1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
Blessé au combat
Pte Alexander. Douglas
WOUNDED - NORMANDY 1944
3186481
COMPANY -
Unknown
Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No).
The King's Own Scottish Borderers
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
Private Douglas died of his wounds. There is a memorial page here
Private Douglas was a regular soldier who had been with the Battalion in India and France. He was evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940.
An article published in the Dumfries & Galloway Standard - 5th July 1944 related the story of Private Douglas braving enemy mortar fire to rescue his Company Commander* who had been wounded. More mortars were incoming and the officer ordered Alexander to get away. He ignored the order and managed to rescue the officer and give him temporary first aid until he could be moved back to an aid post.
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.
