1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
Blessé au combat
Pte. J.C. Brown
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
1547555
COMPANY -
Unknown
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
Royal Artillery
Date Wounded:
Sunday, 09 July 1944
Location (from War Diary)
CAEN
Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.)
Possibly wounded by enemy fire whilst attacking/on patrol in Caen
HIS STORY
James Connell Brown was born in Alloa in 1914. His Mother's maiden name was Connell.
He married Janet McGregor Thomson in 1939 in Stirling.
He was discharged from the Army in December 1945.
At the time of claiming his medals in April 1950, he was living in Alloa, Scotland.
James died in 1975 at the age of 60.
WAR DIARY
Sunday, 09 July 1944
1st KOSB WAR DIARY - DATE OF WOUNDS
The attack on CAEN.
The plan:
The Canadians were to attack from the West.
The RUR's in the centre from the North.
1 KOSB from the EAST.
The Bn moved off at about 0930 hrs over ring contour "60", which was under shell fire, to FUP on the Eastern outskirts of CAEN. The ghostlike houses slowly came to life as civilians began to realize we were entering the town. They came rushing out with glasses and bottles of wine.
As the Bn was forming up on the start line and trying to re-establish wireless contact with companies and Bde, four Boche were seen to withdraw towards the centre of the town. Soon afterwards our HQ was mortared leaving 1 killed and 1 wounded.
The Bn then proceeded to clear the town. Little opposition was met. Progress was slowed down by snipers and an occasional MG.
Much assistance and information was offered by eager civilians. Debris and cratered streets also made progress extremely difficult.
We eventually reached the RV in the Old Town and established contact with the RUR and pushed forward patrols to the river. Patrols met quite heavy fire from across the river and a number of casualties were sustained.
