Unlike many World War II unit narratives, the story of the 16th Durhams is not drawn from official histories or unit diaries. The next two years saw the 16th Durhams attacking German defenders across some of Europe's most difficult terrain, often hampered by extremes of heat and cold. Of all the Durham Light Infantry battalions serving in the war, none had a more distinguished or difficult record than the 16th.Active operations began in Italy with the Salerno landings of September 9, 1943, where the Durhams fought against German reinforcements attempting to contain the beach-head. Of all the Durham Light Infantry battalions serving in the war, none had a more distinguished or difficult record than the 16th.Active operations began in Italy with the Salerno landings of September The industrial and coal-producing region of Durham was drawn upon heavily for manpower in World War II, producing twice as many battalions os most regimental recruiting areas.

The industrial and coal-producing region of Durham was drawn upon heavily for manpower in World War II, producing twice as many battalions os most regimental recruiting areas.

Heat of the battle