1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB WOUNDED IN NORMANDY
Pte W. Burns
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
3195344
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
William Burns was born in February 1917 in Kelton, Kirkudbrightshire.
Before the War he was an agricultural worker and was granted 'agricultural leave' during his service.
He married Margaret McGuffie on the 12 of June 1940 and enlisted in the KOSB on the 20th. At time of enlistment, he was 5 foot 7 (listed as 37lbs but we believe that should be 137lbs!)
He landed in Normandy on the 9th June 1944 and was wounded just over a month later. He never returned to battle afterwards and left the Army in June 1946.
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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.
