1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
Blessé au combat
Capt B. H. Valentine MC
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
151611
COMPANY -
Support
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
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
Captain Valentine was a renowned cricketer and played for Hawick and Kent before the war and was the club Captain of Kent after. He won the Military Cross in North Africa.
He was wounded in the leg in Normandy and whilst being flown back to the UK in an air ambulance, his wife, a nurse, surprised him on the flight, taking care of him on the way home and at the Midlands Hospital where she was a Sister.
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.
