Celebrating Minden Day
On 1 August 2024, we celebrated Minden Day with a small preview event of the new King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Research and Collections Centre for veterans, trustees, invited guests and our project volunteers. Many of the attendees served with the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and later the Light Infantry. This new space at City of Doncaster Archives has been redeveloped thanks to generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
A highlight of the event was being able to show a regimental wager book to Brigadier (Retd) Roger Preston. Roger features very frequently in the book which details the friendly bets placed between soldiers. Roger shared many reminiscences of his time in the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and memories of his comrades.
Our project volunteers also previewed the space and found out more about how their research will be used before tucking into a delicious lunch and some cake!
We are still undertaking some final works in the space, so it’s not currently open to the public. However, our first public open day of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Research and Collections Centre will be taking place as part of Heritage Open Days on Wednesday 11 September, 10.00am – 4.00pm.
At the open day you can discover the archives of the KOYLI collection. Explore medals awarded across 200 years of the regiment’s history and find out more about the fascinating lives of soldiers they belong to.
No booking required. Just drop in!
We’re also holding a free Military Records Introduction Workshop on Monday 9 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Find our about common military records and documents held within military museums and archives. Discover how they help you research your ancestors.
Free, booking required. Find out more on the Heritage Open Days page.
The research and collections centre makes our medal collection available to view and also gives us a space for researchers, volunteers and staff to make use of the amazing KOYLI collection. We are currently planning future open days, events and activities so keep your eyes on our social media for more information.
The redevelopment of this space has been made possible by National Lottery Heritage Fund support. Find out more on the project page.