The KOYLI Light Infantry and Rifles
Regimental Association

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

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 Thanksgiving service for Brig (Retd) Roger Preston, late KOYLI and LI, will be held in Settrington Church, Church Lane, Settrington, Malton, YO17 8NP at 1400 hours on the 30th of January 2026. Brig Roger's family has requested that, to assist with the catering arrangements, anyone wishing to attend please complete the form at the QR Code or the link below by the 20th of January 2026. BRIG (RETD) ROGER PRESTON LATE KOYLI AND LI - THANKSGIVING SERVICE FRI 30 JAN 26 AT 1400

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr John Malcolm Moore (known as Malc or Malcolm), late KOYLI, KSLI, and LI, who died on 1st November 2025 at the age of 84. Malcolm served with the KOYLI, KSLI, and LI, achieving the rank of Serjeant. Malcolm was actively involved with the Association and was the Chairman of our Doncaster Branch. Malcolm's health had deteriorated recently, preventing him from attending Branch or Association events. The Branch has maint

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Capt (Retd) David Rodger Mills, late KOYLI, who died on 4th November 2025 at the age of 89. We extend our heartfelt condolences to David'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 place in the FRV, your duty done with honour and distinction. Rest in Peace, David. Cede

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr. Kenneth Shaw, late KOYLI, who died on 6th November 2025 at the age of 90. Kenneth, often called Ken, completed his National Service with the KOYLI between 1956 and 1958, achieving the rank of Corporal. Ken was actively involved with the Association and a member of our Wakefield Branch. Although age and illness have prevented him from attending Branch or Association events, the Branch has maintained contact with him

This event has unfortunately had to be postponed at short notice due to circumstances beyond our control.

There will be a Thanksgiving for the life of Malcolm Hand (late KOYLI) at Newby Hall, Ripon, on Wednesday, 26 th November at 12 noon. All are welcome to attend, but please let the family know if you are coming at thanksgiving@shalford.com , and they will send further details. Malcolm passed away earlier this year.