1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB WOUNDED IN NORMANDY
Lt Donald. Gray
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
217390
COMPANY -
Command
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
Gordon Highlanders
Date Wounded:
Wednesday, 19 July 1944
Location (from War Diary)
TROARN
Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.)
Wounded in attack on Troarn resulting in loss of arm.
HIS STORY
Lieut. Gray was the Intelligence Officer for Command Company.
In April 1944 he went south with the road advance party for Exercise HANDS UP, the Battalion's move from Selkirk to its pre-invasion camp near Wickham, Hampshire, representing HQ Company.
Gray was with the Commanding Officer on the first morning of the attack on Troarn. On the 19th July 1944, British troops tried to go forward with the support of tanks, Gray turned to check the firing of one of the tanks when a German anti-tank shell almost obliterated his upper left arm, leaving it barely hanging on. It would be amputated within days.
From KOSB's website.
Donald Gray was originally a film actor, appearing in The Four Feathers, Sword of Honour and We'll Meet Again with Vera Lynn. After the war he gained the starring role in Saber of London and was also the voice of the Mysterons in Captain Scarlet.
More information on Lt Gray can be found on the KOSB's website here
WAR DIARY
Wednesday, 19 July 1944
1st KOSB WAR DIARY - DATE OF WOUNDS
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.
