MEMBERS of a military reenactment society will retrace one of a North-East regiment’s most disastrous expeditions to help soldiers injured in modern conflicts.

Thousands of British servicemen, including those from the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), were landed on the Dutch island of Walcheren in 1809, with the intention of seizing Antwerp from Napoleon.

But the operation was a catastrophe, with thousands dying of so-called Walcheren Fever.

Two centuries on, men from the 68th Durham Light Infantry Society will re-trace the soldiers’ 22-mile march, to raise money for the Help for Heroes.

Rob Yuill, the society’s commanding officer and a major in the Army’s Rifles regiment, said: “Although the adventure ended in failure it was a momentous time for the 68th and we now have the opportunity to help many of those British soldiers who are still fighting wars today and having their lives changed for ever.”

The march will take place alongside re-enactments to mark the bicentenary being organised by the Dutch Napoloeonic Association.

Members of the 68th DLI Society will travel to Walcheren on Wednesday, July 8. To sponsor them visit bmychar ity.com/v2/walcheren2009