Beamish - 68th Durham Regiment of Foot

The 68th Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) was an infantry regiment of the British Army, raised in 1758. There first Colonel was John Lambton from Durham. 

In August 1782, it was decided to attach counties to regiments to aid recruitment, and the 68th was allotted to County Durham, becoming the 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot. Under the Childers Reforms it amalgamated with the 106th Bombay Light Infantry to form the Durham Light Infantry in 1881.

They served in the Seven Years War (1756 to 1763) as Britian and France fougt for global pre-eminene. They fought in France and the West Indies, and spent some time stationed in the North East.

During the Peninsular War (1808 to 1813) against Napoleon, they fought at Salamanca, Vitoria, in the Pyrenees, crossing into France. In France they engaged in the Battle's of Nivelle and Orthez, and aftered the fighting was over they entered Bordeux in March 1814.

The 68th Foot were awarded their first battle honour Peninsular. They would not active service again for 40 years when they were involved in the Crimean War.  

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BEAMISH

The Old 68th Durham Light Infantry Society and Display Team

The Old 68th Durham Light Infantry Society and Display Team have set up camp at Pockerley Old Hall this weekend! Watch drill displays, see musket-firing demonstrations and find out about life in the army in the 1800s. pic.twitter.com/VKcHQg3DCk

— Beamish Museum (@Beamish_Museum) May 21, 2022

Detachment 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot

Detachment 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot

Sergeant 

Soldier

Encampment

Mess Tent

Amble - RAF Pinnace Memorial

IJ Warkworth Harbour Amble

On the 29 September 1969, RAF Search and Rescue craft Pinnace 1386 overturned while approaching Amble harbour in severe weather.

RAF Pinnace 1386

Approach to Amble Harbour looking towards Coquet Island

Amble lifeboats, together with HM Coastguard and the Search and Rescue squadron from RAF Acklington, spent hours attempting to rescue the crew of the stricken vessel. Local divers also joined in to help free the men. One crew member survived after Royal Navy divers managed to create a hole in the upturned hull, from which he managed to escape.

The crew members who died were Flt Lt Bell (Skipper), Cpl Ivil (Wireless Operator) and SAC Denson (Wireless Operator). They were the only three RAF Marine Branch servicemen to die while on active sea duty in the post war era. The survivor was Sgt Robert Moore BEM (Marine Engine Fitter).

A memorial located at the entrance to Warkworth Harbour, Amble, to RAF Pinnace was unvieled on 3rd June 2018.

Memorial to crew of RAF Pinnace 1386 - The Ambler

RAF Pinnace Memorial Warkworth Harbour, Amble

RAF Pinnace Memorial

Newcastle - Crown Posada Ships

The Crown Posada near the Quayside in Newcastle is an iconic pub. It was built in 1880 and was orgininally called 'The Crown'. It became the 'Crown Posada' in 1897. Posada is the Spanish word for 'resting place' and there are various stories as to why it was added to the pubs name. 

Crown Posada Newcastle

'The Crown' Newcastle

'Posada' - Resting Place

Crown Posada Newcastle

It may have been added to welcome the many Spanish sailors who docked their ships on the quayside when it was a place that cargos were unloaded. 

Newcastle Quayside 1897

It is also said the pub was bought by by a Spanish sea captain for his mistress on Tyneside.

Crown Posada IJ and VM

Crown Posada Newcastle

The pub has two stained glass windows, one depicting a Tudor Gentlemen drinking, the other a lady pouring beverages. 

Crown Posada Newcastle
Tudor Gentleman Drinking

Crown Posada Newcastle
Serving Lady

Another feature is the in pub entertainment, a 1950's record player and vinyl records.

Crown Posada Newcastle
1950's Record Player and Vinyl Records

The Crown Posada was a favoured location for a 'run ashore' for Royal Navy sailors from ships  visting the River Tyne.  To mark their visitt some left their sailors caps bearing the names of their ships.

Crown Posada Newcastle
Royal Navy Ships

HMS Appolo - Leander Class Frigate

HMS Appollo

HMS Lincoln - Salisbury Class Frigate

HMS Lincoln

HMS Blake -Tiger Class Cruiser

HMS Blake

Crown Posada Newcastle
Royal Navy Ships

HM Submarines  

HMS Onslaught an Oberon Class Submarine was one vessel that visited the Tyne.

HMS Onslaught

HMS Antrim - County Class Destroyer

HMS Antrim