Durham Light Infantry - 7th Bn (TF)

This post will look at regimental numbering in the 7th (Territorial Force) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry between 1908 and 1914. Use the information below to estimate when your ancestor joined this particular battalion. Note that all Territorial Force battalions had their own unique number series (and for that matter, some operated more than one number series). So if your ancestor served in the 6th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, this post won't be for you. Follow the link for the 6th Battalion.

The 7th Durham Light Infantry was headquartered at Livingstone Road, Sunderland and its eight companies drew men from the following locations:

A to F Companies: Sunderland; G & H Companies: South Shields. The battalion was part of the Durham Light Infantry Brigade in the Northumbrian Division.

Here are some sample regimental numbers for the 7th Durham Light Infantry. These were issued sequentially, beginning at No 1 on the 1st April 1908. The vast majority of early recruits would have been men who were serving with the 3nd (Sunderland) Volunteer Battalion.

288 joined on the 30th April 1908
873 joined on the 1st May 1909
1129 joined on the 31st March 1910
1344 joined on the 11th January 1911
1562 joined on the 24th April 1912
1860 joined on the 2nd June 1913
2099 joined on the 1st May 1914
2315 joined on the 7th August 1914 

Use the regimental numbers above to estimate when a man would have joined this battalion between 1908 and August 1914. For example, if your man had the number 1500 and came from South Shields, he probably joined in the first quarter of 1912 and would have probably served in G or H Company. 

Remember. I research soldiers! Drop me a line if you need help 

To search for photos of your Durham Light Infantry ancestors, check my British Army Ancestors website.