Dates: 1881 - 1968
The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry was a regiment of the British Army. It officially existed from 1881 to 1968, but its predecessors go back to 1755. The regiment’s traditions and history are now maintained by The Rifles.
The 51st first saw action during the Seven Years’ War, gaining a reputation at Minden, its first battle honour. The regiment embarked for the Peninsula in 1807, serving with distinction. The regiment served on the extreme right at Waterloo, and was engaged at Hougoumont Farm.
Both the 51st and 105th saw extensive service all over the Empire throughout the nineteenth century. The Second battalion (105th) fought well in the South African War.
Both battalions served on the Western Front in WWI, as well as 3 Territorial and eight volunteer service battalions.
In WWII the regiment’s nine battalions represented the new age of warfare. 5 and 8 KOYLI were anti-aircraft units, 7 KOLYI were armoured, and 9 KOYLI (formerly the Queens Own Yorkshire Dragoons) was motorised. The Second battalion served in Europe and the Mediterranean, the First fought as a rearguard in the retreat through Burma. The 1/4 battalion participated in the Battle of Normandy in 1944 and subsequently in the Netherlands.
Reduced to one battalion, the KOYLI took part in peace-keeping and counter-insurgency operations post war. The battalion moved to Berlin in 1967, where it joined the Light Infantry Regiment.
Memories of Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, in 1963Written by Terry France
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"MALAYA
SINGAPORE
THE MEMORIES OF THESE EXOTIC PLACES. WILL LIVE IN MY MIND FOR EVER,HOW ELSE COULD A LAD FROM CASTLEFORD EVER MANAGE TO SEE LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD,,,"
Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, berlin in 1969Written by colin richmond
Contact this person >> "id been up drinking till the early hours we had abig parade i got up got dressed then thought id have adoze iwoke up to a desserted barrack room when i got outside the coy was already marching i doubled onto the parade ground fell in and stated martching sargent mayor wakket stopped the parade came over to me but before he could bolluck me i said do you want me to march or what mr wakket said what or what copl smith to the gaurd room locked up for 2 weeks over chritmas biggest mistake of my life but god bless em all big vozbeki anyone remember him what a guy "
Forces Reunited Forum Posts involving Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
"I am attempting to locate an ex serviceman from the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry who served with me at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst during 1964 - 1967. His name was C Sgt Tom Jones and he was with Gaza Company on New College. Anyone with any information which could assist me please contact Douglas Worsfold via lindamurphy51@hotmail.com. "
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" Quoting: Douglas Worsfold I am attempting to locate an ex serviceman from the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry who served with me at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst during 1964 - 1967. His name was C Sgt Tom Jones and he was with Gaza Company on New College. Anyone with any ..."
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" Alright Louise, Here are a couple of links which ma y help you; http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/leisure_in_doncaster/museums_and_history/museums/kings_own_yorkshire_light_infantry_museum.asp or Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Museum eMail: museum/AT/doncaster.gov.uk | Telephone: 01302 ..."
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"The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry / 2 LI were the BEST Regiment in the WORLD
Cede Nullis"
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" I have an unknown soldier (WW2) in the family album - no label. I think the picture is of a young man who signed up for the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and later transferred to the Parachute Regiment. He was stationed near Salisbury at some point, probably Carter Barracks, Bulford, near ..."
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