1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB WOUNDED IN NORMANDY
Capt P. C. Blair
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
99783
COMPANY -
Unknown
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
Officer
Date Wounded:
Wednesday, 19 July 1944
Location (from War Diary)
TROARN
Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.)
Received multiple shrapnel wounds most likely in the attack on Troarn.
HIS STORY
Peter Chrystal Blair was born in 1919 in Grangemouth.
Was part of the BEF in France and was evacuated from Dunkirk.
In April 1944, during Exercise HANDS UP, he was OC of the troop train that carried A Company and the Battalion's baggage from Selkirk to Fareham on 10 April.
He was discharged from the Army in June 1945.
He married Catherine G McAuslan in 1948
His medals were not claimed until April 1984.
He died in 1991 at the age of 72.
*Newspaper article from the Perthshire Advertiser, August 5th, 1944.
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.
