The KOYLI Light Infantry and Rifles
Regimental Association

With profound sadness, I inform members that Mr Ronald Blakey, late KOYLI, died on 16 October 2026 at the age of 95. Ron was a member of our Doncaster branch and attended branch and association events whenever his health permitted. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Ron's wife Margaret, 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 the bugle sounds 'No More Parades' and you

Heritage Doncaster wants to learn more about life in a military family and gather oral history stories from relatives of serving personnel. Can you help us preserve these stories as part of Doncaster's museum and archive collections? Did you grow up in an Armed Forces family? Was your spouse, parent, or sibling in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry? Did you live at RAF Finningley? Do you want to talk about your experiences? We want to hear from you! Find out more a

With profound sadness, I inform members that Mr Keith Alan Clennell Davison, late KOYLI and LI Band, died on 1 October 2026 at the age of 82. Keith attained the rank of WO2 (Band Serjeant Major). He was highly respected by all ranks and his fellow musicians in the Light Division Bands. As Band Serjeant Major at the Light Infantry School of Music, he shaped the military music career of many Light Infantry junior musicians, some of whom went on to become Bandmasters. We extend

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Stephen Hollins Hammond, late KOYLI, who died on the 15th September 2026 at the age of 89. Stephen, a member of Pontefract Branch, was an active supporter of the Association and his branch until his age and health prevented him from doing so. Despite this, he still maintained his connection through branch newsletters and branch members. Stephen's funeral took place on 2 October at Pontefract Crematorium and was att

On Saturday, 26 September, York Minster was the venue for a Regimental memorial service for The Rifles, Light Infantry, and KOYLI, bringing together the 5 Pillars. The service underscored the connections within The Rifles, across generations and communities, and highlighted the significance of its five pillars. The gathering included serving Riflemen, Rifles reservists, Rifles cadets, veterans, and communities, showcasing the Regiment’s vibrant community. The presence of the

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr John William Heald, late KOYLI, who died on the 10th September 2026 at the age of 100. The Association recently learned about John after the RBL reached out to us. Members of the Association and Standard Bearers visited John and his family at his home in Leeds. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John's family and friends during this difficult period. Please be assured that our thoughts are with you as you cope w

You may be aware of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill currently going through Parliament. General Nick Parker (late RIFLES) has established a scheme whereby a pre-written letter can be emailed to your MP asking them to support an amendment which would only allow historic cases to be investigated if genuinely new and compelling evidence came to light. Please take the time and trouble to read the document in the attached link SHOULDER TO SHOULDER | Support Veterans Now — T

With effect 01 Aug 26, Colonel Mark Laverick will take over as the Rifles Regional Colonel North and President of The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Light Infantry, and Rifles Regimental Association. The Minden Day Service and Lunch in Doncaster will be Colonel Mark's first engagement as Rifles Regional Colonel North and our Association President. Colonel Mark Laverick Assistant Head Reserves, Future Force Development, Army Capability Rifles Regional Colonel North Co

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Garry Robinson, Late KOYLI and 2LI, who died on the 26th June 2026 at the age of 84. Garry served with the KOYLI and then in 2LI and attained the rank of Serjeant. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Garry's wife, 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 place in

The life and courage of Charles Burley Ward VC, KOYLI’s first Victoria Cross recipient in 1900, which was also the last VC presented by Queen Victoria, were commemorated in Leeds on Friday 10 July, marking 150 years since his birth. The event was organised by local historian and researcher Mr Ronnie Walsh, whose work has helped bring renewed attention to Charles’s story. Family members travelled from across the country and were joined by civic, military and Association repre

Robert Smith and Colin Cranswick travelled to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the Governor’s Review, held ahead of Founder’s Day. Despite torrential rain before the parade, the weather cleared as the Chelsea Pensioners marched on. Afterwards, Robert and Colin met KOYLI in-patient Phil Watkins before visiting Tony “Big Mac” McLaughlin, a former Bugle Major who had served with Colin in the 2nd Light Infantry Band and Bugles. Colin Cranswick, Phil Watkins KOYLI, and Rob Smith at

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

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

On Sunday, 12 April 2026, Philip and Christopher Knight attended a commemoration at Arnhem City Hall to mark the 81st anniversary of the city’s liberation. They represented the Association and the memory of their grandfather, Fred Adamson KOYLI, who took part in the battle and died in 2025 aged 105. The ceremony recalled Operation Anger, when the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, the “Polar Bears”, entered Arnhem on 12 April 1945. With Canadian support, the city centre wa

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 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

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

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