Where to find Durham LI records???

[Vida]

Hello all,

I would like to find (if possible) any service records for my ancestor in the Durham Light Infantry pre 1911. My relative joined the CEF in 1916 and discloses on his attestation papers that he was in the Durham LI for 6 years. Where would I find records of this?? He emigrated to USA/Canada 1911 so I am guessing it is before this. I have tried looking at the National archives site but am just getting confused!!

Any advice would be very welcome.

Vida 

[Evie]

Hi Vida

You could try here

http://nd.durham.gov.uk/recordoffice/register.nsf/search

Evie

Added: In the first search box put in DLI it brings up lots

[Vida]

Hi Evie,

Thank you for your reply.  . I will have a look - fingers crossed!

Vida

[Evie]

Good luck

In the second box you could try putting your ancestors name.

Evie

[jds1949]

Vida,

The service records for men who served between 1854 and 1913 are held at The NA at Kew - reference WO97. They have started to digitalise these records, but there is still along way to go, so the odds are that your man's record hasn't been processed yet. That means that his record should be available, but only if you actually visit Kew, or get someone to do so on your behalf.

jds1949

[Vida]

Evie- Thanks  Have had a quick look - loads of interesting stuff, not my rellie so far but.....

JD1949 - Thank you - a trip to Kew is in order I think! (I want to go anyway!!)

Vida

[km1971]

Hi Vida

Six years in the DLI suggests he was in the Militia. That was as the standard duration of an enlistment, while the normal enlistment for a Regular was 12 years. Militia Attestation Papers are in WO96, so if you are going to Kew you should look there as well as in WO97. Findmypast will be putting WO96 online after they have completed WO97.

Militiamen did either a 49 or 76 day 'training on enlistment', followed by six annual trainings of 4-6 weeks. While serving they were paid the same as Regulars. In 1908 the Militia became the Special Reserve.

Did he not mention a battalion?

Ken

[Vida]

Hi Ken,

Thank you for your reply - I am sadly lacking in my knowledge of anything military!
On checking the CEF attestation papers he details "6 yrs, 3rd Durham Light Inf". 

Is there a chance of finding any records?? (I am looking forward to my visit to Kew anyway!!)

Vida