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  • 18 | 1stKOSBin1940s

    Gladwin Highest Rank Researching Researching Service No. Researching Researching Company Researching Researching Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image

  • SWORD | 1stKOSBin1940s

    Operation Name: UNDER CONSTRUCTION 6 June 1944 To 6 June 1944 KOSB_Bieville_NWG.png Sword Beach Assault Plan Courtesy of Paul Scanlon - 2nd RUR in WW2. https://royal-ulster-rifles-ww2.blogspot.com/ 1/3 TEST TEST 1st KOSB Casualty figures Date D-Day+ Start location Finish Location Killed Wounded Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image SWORD

  • 4350938

    Private Casualty Information Private GEORGE THOMPSON Service Number Age Date of death 4350938 22 Sunday, October 22, 1944 Company: Researching Son of John and Elizabeth Thompson (nee Simpson), of Garden Village, Hull. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). East Yorkshire Regiment 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) SMAKT, Holland George Thompson was born in Hull, East Yorkshire on the 13th of March 1921. Before the War he was an Assistant Baker at Wm Jacksons and Son. 1st KOSB War Diary entry for the date of his death There was some shelling and mortaring during the early hours of the morning. Very little enemy movement was seen. A patrol of A Coy reported at mid-day that the enemy had withdrawn his outposts just East of the railway line to the South of the village at the level crossing. During this time five 3-inch Mortars were shooting at targets selected by C Coy on their front. At 1400 hrs a platoon of A Coy tried to penetrate over the level crossing to the village, but were held up by Schu mines at the crossing. B Coy sent out 12 platoon under command of Capt TJ Young , who were to find out if the enemy had withdrawn from the houses in SMAKT. They penetrated into SMAKT without first clearing the houses, and were surprised by enemy MGs well concealed in the houses. Three men only managed to escape, and two more came back an hour or two later. The remainder (1 officer and 19 ORs) are presumed killed or prisoners. This confirmed that the enemy had not withdrawn. No patrols were carried out by us during the night. We were prepared to give the enemy a very bloody nose if he attempted a patrol. The Daily Mail, Monday, November 20, 1944 George's older brother, Walter, was a Gunner with the Royal Artillery and was captured at Singapore. Sadly, he did not survive captivity. Share In Memorium Memorial GROESBEEK MEMORIAL Panel 4. View Cemetery Photo Credits: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12906379/george-thompson

  • Ferguson | 1stKOSBin1940s

    Names to research Rank First Name Surname S No Notes Pte Henry Aldis Bremen Photo Cpl J3 Andrew 3187661 Palestine Medal List. Served as an Acting Colour Sergeant during the qualifying period. (Pre-War also by looks?) Pte G Banham 14074819 Palestine Medal List 2Lt George Dixon Batey 3600001 FOUND Newspaper Escault + WD 1/11/44 WD 25/1/45 *SGT Baitey made 2ndLT on 9/1/45 Pte J6 Beckwith 14475769 Palestine Medal List Sgt J. H Bell 3191260 Newspaper Escault. Wounded 9/6/44. Service Record. Cpl 'Brown Shoes' Bertock Signal Platoon. BCs.. Pte UnkownBlaylock Blaylock BC Jun45 - Ran the pub B coy Sgt E Brown 3192649 S Company. BCs - C-in-C's certificate. One of Signals mentioned in BC elsewhere? ('Bowser' Brown?) Bc Jun45 Lt Albert Brown Newspaper Escault. AJM Brown. NO TRACE of FWR. L/Cpl Harold Collard 3189396 On photo in CAEN. Medal Card Pte Unknown9 Cope WD 24/11/44 Captain Unknown4 Corbean WD 6/10/44 Captain James B Cranston 264221 Newspaper Escault. Special Mention page Pte R Cunningham Newspaper escault = potentially 'Rolly' Cunningham? Rolly Cunningham Bill Harmon BBC interview Sgt Unknown5 Doris WD 17/4/45 Captain Anthony J Dorrity 256060 60 photos of Palestine - from FB 1KOSB Contacts Lt G A Duncan WD 2/12/44 Promoted to MAJOR - then back to Capt after War. BC Sept45 A/L/C J Eadie 3187818 Palestine Medal List (1940) L/C T Edgar 3187627 Palestine Medal List (1940) L/Sgt J Edmondson 3187722 Palestine Medal List (1940) Pte Roy Eglington 11053207 BCJun45 - Company Barber A coy. FOUND - Wounded 7/4/45 Pte R Elliot 3186595 Palestine Medal List (1940) A/Sgt T H Evans 3187840 Palestine Medal List (1940) Sgt Phil Falconer 3187996 BC Jun45 - Wounded. B coy. Palestine list 1940 CSM F C Feltz 6538373 Palestine Medal List (1940) Pte J J Fenton 3187777 Palestine Medal List (1940) Sgt Unknown11 Ferguson WD 22/1/45 Pte D J Ferguson 7042241 Palestine Medal List (1940) A/Cpl G C Ferguson 3187055 Palestine Medal List (1940) R Fisher Photo Cairo 46 Sgt T K Fisher 3185090 Palestine Medal List (1940) Pte John Fletcher Photo Pte C Flint 3186723 Palestine Medal List (1940) A/PSM R Flynn 3184332 Palestine Medal List (1940) Cpl J Fogg 3646446 Palestine Medal List (1940) Sgt J C Forbes 3185893 Palestine Medal List (1940) Sgt/Piper William Alexander Forrest 3178287 Palestine Medal List (1940) . Survived war. Left Army August 45 as RQMS. Long service/good conduct medal in 1936. Cpl J Forrest MM 3188031 FOUND. Photo of MM with Monty etc. WD 11/12/44. Relative on FB Hawick Pte H Foxcroft 3188034 Palestine Medal List (1940) A/PSM A Frame 3178704 Palestine Medal List (1940) Pte R Fraser 3187755 Palestine Medal List (1940) Pte George Fulton 3187196 FOUND Palestine Medal List (1940) . Wounded in Normandy Pte W Green 14441065 Palestine Medal List Colonel UnknownHANKEY Hankey BC June 45 - recruiting officer at Berwick/JHawick? Thomas Miller Hay on FB Auld Hawick group Captain H Henderson WD 29/10/44 L/C Francis Herbert Newspaper Escault Sgt E R F Hutcheson 3066006 FOUND WD 9/1/45 - Made 2nd Lt Edward Roger Fleming Hutcheson. MID in BCs - same time as Bucksey L/C D M S Imrie 3065511 David Mitchel Speed Imrie. Palestine Medal List. Wounded in Normandy. Dundee Pte Thomas Johnson 4546039 Palestine Medal List. Yorkshire. MIC Private David McGinn Jolly 3183886 1st KOSB contact - Ron Baird Cpl Roy Kinghorn Palestine - mentioned in Borderers Chronicle Pvt Joe Lant Bill Harmon BBC interview A2 Leadingham Photo - 'RP' Pte Michael Leech Newspaper Escault Captain (QM) Jack W Lewin Quartermaster. Broke leg going on leave. WD 17/2/45. Photo in officer lineup shot Jimmy Lewis Bill Harmon BBC interview Lt UnknownLloyd Lloyd BCJun45 - A coy Lt Unknown2 Logie WD 25/4/45 - BREMEN - wounded Captain (QM) Unknown10 Lymers Replaced Jack Lewin as QM. WD 17/2/45. Potentially. Full Name LYMER, R W Nationality British Rank Name Temporary Brigadier Service Number 39038 Gazette Info https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/37521/supplement/1698 Gazette Date 4 Apr 1946 Captain J C Macauley WD 3/10/44 J(2) Mackenzie Joe Hunt Photo Fayid 46. *Pipe band board/photo is Fayid 46. Captain J B Marshall QM WD 6/8/45 Captain L W McKay WD 23/12/44 & 25/1/45 Pte UnknownMcManus McManus BCJun45 - A coy - 8 Platoon. Won MM M Merker Photo Cairo 46 Cpl W Phippard 5783377 A Company. J(3) Plampin Joe Hunt Photos. Cairo 46 and demob Unknown Planus Bill Harmon BBC interview Sgt Unknown13 Prior Padre - Joe Hunt photo Captain Unknown8 Pullman WD 7/11/44 = 30/3/45 WOUNDED Trip wire. OC of A Coy. Maj Alistair John Renny Newspaper Escault Lt H A Richardson FOUND WD 2/12/44. Wounded Normandy - SM Page. CO of Support Coy. Moved to A coy - BCJun45 Sgt William Robertson 2872829 WD 27/10/44 & 12/12/44 - made Lt on 7/1/45 Wedding photo with Grandad - newspaper. Bremen photo + Wedding Pic? BCs June 45 - Crois De Guerre Pte W Russell 14481031 Palestine Medal List L/Sgt Unknown 12 Scott WD 5/2/45 Lt Unknown3 Simpson WD 25/2/45 + 17/4/45 CQMS John Sisterson Newspaper Escault. 50 Franc Note Sig. BChrons. Pte Alan F Smith 3195486 Newspaper Escault. BC Jun45 Jimmy Stark Bremen Photo Pte J4 Sutherland 14064859 Palestine Medal List Cpl R Thomas 6202809 Palestine Medal List Lt J R Walker WD 12/12/44 + 3/2/45 WOUNDED 4/2/45 Arthur Walker On Photo with Noel White and Mark Tucker Lt N. L. West WD 18/4/45. BC Sept45 - made Captain Pte J5 Winder 14440329 Palestine Medal List Captain T J Young WD 22/10/44 *Potential POW? FOUND. SM page to do

  • 154, 153

    ST ANTONIS Monday 6 November 1944 Next Next Start Location: ST ANTONIS End Location: ST ANTONIS D-Day+ 153 6 November 1944 As yesterday. Colder than usual - winter is approaching. Party sets out for 48 hours in BRUSSELS. Alternative Information (from books, personal accounts) Died on this day = 0 Monday 6 November 1944 Previous Next 0 Wounded on this day = Aunt Bette's Homemade Pecan Pie Rockin’ Rocky Road Ice Cream Tom’s Heavenly Apple Strudel Joe’s Divine Butter Tarts

  • 1137367

    Private Casualty Information Private SIDNEY ALFORD CHAMPION Service Number Age Date of death 1137367 21 Wednesday, November 01, 1944 Company: Researching Son of Sidney and Hilda Ellen Louisa Champion, of Battersea, London. His brother, Private Francis Thomas Champion, was killed in action in Normandy on the 3rd July, 1944. The twins had consecutive Service No.s 1137366 and 1137367 War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). Royal Artillery (Field, Coastal & Anti-Aircraft) 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) SMAKT, Holland Sidney was twin the brother of Frances and brother of Eric, Ernie and Roy and Doreen. He was born in Battersea, London Borough of Wandsworth, Greater London, England. Sidney was temporarily buried at Holthesedijk in Overloon along with 10 other servicemen and reburied on 2 June 1947 at Overloon War Cemetery. He has a memorial page on the Overloon War Chronicles site here > https://www.overloonwarchronicles.nl/en/champion-sidney-alford 1st KOSB War Diary for the date of Sidney's death states: "At 0320 C Coy asked for Q3 to be put down (steel factory). An enemy patrol of six or seven men was pinned down by fire from 14 Pl in the area just North of the strip of trees 796323. The patrol fired a white and then a green verey light from the area of the rly in front of 14 Pl farm, where upon 14 Pl were heavily stonked by 8.1 mortar. Our 3" mortars then fired 50 rounds on area of the rly at 799325. Then Q3 followed by the Southern half of 943 DF task by 33 Fd Regt. At 0620 C Coy heard enemy movement on the East of rly and asked for Q3 and Q1. The 33 Fd Regt obliged us promptly. C Coy reported that they had heard moaning coming from the area where they had shot up the enemy patrol. A short time afterwards C Coy fired on two of the enemy seen dragging a third with them. Shortly after mid-day A Coy reported hearing movement of heavy tracked vehicles at 800322. As we had been told to expect a counter attack, this sounded ominous. We stonked the spot heavily however and the movement ceased. At 1630 A Coy standing patrol reported one explosion 200 yards to the East of the level crossing at 799320. There was no report as of a gun so we concluded that it was a demolition. At 1845 a rapid stonk was put down on HOEVE VICTOR. Several sentries reported having seen a machine like a glider going from North to South across our front at about 1930 hrs. D Coy standing patrol during daylight reported occasional signs of enemy movement, however there was nothing new of importance. D Coy recce patrol under Sgt Batey were fired on by five of the enemy in the South East corner of orchard forward of D Coy." Frances (left) and Sidney Champion Share In Memorium Memorial OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY IV. E. 2. View Cemetery Photo Credits: Fallen Heroes of Normandy archive and FindaGrave - Margaut. Headstone - Find a Grave - Fred https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18394702/sidney_alford-champion/photo#add-to-vc

  • 3185068

    Lance Corporal Casualty Information Lance Corporal ANDREW GIBSON Service Number Age Date of death 3185068 35 Sunday, January 07, 1945 Company: Researching Son of Andrew and Catherine Bertie Gibson, of Kirkcaldy; husband of Christina Sorrie Gibson (nee Paterson), of Kirkcaldy. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). King's Own Scottish Borderers 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) GRUBBENVORST Andrew Gibson was born in 1910 He was married to Christina Paterson of Kirkcaldy, Scotland. The Courier and Advertiser, Friday, January 12, 1945 1st Bttn KOSB War Diary for the *date of Andrew's death. During the morning 2 WARWICK relieved 2 RUR. Enemy communications at 915154 engaged by Fd Regt and 3" Mortars engaged enemy movement at 917189 and steam tram crossing at 915180. The Bn spent a comparatively quiet day. There was a certain amount of shelling and mortaring in the WANSSUM - BLITTERSWIJK area. Visibility was again poor but OPs observed an enemy working party of five men at 9016. Our Arty engaged a target some distance away and the party scattered and did not reappear. Instruction on Deception Plan under Appx 'B'. Sgt W Robertson was granted an immediate commission as a Lieut. *We are researching the wounded records as L/C Gibson died in the UK so would have been in a previous action. Share In Memorium Memorial KIRKCALDY (DYSART) CEMETERY Old Ground. Grave 188. View Cemetery Photo Credits: Find a Grave - night_owl https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52138565/andrew_i-gibson

  • TROARN | 1stKOSBin1940s

    Operation Name: Goodwood 18 July 1944 To 19 July 1944 War Office Map of Troarn Area Courtesy of Normandy War Guide KOSB_Troarn_Then_SP.png KOSB_Troarn_NWG.jpg War Office Map of Troarn Area Courtesy of Normandy War Guide 1/5 "Cambes had been a grim, desperate experience; Troarn would for ever be to us the symbol of our deepest tribulation..." WIG WILSON Bttn Padre, 1st KOSB Tuesday, 18th July, 1944 * 08:15 1st KOSB War Diary Bn left for assembly area near LE MESNIL (133727). After waiting there for a short time the move to FUP (forming up point/postition) was commenced. Route -> HEROUVILLETTE and mostly cross country, almost due South to position West of TOUFREVILLE. Enemy mortar fire was encountered on route. Google Map of 1st KOSB movements - Rob Bowie "We moved off through the summer fields, hugging the thick hedgerows, to an assembly area near Escoville. For an hour or two we lay there in the orchards, listening to the distant rumble of the battle and every now and then receiving excellent news of the armoured advance and the 8th Brigade operation. It now appeared that all the British armour had been secretly switched to our side of the River Orne and was moving up in tremendous force to break Rommel's grip on the Caen-Falaise sector". WIG Wilson , A Short History of the 1st Bttn KOSB in North West Europe IWM footage (above) : 'Armoured infantry units assigned to 1st Corps assemble in the Orne bridgehead for Operation "Goodwood" as more reinforcements cross the Orne to join those formations taking part in 8th Corps' massive assault on the German lines south-east of Caen'. "Moving through the ruins of Escoville the Borderers climbed a long slope and dug in amongst the cornflowers and poppies and waited. Casualties had begun to mount as a German OP in the woods to their left was bringing down effective fire and a steady stream of “ moaning minnies ” [*Nebelwerfer = 'Fog Thrower']. IWM Image (above) - 'A British soldier examines an abandoned German 'Nebelwerfer' near Troarn, Normandy, 20 July 1944. The CO Lt Col GD Renny was wounded twice but refused to go back, the Jocks were now suffering from thirst and the intense heat. The message was received that 8th Bde had cleared the village of Sannerville, the CO ordered the advance towards Troarn, in the lead D Company moved across the fields into the village and pressed beyond. Company Objectives map courtesy of Rob Bowie The Germans now reacted viciously the lead Platoon of D Coy ran into accurate Mortar fire as it emerged from the eastern exits of Sannerville and as the rest of the BN moved into the village they came under fire from 88mm and snipers". From KOSB.co.uk Sgt Frederick Meggitt M.M. Treated by 2nd RUR Medics for gun shot wounds to left arm, 18th July, 1944 "On the morning of July 18, the Battalion moved off via HEROUVILLETTE, TOUFFREVILLE to SANNERVILLE. This was the worst approach march the Battalion had ever experienced. It was a hot summer's day and having to follow the same route as an armoured Div and we were completely overlooked by the enemy. Enemy shells and mortaring was heavy and we experienced for the first time the enemy's multi-barrelled mortar (Nebelwerfer) - several casualties were suffered by the Battalion, including the CO, Lt. Col G.D. Renny . He was wounded in the face and arm but refused to be evacuated". Notes from personal records of Major James Gray M.C. Captain and 2i/c of A Company Major James Gray, taken in April 1945 "You could hear the screech of the German 'moaning minnies' in the distance and you knew you had just seconds to get into your 'pit' [slit trench]. Even then you weren't safe. My best mate was killed when he ran back to his dug-out to fetch his hat. The shell landed right on top of him". Lance Corporal David Morrison , 1st KOSB Lance Corporal Morrison in the middle-east 1st KOSB War Diary 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. "On the Monday (sic?) morning was the heavy bombing of Sannerville and areas close to Troarn, we moved forward through Escoville to Touffreville and on to Sannerville, the trouble was on our left, the hills and woods of Beauvent (?) [*Bois De Bavent] where the German guns were situated". 1st KOSB Veteran, Jeff Henderson Jeff Henderson "During the morning and early afternoon the Brigade moved to a forming place about a mile and a half west of SANNERVILLE. The 1st Kings Own Scottish Borderers supported by the tanks of the East Riding Yeomanry advanced. Both tanks and infantry had considerable difficulty getting through the rubble of SANNERVILLE." Christopher Dunphie The Pendulum of Battle 2004, p136 16:00 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary: The Bde adv on TROARN began with LEFT 2 RUR and RIGHT 1 KOSB. "Our next objective was a place which any 1st Battalion soldier will never forget. We were in an orchard with clumps of trees on three sides and a railway line between between us and the Germans. The first two companies moved out and were immediately caught in devastating machine gun fire. The third company also ran into accurate fire from mortars and machine guns and all companies suffered heavy casualties. Google Map edited by Rob Bowie We went forward accompanied by three Sherman tanks belonging to an independent brigade. The first Sherman led the attack but it was hit and slewed around on fire. The second tank didn't even fire a shot before it too received a direct hit. As the smoke cleared the third Sherman fired a couple of shots, and a few rounds from its machine gun and the commander must have seen what kind of opposition faced him. US M3 Sherman tank (Imperial War Museum collection) There was a battery of anti tank guns, backed up by self propelled heavy armour and we suspected that the mighty Tigers were not too far away. The Sherman withdrew quickly into the woods to seek some kind of cover. We had to make a run for it and managed despite the heavy fire to reach the edge of the woods, near the curving railway line. We sorted ourselves out and took up a defensive position with the embankment between us and the advancing Germans. We were lucky they did not counter attack. We had lost two tanks and had over forty casualties. This all took place within the space of less than an hour. The place was called TROARN and we wont ever forget it". In at the deep end, page 45. Arthur V Looker , 1st KOSB veteran Arthur Looker 17:05 2 RUR [2nd Bttn Royal Ulster Rifles], whose first objective was the brickworks WEST of TROARN, were on the fwd edge of SANNERVILLE, their progress being greatly impeded by craters produced by the morning's air bombardment. War Office map courtesy of Normandy War Guide [edited] As daylight began to fade the Rifle Companies edged their way forward through farmyards and along the railway line. Control was difficult the rubble and destruction was everywhere, the Jocks were fatigued, and the only consolation was that the Germans were confused as well with many prisoners being taken. By last light the Borderers had pushed the Germans from the orchards and farms between Sannerville and Troarn but were held up by well sited machine guns along the sunken road and various strongpoints on the edge of town. Casualties were mounting and could not be moved to the rear, rations, water and ammunition were running low, and nothing could get forward due to the terrain. The Borderers were ordered to dig in and attack again in the morning. A difficult night ensued continual enemy fire, fatigue meant many men never dug in, the mosquitoes descended and the many wounded suffered in pain. The enemy brought in fresh troops and strengthened his position and sent out patrols against A Company inflicting casualties. 19:00 "With the KOSB on the right and the Ulster rifles on the left the eastward advance on TROARN began. The KOSB had trouble bridging the stream on the main BANNEVILLE-TROARN road and eventually at 7pm, crossed by a scissor bridge erected by the Ulsters. To attack LA CROIX DE PIERRE which they took at last light consolidating in the orchard". Assault Division Norman Scarfe 1947 p76 By No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit, Wilkes (Sgt) - http://media.iwm.org.uk/iwm/mediaLib//46/media-46125/large.jpgThis photograph BU 860 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25343045 "Despite many attempts to the Borderers had failed to cross the river Cours *(Cours de Janville). Brigadier Orr ordered them to break contact in the south move North and cross by the Ulster Rifles bridge and then drop down to resume their advance". The Pendulum of Battle Christopher Dunphie 2004 p136 21:30 "The Borderers had taken LA CROIX DE PIERRE a small clutch of buildings about halfway between SANNERVILLE and TROARN". The Pendulum of Battle Christopher Dunphie 2004 p136 "Lance Corporal David Peter was leading his section around the outside edges of what they had been told was a minefield when, three or four yards in front of him, there was an explosion which he thought was an enemy bomb. He was blown back into this supposed minefield and landed on his knees, fully conscious and with no pain. He noticed his left arm was shattered and pretty 'tattered and torn'. L/Cpl David Peter, wounded 18/7/1944 He checked on the rest of his section and asked if they could come to his assistance. "No' bloody likely!" came the reply. He took a deep breath and walked out unaided then was attended to by his comrades and a Battalion medic. He was given a shot of morphine and told to walk to the rear where there would be an aid station". From Sandy Peter, David's son. "The place was called TROARN and we wont ever forget it!" Arthur Looker, 1st KOSB Veteran 19th July, 1944 * 07:00 First light saw the arrival of food and supplies, throughout the night, bulldozers had been out making the routes passable. The BN now prepared to attack with A&C Companies to lead and secure the junction while B Company would go through to secure the main part of the town, D Company would secure the bridges and eastern exits. 1st KOSB Objectives, courtesy of Rob Bowie 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary 1 KOSB were close up to TROARN Station but encountering strong opposition and 2 RUR had reached main road running NORTH and SOUTH WEST of TROARN. The latter encountered an enemy strongpoint in the church in square 1569, a church which was to change hands continually for many days to come. Troarn Station 10:00 1 KOSB made a set piece attack at 1000 hrs along the road and railway axis, but met vigorous opposition and suffering 150 casualties, were unable to advance, being ordered to hold their position while 2 RUR attacked from the NORTH with 2 LINCOLNS attempting a diversionary attack from the SOUTH. "19th July there was heavy fighting in an attempt to take Troarn - Lcpl H Hardman (nicknamed 'joe' because he looked like Stalin) was killed there when he tried to dash across the town square - two bren guns providing covering fire both jammed as he was in the middle of the square - he was cut down instantly" . Quote from R Moffet , D Coy 1st KOSB. Lance Corporal Hilton Hardman "I could see that on my right, D Company were being absolutely destroyed. L/Cpl Hardman was hit in the back. I whipped out my field bandage but it wasn't any good. He died 20 minutes later". Sgt Fred Hartle , D Company. 10:30 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary The gunners put down a 15 minute mission on the sunken road after which the companies moved forward under cover of the railway embankment. The attack failed. Corporal Thomas Adams from Hawick, killed by a sniper at Troarn, 19th July, 1944 "It was clear that the enemy had appreciated our intentions on Troarn, as he made vigorous attempts to delay our advance before nightfall with careful artillery and mortar action. "D" Company was particularly unlucky; its Headquarters was hit several times. Furthermore the Germans made clever use of their knowledge of the country: they booby-trapped a farm-house in which many men of a "B" Company platoon were wounded, and from the vantage point of a signal-box they inflicted several casualties on "C" Company. This signal-box, and a sunken road on the outskirts of Troarn, were basic and formidable elements in their defensive preparations and were decisive in the whole action about Troarn." WIG Wilson , A Short History of the 1st Bttn KOSB in North West Europe IWM Image (above) - 'Troops digging in a crater on the railway line near Troarn to make a platoon HQ. (Suffolk Regt.) Site of the old Station in Troarn, 2025 11:00 " 1st KOSB, supported by tanks of the East Riding Yeomanry launched an attack on TROARN railway station and the main cross roads 200 yards south east of it. They met heavy opposition, but, after a considerable battle managed to capture the station. However the Germans held a number of well-sited positions with interlocking arcs of machine gun fire, and all attempts by the Borderers to push on the crossroads were strongly resisted. Brigadier Orr ordered the 1st KOSB to hold the ground they had captured. Having been subjected to continuous artillery fire throughout most of the day which had cost them 150 casualties, had been forced to evacuate the station and pull back some 300 yards west". The Borderers in Battle, Hugh Gunning, P109 1st KOSB War Diary "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. Company Objectives 19th July 1944 IWM footage (above) . "3RD DIVISION'S 8TH BRIGADE CONSOLIDATED ITS HOLD ON VILLAGES ASTRIDE THE CAEN-TROARN RAILWAY" "The wounded were crowded in a shallow fold in the ground which served as an aid post, and a shell which landed nearby wounded the medical officer* ( Capt Peter Smith ) and members of his first aid team. Padre Wilson took charge and with the stretcher bearers did gallant work under heavy fire. Troarn Is remembered by the 1st KOSB as a place of great tribulation and discomfort". The Borderers in Battle. Hugh Gunning P109 Jack Ogle Jack Ogle was wounded and was told to go to the rear to get medical treatment. But, seeing the burnt out vehicles and continuous shelling of the road to the rear, he opted to return to his slit trench. His best friend Peter Cole was killed next to him. Jack's Grandson, Martin Ogle. Private Norman Bowie was critically wounded between Sannerville and Troarn. He had suffered horrendous injuries from gunfire to his head, arm, and shoulder. He was presumed dead and was left, as the battle moved on. He only survived because a Canadian [ CANLoan ] officer found him and realised he was still alive. Pte Norman Bowie (left) " With the help of a local historian and some detailed map coordinates we stood in the place where he was wounded between Sannerville and Troarn ". Rob Bowie 2024 Site of old railway line where Norman Bowie was wounded The Bttn regrouped back in Sannerville where they would remain for another 9 days, enduring constant shelling and attacks by German patrols. Finally, on the 31st of July, 1944, they moved to Bievelle to go into Army Reserve and celebrated Minden Day - the most important day in the KOSB calendar. "The battle for Troarn and other areas around Caen was known as ‘Goodwood’, those who took part were the 3rd Div, 11th Armoured, the Guards Armoured, 7th Armoured. The battle lasted 3 days with the loss of over 650 tanks and 7,000 casualties. After being harassed by mosquitos and German ‘Moaning Minnies’ we moved out on foot again to Bieville Beauville for regrouping and being given our Minden Roses 31st July to 1st August". 1st KOSB Veteran, Jeff Henderson THE COST July 19th 1944, saw the heaviest losses for 1st KOSB with 39 Killed in Action and 90 wounded in a single day. Total casualty figures for the attack on Troarn were: 41 KIA and 101 Wounded. KOSB Badge on poppy background Many of the casualties from the action on the 19th of July were buried in Ranville Cemetery and Banneville Cemetery Special thanks to Rob Bowie, Sandy Peter, Rodger Moffet, Fallen Heroes of Normandy archive, Normandy War Guide , Rob Houston, and Martin Ogle for their information, and assistance, with preparing this page. (Left to Right) Rob Bowie, Jane Bowie, The Mayor, Sandy Peter and wife, Joanne. Taken in Periers Sur Le Dan More about Norman Bowie (and the 'Norman D. Mouse' appeal to raise funds) on the Normandy Trust website. 1st KOSB Casualty figures Date D-Day+ Start location Finish Location Killed Wounded Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image Add a Title Describe your image TROARN

  • 349, 348

    IBBENBUREN Sunday 20 May 1945 Next Next Start Location: IBBENBUREN End Location: IBBENBUREN D-Day+ 348 20 May 1945 Voluntary Church Service for Church of Scotland Church of England in the Protestant Church, IBBENBUREN. In the evening the Bn football team played 299 Coy, RASC, winning 3 - 2. Alternative Information (from books, personal accounts) Died on this day = 0 Sunday 20 May 1945 Previous Next 0 Wounded on this day = Aunt Bette's Homemade Pecan Pie Rockin’ Rocky Road Ice Cream Tom’s Heavenly Apple Strudel Joe’s Divine Butter Tarts

  • 18 | 1stKOSBin1940s

    Richardson Henry Andison Captain Rank in Normandy 190202 Service No. Support Company In command of Carrier Platoon Henry Andison Richardson was born in March 1921 in Galashiels, Scotland. He married Sylvia M Lough in October 1943, in Northumberland. At time of his medals being awarded he was living in Dundee, Scotland. He died in February 1994 in Stoke On Trent, at the age of 72. If you have any information, or photographs of this soldier, please get in touch using the contact form. 1/1 Previous Special Mention Share Next Special Mention

  • 23 | 1stKOSBin1940s

    Cahill Bernard 'Barney' Researching Rank in Normandy 3197013 Service No. Signals Company Bernard's son provided photos and anecdotes. Bernard 'Barney' Cahill was born in 1911 in Liverpool. He joined the regiment at Renshaw Hall in Liverpool and, when a service no ending in '13' came up, there was a bit of a scuffle as nobody wanted it. Bernard wasn't superstitious and stepped up to take it. Before Normandy he spent a lot of time in Caithness and he and his comrades were drafted in to help search for Rudolf Hess . *The Hess thing was they were turned out to search the moorlands for him as the report was he bailed out over Scotland. As it turned out, Hess was miles away from them. He remembers two men - Billy Upton and Billy Eastham - one was from Glasgow. One of them was invalided out of the army with stomach ulcers prior to going overseas. When he joined KOSB he did the trade courses and was found to be quite good at Signals, morse code etc. He told me he was sent on a Signals course in the battalion. There was him and another bloke who kept getting the high scores. It came to a head when my dad was supposed to decipher a morse code message that ended in the word CAMPAIGN but my dad wrote CHAMPAGNE and so did the other fella sitting next to him. They split them up and found the other bloke had been copying my dad. I often wondered why they sent him on so many courses, even sending him back home to do them and then rejoin the regiment later on. He travelled to Normandy on a ship called The Malayan Prince with HMS Warspite providing cover during the landings. He landed on Queen Sector of Sword beach then fought their way to Caen over the next couple of weeks. He was part of Signals platoon and his officer was called Rose - nicknamed 'Pinky'. Bernard said he 'crossed every river but the Elbe on the way to Germany. It appears my dad was so good at Signals they rebadged him to the Signals Regiment and he stayed with KOSB. He was injured with a dog bite whilst on patrol. Apparently the Germans would send dogs into the bushes to flush out patrols and one burst through the hedge and took a chunk out of his thigh. He wrote home to his sister about it saying the dog had died of lead poisoning and my aunty was worried that he had lead in him - the section ran in all directions after my dad yelped. The sgt stayed and shot it, hence the lead poisoning! After being hospitalised over the dog bite he was desperate to get back to 'the Jocks' so discharged himself to RTU so they didn't put him in the service battalions as he said you could end up anywhere once you went in there. One day, after completing another course, he was travelling back to battalion via train and passing through Belgium when the train stopped and people were singing happy l'guerre finie and popping corks! The war was over. My dad said that they were stationed in Cologne, Germany, guarding POWs who were building tennis courts when they were waiting to go home. I don't know if this rings a bell with anyone. Bernard was discharged from the Army in April 1946 at the rank of Lance Corporal and finished his time with the Royal Signals regiment. Outside of the regiment, Bernard was apparently a very good footballer. Bernard died in 1994 at the age of 83. Information provided by Bernard's son, James. Photo of Signals Platoon Signals platoon with Officer called 'Rose' nicknamed 'Pinky'. Bernard is 2nd from left in back row. Bernard Cahill (left) and mate Written on back - Lubeck, 12th July 1945. Malayan Prince From Uboat.net - Paul Johnson's collection. Link in text. Photo of Signals Platoon Signals platoon with Officer called 'Rose' nicknamed 'Pinky'. Bernard is 2nd from left in back row. 1/3 Previous Special Mention Share Next Special Mention

  • 14386584

    Private Casualty Information Private JAMES CARTLIDGE Service Number Age Date of death 14386584 33 Friday, March 09, 1945 Company: Researching Son of William O. Cartlidge and Emily Cartlidge (nee Morgan); husband of Vera Irene Cartlidge (nee Bridgewater), of The Leys. Tamworth. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). King's Shropshire Light Infantry 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Researching James Cartlidge was born in 1911 in Leek, Staffordshire. In 1941 he is recorded as living in Stoke-on-Trent. On April 6th, 1943 he married Vera Bridgewater in Sutton Coldfield by Special License. James died at the E.M.S. Hospital in Basingstoke, England. The Herald, Saturday, March 24, 1945. Share In Memorium Memorial TAMWORTH CEMETERY Grave 7985. View Cemetery Photo Credits:

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