An Old KOYLI Leeds Branch Banner Found in an Antique Shop

The Association received an old KOYLI Leeds Branch Banner, found in an antique shop, during a presentation on 28 September at the Yorkshire Air Museum.

Harriet Mann, the Visitor Operations and Commercial Manager at Yorkshire Air Museum, found the banner in an antique shop in Whitby. She generously sold it to the Association for the same price she paid.

King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Association Banner found in an antique shop in Whitby by Harriet Mann

During the ceremony, Mr. Philip Solomon, a veteran of the KOYLI, received the banner on behalf of the Association from Harriet in the Halifax Hangar, in front of a restored Halifax bomber. Members from the Leeds and Pontefract Branches of the Association were joined by staff from the Yorkshire Air Museum to witness the handover of the banner. The Minden House Buglers performed the Last Post and Reveille while the KOYLI Standards, carried by Adrian Waites and Colin Cranswick, were dipped in respect.

Minden House Buglers, Standard Bearers with in the centre Alan Whitehead, Harriet Mann, and Philip Solomon

Members of Leeds, and Pontefract Branches celebrate the return of a piece of KOYLI history

After the presentation, members enjoyed a guided tour of the museum, exploring the aircraft and the history of the former RAF Bomber Command site.