Durban Light Infantry

The Durban Light Infantry were formed on the 24th May 1854 and gazetted as the Durban Volunteer Guard on the 27th January 1855. In 1870 their name changed to the Durban Volunteer Guard and in 1873, the Royal Durban Rifles. In 1889 they amalgamated with the Natal Royal Rifles and in 1895 the corps became the Durban Light Infantry which still exists today. At the commencement of hostilities they had 476 men of whom 31 were a cycle corps used to take messages between companies. They fought with the relief force at, the Train Disaster, the battles of Willow Grange and Colenso. On 6th December 1899 the regiment was moved to Nottingham Road to replace the Somerset Light Infantry. On 9th January 1900 they were moved to Mooi River to relieve their “Train Disaster” partners, the Dublin Fusiliers.