1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB WOUNDED IN NORMANDY
Pte J. Harkness
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
3188184
COMPANY -
Unknown
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
The King's Own Scottish Borderers
Date Wounded:
Wednesday, 19 July 1944
Location (from War Diary)
TROARN
Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.)
Possibly wounded in attack on Troarn.
HIS STORY
John Harkness was born in Langholm, Dumfrieshire in December 1916 and was a Mill Worker before the War.
He enlisted in March 1936 and was 5 foot 8 1/4 inches, weighed 140lbs and had blue eyes (can't make out hair colour)
He married Margaret Leslie Rae in December 1937.
In November 1942 be attended a Sniper's Course.
He spent some time in the UK after being wounded in Normandy and eventually returned to his unit in November 1944.
Also wounded on 28th February 1945.
He was awarded a Divisional Commander's Commendation Card (February 1945) and a G.O.C.'s Commendation Card (April 1945), by then listed as a Private. (Borderers' Chronicle, June 1945, pp.56, 64)
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.
