1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB WOUNDED IN NORMANDY
Pte John Ritchie
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
14214497
COMPANY -
Unknown
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
General Service Corps
Date Wounded:
Tuesday, 18 July 1944
Location (from War Diary)
SANNERVILLE
Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.)
Possibly wounded by enemy fire in advance to Troarn
HIS STORY
John Ritchie was discharged from the Army in November 1945.
At the time of his medals being awarded, he was living in Bo'Ness, Scotland.
*He is one of the signatures on the 50 Franc Note signed by member of 1st KOSB Signals the night before D-Day. You can read more about it here.
If you have any information on this soldier, please use the contact form to get in touch. Thank you.
WAR DIARY
Tuesday, 18 July 1944
1st KOSB WAR DIARY - DATE OF WOUNDS
Bn left for assembly area near LE MESNIL (133727). After waiting there for a short time the move to FUP was commenced. Route - HEROUVILLETTE and mostly cross country, almost due South to position West of TOUFREVILLE. Enemy mortar fire was encountered on route. The Commanding Officer was wounded but carried on in command, and other casualties occurred.
The advance to TROARN was commenced and after reaching SANNERVILLE "D" & "B" Companies pushed forward encountering enemy MGs, whilst enemy shelling continued.
After an attack by "B" Company the Bn occupied a position in orchard 150678. Consolidation was carried out.
The advance and attack were carried out in very hot weather over dusty roads and through villages rendered almost impassable by heavy bombing by the RAF.
By darkness it was evident that the enemy snipers had been pushed in and that the Bn was up against a strong def position.
