Courtesy of W ‘Jimmy’ James, this photograph was taken (on captured Axis film stock!) while the 16th DLI was training and refitting at Blida, North Africa in the summer of 1943. Unfortunately, the original print is also very blurry, but it is still a hugely evocative shot. Left to right are:
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Colour Sgt John Crosby, who was killed in action on 21/9/44; Sgt ‘Sibble’ Battle, the Battalion’s long-serving cook sergeant, ex-Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, who was with 16 DLI from the beginning until disbandment; and CSM W ‘Jimmy’ James, also ex-Beds and Herts and who was also with the battalion from the start. Note the dispatch rider’s motorcycle which can just be seen behind the three men.
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To see this photograph in context on the 16 DLI Chronology pages, click here.
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For another photo of ‘Jimmy’ James at Blida, click here.
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For Jimmy James’ 1945 poem about the Salerno Landings, click here.
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