous years: the museum will be open free to veterans and serving members and their husbands/wives/partners/carers/chauffeurs and Cadet groups from 10.00 am, the parade will assemble at 2.10 pm for the march to the Heritage Hall Display arena at 2.30 pm. The Yorkshire Volunteers Band will lead t

SATURDAY 13 JUNE, 11AM - 12PM at the Danum Gallery, Library and Museum a newly created Curator talk about ‘The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in the Second World War’. It tells the story of some of the major actions for the regiment 1939-45, through objects, photographs and oral histories from our collection, as well additional material from other repositories and museums. The link to buy tickets on our website is here: Curator Talk: The KOYLI in the Second World War

It is with deep sorrow that I announce to all Association members the passing of Colonel (Retd) Charles Gerald Delany, affectionately known as Gerry, a distinguished and respected individual, who died at home on 29 March 2026. His loss leaves a significant void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him, as well as in the broader community that benefited from his dedication and service. During this challenging time, we offer our sincere condolences to Gerry's family and

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Michael Lee Frost, Late LI(TA), who died on the 18th March 2026 at the age of 63. Michael served in the LI (TA); he may also have served in one of the regular LI Battalions. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Michael's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As thIe bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you take your p

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Peter Darrian Flint, Late KOYLI and LI, who died on the 13th March 2026 at the age of 78. Peter served with the KOYLI and LI and attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As the bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you take your pla

The Royal British Legion are hosting a daytime commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Friday 22 nd May 2026 to mark the 15 th anniversary of the end of Operation TELIC. We warmly invite those to attend from the serving and veteran communities who served in the Iraq War (Op TELIC: 2003-2011), families of those who served in Iraq (including the bereaved), and those who worked as civilian contractors supporting British Forces and civil socie

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr George Neil Blackburn - Late LI Vols and 5LI, who died on the 11th March 2026 at the age of 76. George served with the LI Vols and 5LI and is the brother of Nigel Blackburn. George attained the rank of Corporal. We extend our heartfelt condolences to George's wife, Wendy, his family, and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope with this significant loss. As

On Saturday, 21 March 2026, a meaningful ceremony took place in St. Lawrence's Church, York , to honor the memory of Lieutenant Robert Abelson Harpley and his family. The event centered on a Choral Matins service and the re-dedication of the Robert Abelson Harpley War Memorial Window, a stained glass tribute that carries deep historical and emotional significance. This blog post explores the background of the memorial, the restoration efforts, and the ceremony that brought to

The Nuclear Test Medal is a commemorative medal to recognise the United Kingdom’s Nuclear Test Programme during the period 1952 and 1967 and those personnel who took part in subsequent operations to monitor atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by other nations (France and China). Full details of how to apply for this medal are available from the .Gov.uk website here

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr John Leslie Beckett - Late KOYLI, who died on the 14th March 2026 at the age of 78. John served with the KOYLI within A Coy and attained the rank of Serjeant alongside of Dave Wroe, Jock Forsyth, Jack Charles, and Skeets Forester. All ranks within the Regiment highly respected him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are w

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr. Brian John Fisher, late of LI, who passed away on 9th January 2026, aged 50. Brian served in the 2LI and attained the rank of Corporal. He served with the battalion in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Brian's family and friends during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts as you cope with this significant loss. As the bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Anthony Masterman (known as Tween), late KOYLI Band, who died on the 13th February 2026 at the age of 85. Tween served with the KOYLI as a member of the KOYLI Band. An accomplished musician, he was highly respected by fellow musicians in the Band and Bugles. Tween was a great supporter of the KOYLI Band and Bugle Club and attended major association events. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tween's family and fr

The Mission Motorsport events are normally very good and can be a good day out for everyone, families, and friends.

Below is the press release for the launch event of a Military Veterans Sports and Social Club, which will be held at the Denhale Centre ARC. The Launch event will be held on Tuesday, March 10th, from 09:30 to 12:00. The club is open to all military veterans from across the region, refreshments will be provided, and activities will run throughout the morning. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Simon Mosley. I look forward to welcoming you all