41st National Defence Company/13th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry

As will be noted from the War Diary of the 70th Brigade HQ, the men of the National Defence Company were the first of the local units to be mobilised, even before the Territorial Battalions of the Durham Light Infantry, and were initially headquartered with 70th Infantry Brigade and, effectively, came under the command of the Brigade.

These men were older former servicemen - generally over 45 years of age - and were employed in guarding vulnerable points.

To read an article summarising their status and background please click here.

The 13th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, a Home Defence Battalion, was formed from the Durham Group (No. 41) National Defence Company in December 1939. It was divided into the 1/13th and 2/13th (Home Defence) Battalions in September 1940. The 2/13th Battalion was renamed as the 18th Battalion in March 1941. The 1/13th Battalion merged with the 18th Battalion to form the 30th Battalion in November 1941.

In researching the contents of the McGregor Card Index of DLI Officers, held at the Durham County Record Office, cards were traced of those Officers who had been members of these units, and therefore they have been listed here in the same format as their younger colleagues in the second-line Infantry Battalions of the 70th Infantry Brigade.

Personnel of 41st (Durham) National Defence Company/13th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry.

Boys-Stones Richard Major 51695
Wilby Ronald John Major 79246