1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB KIA - NORMANDY
Lieutenant
ERIC WILFRED
KEFFORD
232403
COMPANY -
Unknown
Original Regiment joined (Based on their Service No)
The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment
Date of death
Wednesday, 19 July 1944
Location (from War Diary)
Troarn
Family details
Born in 1915 in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Son of Wilfred and Ada Kefford (nee Wyatt). Before the War, Eric was an Insurance Clerk in Derby. He married Barbara B Scott in July 1942. His younger brother, Ivor George Kefford, was lost at sea near Gibraltar in November 1942.
HIS STORY
Eric Wilfred Kefford was attached to 1st KOSB on the day that he died.
Extract from War Diary on the date of death:
The attack on enemy positions forward of TROARN was continued.
"C" Coy were to take Station at 158677 and "A" Coy the X roads 161676. Both attacks were met with heavy cross fire from MG's and though supported by tanks had to withdraw with heavy casualties.
Bn resumed former positions and later in day heavy shelling and mortaring caused casualties.
The Commanding Officer (Lt. Col G. D. Renny) having been previously wounded, left under orders from Brigadier and Major TG Coverdale took over command of the Bn.
Casualties in the Bn during these two days fighting were 12 Officers and 140 Other Ranks.
