1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
Blessé au combat
Major C. G. Stonor
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
108168
COMPANY -
C
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
Officer
Date Wounded:
Tuesday, 18 July 1944
Location (from War Diary)
SANNERVILLE
Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.)
CO, wounded but carried on in command.
HIS STORY
Second in Command of 'C' Company
Colin Gifford Stonor was born in November 1920.
He married Joan A Davis in July 1942 in Northumberland.
Official documents state that Major Stonor was wounded in the attack on Troarn but carried on in command.
At the close of Operation HEATHER in 1945 his outstanding leadership was praised. (Borderers' Chronicle, June 1945, p.62)
He was awarded a G.O.C.'s Commendation Card in August 1945. (Borderers' Chronicle, September 1945, p.110)
He was the Commanding Officer of the 1st KOSB from July 1964-January 1967
Major Stonor received the Military Cross early in his career and the OBE in 1970, when his rank was recorded as Lieutenant-Colonel.
Colin died in January 2003 in York, Yorkshire, at the age of 82.
WAR DIARY
Tuesday, 18 July 1944
1st KOSB WAR DIARY - DATE OF WOUNDS
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.
