1944 - 1949

The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB KILLED IN ACTION
Private
GEORGE
THOMPSON
4350938
COMPANY -
Researching
Original Regiment joined (Based on their Service No)
East Yorkshire Regiment
Date of death
Sunday, October 22, 1944
Location (from War Diary)
SMAKT, Holland
Family details
Son of John and Elizabeth Thompson (nee Simpson), of Garden Village, Hull.

HIS STORY
George Thompson was born in Hull, East Yorkshire on the 13th of March 1921.
Before the War he was an Assistant Baker at Wm Jacksons and Son. 1st KOSB War Diary entry for the date of his death
There was some shelling and mortaring during the early hours of the morning. Very little enemy movement was seen.
A patrol of A Coy reported at mid-day that the enemy had withdrawn his outposts just East of the railway line to the South of the village at the level crossing. During this time five 3-inch Mortars were shooting at targets selected by C Coy on their front.
At 1400 hrs a platoon of A Coy tried to penetrate over the level crossing to the village, but were held up by Schu mines at the crossing.
B Coy sent out 12 platoon under command of Capt TJ Young, who were to find out if the enemy had withdrawn from the houses in SMAKT.
They penetrated into SMAKT without first clearing the houses, and were surprised by enemy MGs well concealed in the houses. Three men only managed to escape, and two more came back an hour or two later. The remainder (1 officer and 19 ORs) are presumed killed or prisoners. This confirmed that the enemy had not withdrawn.
No patrols were carried out by us during the night. We were prepared to give the enemy a very bloody nose if he attempted a patrol.

George's older brother, Walter, was a Gunner with the Royal Artillery and was captured at Singapore. Sadly, he did not survive captivity.

IN MEMORIUM
Where he rests
Memorial
GROESBEEK MEMORIAL
Panel 4.
Photo Credits:

