The KOYLI, Light Infantry, and Rifles Regimental Association

The KOYLI, Light Infantry, and Rifles Regimental Association We have branches in Doncaster, Leeds, Pontefract, and Wakefield.

The aims of the Association are to
* benefit, irrespective of rank, servicemen and women who wear or wore the cap badge of The Rifles or of their Forming and Antecedent Regiments
* provide welfare advice
* uphold the Regimental traditions and camaraderie The Association is open to all serving and ex-servicemen and women, of all ranks of the; Rifles, the Forming Regiments, the KOYLI, and other antecedent Regiments of The Rifles whether regular, reservist, or adult instructors of the ACF and CCF.

Tickets available: Remembrance Sunday 2026 parade on Whitehall. The Association has a limited allocation — applications ...
11/06/2026

Tickets available: Remembrance Sunday 2026 parade on Whitehall. The Association has a limited allocation — applications close 17:00 on 29 Sep 2026. If you meet eligibility, email the Association Secretary with your full name (as in passport) and email: [email protected]. Tickets are issued first-come, first-served. Read full details and apply: https://wix.to/TQ6edZV

Members are reminded that the window for booking tickets for our Association closes at 1700 on 29 Sep 26.The Association has been allocated a limited number of tickets. If you want to apply for a ticket to participate in the parade and meet the eligibility criteria listed below, please email the Ass...

Join us for Armed Forces Day Doncaster — 27 June 2026. Whether you’d like to march or need a seat on the bus, the Doncas...
09/06/2026

Join us for Armed Forces Day Doncaster — 27 June 2026. Whether you’d like to march or need a seat on the bus, the Doncaster events team can help. Members wishing to participate should email [email protected] with your name and contact details. Read more: https://wix.to/hGmNRqp

Association members interested in participating in the Doncaster parade, whether by marching or requesting a seat on the bus for those unable to walk the distance, should reach out to the Doncaster events team via the provided email address, including their name and contact information.Doncaster.eve...

Join Castleford Tigers RLFC for a special Armed Forces Day fixture on Saturday 20th June — 8:00pm kick‑off at The OneBor...
23/05/2026

Join Castleford Tigers RLFC for a special Armed Forces Day fixture on Saturday 20th June — 8:00pm kick‑off at The OneBore Stadium. We’re offering a special ticket rate for Armed Forces groups to recognise your service and sacrifice. Book your tickets and bring your group for an unforgettable evening: https://wix.to/ZkqNmU6

Dear Armed Forces Community, On behalf of Castleford Tigers RLFC, we would like to extend a warm invitation to you and your members to join us for our dedicated Armed Forces Day fixture on Saturday 20th June, with an 8.00pm kick‑off at The OneBore Stadium. We are proud to offer a special ticket ra...

With profound sadness we share the passing of Mr Ian Edward (Eddie) Hovell — Late RGJ, 8LI, KOYY(LI). Eddie served as a ...
23/05/2026

With profound sadness we share the passing of Mr Ian Edward (Eddie) Hovell — Late RGJ, 8LI, KOYY(LI). Eddie served as a Regimental Chef and later with the Territorial Army as a cook sergeant. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who served with him. Read the full tribute: https://wix.to/RE8srub

With profound sadness, I inform members of the passing of Mr Ian Edward (Eddie) Hovell- Late RGJ, 8LI, KOYY(LI), who died on the 16th May 2026 at the age of 80.Known as Eddie, he served as a Regular serviceman in the RGJ as a Regimental Chef. He later joined the Territorial Army, capbadged to the Ar...

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Deedes, late KOYLI and ...
18/05/2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Deedes, late KOYLI and LI. A distinguished officer and the inaugural Commanding Officer of 8LI, Lt Col Deedes served with honour across multiple units. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and comrades during this difficult time. Read the full tribute: https://wix.to/nVgjnt9

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....

Meet Private John Heald, 2KOYLI — a Sittang River survivor who, at 100 years young, shared his wartime story with the As...
16/05/2026

Meet Private John Heald, 2KOYLI — a Sittang River survivor who, at 100 years young, shared his wartime story with the Association in Swarcliffe, Leeds. A powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and the living history among us. Read the full tribute and learn more about his remarkable journey: https://wix.to/Hs3vUB1

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 17, John fought with 2KOYLI during the retreat from Burma in 1941 to 1942 and survived the perilous crossing of the Sittang Riv...

Association register on the association website for your association member only ticket
15/05/2026

Association register on the association website for your association member only ticket

This June, The Band and Bugles of The Rifles travels north to support The Rifles, communities across Yorkshire and the Northeast. This will bring our regimental five pillars together to celebrate our shared heritage, service, and community spirit all topped off by a Sounding Retreat performed by The Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

We would like to invite you to come along and show your support for the regiment across a series of FREE family-friendly events taking place throughout the region.

The Yorkshire based events also act as a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLIs) being awarded the Freedom of both Wakefield and Doncaster.

Expect performances from The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, cadets, military displays, engagement stands, community activities and much more.

Event Dates

📍 Doncaster Market Square DN1 4FJ
🗓 3rd June
🕕 18:15

📍 Pontefract Castle WF8 2JF*
🗓 4th June
🕕 18:15

📍 Sunderland City Centre, Keele Square SR1 3DZ
🗓 5th June
🕕 18:15

📍 Wharton Park, Durham DH1 4FJ
🗓 6th June
🕕 From 11:00 until 16:00

The Durham event will also feature:
• 68th Durham Light Infantry Re-enactment Group
• Durham Army Cadet Force Band
• Food vendors including Grandpa's Fish Bar
• Family activities and displays

Save the dates and join us to celebrate the proud military and community heritage of Yorkshire and the Northeast.

All events are FREE however to attend the Pontefract Castle event you must register at :

www.ticketsource.com/wakefield-museums-castles/koyli-freedom-of-the-city-of-wakefield-80th-anniversary-sounding-retreat/e-zpxmoo

Today we remember the 86th Anniversary of the Battle of Vist in Norway. Chairman Leif Kibsgaard laid the KOYLI wreath at...
05/05/2026

Today we remember the 86th Anniversary of the Battle of Vist in Norway. Chairman Leif Kibsgaard laid the KOYLI wreath at Hustad Church, with a minute's silence and the national anthems honoured. Read the full memorial report and reflections by Colin Cranswick: https://wix.to/66xIcPE

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 Dut...

Join us at Eden Camp for the All Services Parade & Service of Remembrance on Sunday 13 Sept 2026. Museum open free to ve...
05/05/2026

Join us at Eden Camp for the All Services Parade & Service of Remembrance on Sunday 13 Sept 2026. Museum open free to veterans, serving members and their companions from 10:00 am. Parade assembles 2:10 pm, march to the Heritage Hall arena at 2:30 pm led by the Yorkshire Volunteers Band. A moving tribute to those who served — all welcome. Read more and plan your visit: https://wix.to/or7bnFd

The annual Eden Camp All Services Parade and Service of Remembrance will take place here at the museum on Sunday, 13th September 2026.The format and timings will be the same as in previous years: the museum will be open free to veterans and serving members and their husbands/wives/partners/carers/ch...

Join us at Danum Gallery, Library & Museum on Saturday 13 June, 11am–12pm for a curator talk: “The King’s Own Yorkshire ...
01/05/2026

Join us at Danum Gallery, Library & Museum on Saturday 13 June, 11am–12pm for a curator talk: “The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in the Second World War.” Discover stories from 1939–45 through objects, photos and oral histories from the collection. Tickets available on our site: https://wix.to/LMq8OQe

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...

Address

The Association Secretary, Minden House, Wakefield Road
Pontefract
WF84ES

Telephone

01977703181

Website

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