Proud to belong

ซื่อสัตย์

(faithful)

D/DLI 2/2/384 Vajiravudh, King of Siam, Rama VI, in an officers uniform of the Durham Light Infantry, 1916

On the Durham at War website, you can read about how the King of Siam was briefly part of the Durham Light Infantry, and never forgot his ties to the regiment. During the First World War, he donated a total of £2000 to the Durham Light Infantry benevolent fund to help the families of the fallen.
http://www.durhamatwar.org.uk/story/12193/?id=12193 

A hundred years ago today, on 12 February 1916, the war diary entry of the 2nd Battalion, Durham Light Infantry reads:

Rest at POPERINGHE. The town was shelled by enemy at 5.40pm, about 12 shells. Enemy aeroplanes dropped about 12 bombs at 5.00pm. The order “Stand-to ready to move” from 6th DIVISION received at 4.20pm. All necessary action taken, at 6.14pm “Troops may fall out received.” 6th DIVISION.

Appendix 2

Attached message from King of Siam to Durham Light Infantry regiment

The message is written out in the appendix:

The following message has been received by this Battalion from the King of SIAM who was an Officer in the Battalion. “As one of your comrades, I send you who are now honourably upholding the noble traditions of the Faithful Durhams in the Service of your King and Country, my very best wishes for Christmas and New Year. May your sacrifices be not in vain, and may you return home soon, full of honour, with added glory to the already glorious renown of the Regiment to which I am proud to belong.

Vajiravudh R.

General”