Extract from War Diary on date of death:

Bn left for assembly area near LE MESNIL (133727). After waiting there for a short time the move to FUP was commenced. Route - HEROUVILLETTE and mostly cross country, almost due South to position West of TOUFREVILLE. Enemy mortar fire was encountered on route. The Commanding Officer was wounded but carried on in command, and other casualties occurred.

The advance to TROARN was commenced and after reaching SANNERVILLE "D" & "B" Companies pushed forward encountering enemy MGs, whilst enemy shelling continued.

After an attack by "B" Company the Bn occupied a position in orchard 150678. Consolidation was carried out.

The advance and attack were carried out in very hot weather over dusty roads and through villages rendered almost impassable by heavy bombing by the RAF.

By darkness it was evident that the enemy snipers had been pushed in and that the Bn was up against a strong def position.

*Stewart's date of death is recorded as 'between 18th and 19th July 1944'. However, if we enter this, he doesn't appear on the casualty lists. We have taken the decision to choose the 18th so that his record can be seen, and he can be remembered.

R Grayling December 2024