In 2013 the belongings of the late Brigadier-General (Hon) Hubert Horatio Shirley Morant DSO and his family, who had lived at The Hermitage in Hexham, were auctioned. 

Three generations of the Morant family had served in the 68th Regiment and the succeeding Durham Light Infantry Regiment, so there was much of DLI interest. HHS Morant had, among other army appointments, commanded the 10th Battalion DLI in WW1.  Though many items were purchased for the DLI Collection not all were won. HHS Morant’s sword, for example, went at that time to a sword collector in the USA. 

On the 31st October 2024 the DLI Friends group met to present the DLI Collection with that sword. It had appeared again and Sid Patterson of the DLI Friends purchased it at auction on behalf of the group.  In doing so the DLI Friends were fulfilling the original purpose for which the group was founded – to acquire items for the DLI Collection. 

The members now do much more, including supporting the education of younger generations, carrying out essential research, helping deliver exhibitions and assisting with public enquiries. Many members are registered Volunteers working and meeting at The Story.

Peter Nelson

Chairman DLI Friends