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Henderson Jeffrey Hunter Private Rank in Normandy 14002569 Service No. D Company Provided D-Day map and notes. Originally from the Black Watch Jeffrey Hunter Henderson originally joined the Black Watch and then the 1st KOSB. He was discharged from the Army in March 1947 and was listed as a Driver for the Royal Engineers/H.G. (Heavy Goods) 3rd Hereford. "From June 9th we held Cambes Wood until we were taken over by the 59th Staffordshire Div, allowing our Battalion to move from Cambes wood to an area shown on the map as Bieville Beauville, ready for the main assault on Caen, it was while we were in this area on the 7th July that Caen was so heavily bombed. On the 8th of July we moved up behind the KSLI in 185 brigade to Lebisey, where we passed through the KSLI during the hours of darkness and then dug in on the slopes leading to the bombed outskirts. Then daylight came and the order to advance into Caen, a route which took us past the Abbey Aux Dames to the fish market near the quay (where Don Mould and other KOSBS were photographed) and where the real battle started up along the quay to the rue Gilbert and along to the church of St John where 18 Platoon suffered badly. I have retraced the route many times. ON July 11th the battalion moved out of Caen up the D7 past Mathieu to a village a short distance away called Plumetot, where we had our first rest period since we landed 5 weeks before. After 4 days rest we marched during Saturday night through the cross roads at Hermanville and along the route we took on the 6th of June, i.e. through Colville Montgomery and St Aubin de Arquanay to Benouville over Pegasus bridge and dug in just outside Ranville. On the Monday 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 (?) where the German guns were situated. 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. On 3rd August we moved to the bocage country via Caumont to Vire area. On the 7th I was wounded and so ended my Normandy Travels. *(Possibly wounded by enemy shell fire in Pissot). Details here 1/2 Previous Special Mention Share Next Special Mention

1st KOSB Casualty List BY NAME Photo Rank First Name SURNAME Date of Death AGE Memorial/Cemetery location Private DUNCAN ANGUS 26 April 1945 30 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Private CHARLES WILLIAM ANSELL 03 March 1945 19 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private ROBERT BAYLES 19 September 1944 28 LEOPOLDSBURG WAR CEMETERY Private W BEATSON 28 June 1947 21 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Lance Corporal ROBERT ALEXANDER BELL 02 March 1945 26 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private HENRY BONFIELD 02 October 1944 23 JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY Corporal ALBERT BOWLING 18 July 1945 30 ST. HELENS CEMETERY Lance Corporal ARTHUR BROOKES 20 April 1945 29 HANOVER WAR CEMETERY Private ERIC MATTHEW BULMAN 13 April 1945 20 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Corporal FREDERICK JOHN BUTLER 16 October 1945 21 BRUSSELS TOWN CEMETERY Private JAMES CARTLIDGE 09 March 1945 33 TAMWORTH CEMETERY Private PERCY CHAMBERS 19 October 1944 29 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private SIDNEY ALFORD CHAMPION 01 November 1944 21 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Corporal WILLIAM CHELLEY 19 June 1945 22 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM JOHN CLARK 22 October 1944 28 GROESBEEK MEMORIAL Serjeant CHARLES PERCY CLARK 20 October 1944 28 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM JOHN CLUETT 19 October 1944 30 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private GEORGE CONNELL 13 July 1945 25 PAISLEY (WOODSIDE) CEMETERY Private THOMAS CONNOLLY 17 December 1944 21 VENRAY WAR CEMETERY Private NORMAN HENRY DELVES 22 October 1944 22 GROESBEEK MEMORIAL Corporal JOHN MCGREGOR DRUMMOND 14 November 1944 20 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Lance Corporal EDWARD CHARLES WILLIAM FENN 19 October 1944 19 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private JOSEPH FLANAGAN 23 May 1945 28 GLASNEVIN (OR PROSPECT) CEMETERY Private SAMUEL BYERS FOSTER 26 May 1946 36 MUNSTER HEATH WAR CEMETERY Private JAMES FULTON 20 March 1945 18 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private KENNETH WILLIAM GANDERTON 13 April 1945 19 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Lance Corporal ANDREW GIBSON 07 January 1945 35 KIRKCALDY (DYSART) CEMETERY Private DOUGLAS GILLON 20 January 1945 19 WISSENKERKE GENERAL CEMETERY Corporal JAMES GILMOUR 13 March 1945 43 EDINBURGH (COMELY BANK) CEMETERY Serjeant ALEXANDER GAY GRAHAM 14 October 1944 27 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Captain WILLIAM SIMPSON GRANT 14 October 1947 36 ARBROATH WESTERN CEMETERY Lieutenant Colonel HUBERT CHRISTOPHER HATTON-HALL 26 November 1945 53 PUTNEY VALE CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM Private ERNEST FREDERICK HAYDEN 11 June 1945 24 KIEL WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM HENRY HOOK 01 November 1944 19 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM HOUSTON 25 April 1945 27 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Private DAVID SHANKLAND HOUSTON 13 April 1945 37 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Private RONALD HOWES 02 October 1944 18 MOOK WAR CEMETERY Private ROBERT E. KINNEY 09 March 1945 21 SWILLINGTON (ST. MARY) CHURCHYARD Major KEITH ROBERT KNOX 09 November 1946 30 BROOKWOOD MILITARY CEMETERY Serjeant YVES LE FRIEC 16 February 1947 49 ST. PETER PORT (FOULON) CEMETERY, GUERNSEY Private W LINDSAY 08 July 1947 0 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Private HARRY LLEWELYN 19 September 1944 26 LEOPOLDSBURG WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM LOBLEY 27 February 1945 31 MOOK WAR CEMETERY Serjeant FRANK LUXFORD 10 June 1947 44 WHITHORN CEMETERY Captain STEPHEN LYON 19 October 1945 58 GALASHIELS (EASTLANDS) CEMETERY Private MICHAEL ALEXANDER LYONS 30 April 1946 35 GLASGOW (ST. PETER'S) ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY Private CHARLES RONALD MARSHALL 12 December 1947 21 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Private JOHN MASTERTON 14 April 1946 32 DUNFERMLINE CEMETERY Private RAYMOND EWART MIDDLETON 18 April 1945 19 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Private W MURRAY 16 July 1947 0 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Lieutenant JOHN WILLIAM MacEWAN 05 January 1945 21 BRUNSSUM WAR CEMETERY Private JAMES JOSEPH McCARTHY 16 October 1944 24 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private MARTIN McDOWALL 25 April 1945 18 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM BAILLIE SMITH McFADYEN 27 February 1945 19 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Lance Corporal JOHN McKENZIE 01 November 1944 25 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Warrant Officer Class II JAMES McLEISH 24 October 1944 34 MIERLO WAR CEMETERY Private ROBERT McMILLAN 26 February 1945 0 RHEINBERG WAR CEMETERY Private JOHN JAMES McNALLY 02 May 1945 23 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private JACK NICHOLSON 14 November 1947 0 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Private JAMES NOBLE 13 February 1945 22 BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM PATRICK O'BRIEN 03 March 1945 18 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Corporal GEORGE DORWARD PENMAN 01 June 1945 26 GROESBEEK MEMORIAL Serjeant DAVID SAMUEL PHILLIPS 02 March 1945 28 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private JOHN PORTEOUS 06 December 1947 0 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Corporal WALTER FREDERICK PRITCHARD 17 October 1944 32 VENRAY WAR CEMETERY Corporal HENRY RICHARDSON 13 July 1945 24 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private J.H.A. RIVERS 09 July 1947 0 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Corporal ROBERT GEORGE ROBERTSON 22 October 1944 20 GROESBEEK MEMORIAL Private JOHN ROGERS 13 April 1945 21 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Captain CUTHBERT MAURICE ROPNER 11 May 1945 40 ALNWICK CEMETERY Lance Serjeant DANIEL SCOBIE 14 September 1944 28 KASTERLEE WAR CEMETERY Private ROY SEARLE 27 February 1945 19 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Lance Corporal WILLIAM LIDDLE SHANKS 27 February 1945 26 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private JOSEPH SHEARMAN 16 May 1945 31 DUMFRIES (ST. MICHAEL'S) CEMETERY Corporal ARTHUR JAMES SHIELDS 22 November 1947 21 RAMLEH WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM JOSEPH SIMMONS 14 October 1944 25 MOOK WAR CEMETERY Private ALBERT SMITH 09 August 1945 28 ST. PANCRAS CEMETERY Private HENRY SPROAT 14 November 1944 23 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private DANIEL STEELE 27 February 1945 0 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private ROBERT LEIGH STENHOUSE 19 April 1945 30 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Private JOHN PROCTOR STEVENSON 19 September 1944 24 LEOPOLDSBURG WAR CEMETERY Corporal GEORGE TALLON 01 November 1944 21 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Corporal WILLIAM TANNOCK 18 November 1944 21 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private HERBERT THOMAS 27 February 1945 19 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private JOHN THOMPSON 28 February 1945 19 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private GEORGE THOMPSON 22 October 1944 22 GROESBEEK MEMORIAL Private JAMES TOOLE 30 October 1944 28 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private MARK TUCKER 06 April 1945 18 SAGE WAR CEMETERY Private PERCY JOHN TUCKER 03 November 1944 35 MIERLO WAR CEMETERY Corporal JAMES WALSH 22 October 1944 33 JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY Corporal HARRY PARSONS WATKISS 19 April 1945 24 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Private HUGH WHITE 03 June 1946 0 DUNDEE EASTERN NECROPOLIS Private JOHN HENRY WHITE 10 January 1945 21 VENRAY WAR CEMETERY Private LIONEL WHITEHEAD 13 April 1945 19 BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY Lance Serjeant THOMAS WILSON 19 October 1944 34 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Lance Corporal JOHN WOOD 22 October 1944 24 JONKERBOS WAR CEMETERY Private PERCY FREDERICK WOODWARD 23 March 1945 29 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY Private ROBERT WRIGHT 14 October 1944 23 OVERLOON WAR CEMETERY Private WILLIAM ALFRED YATES 19 March 1945 18 REICHSWALD FOREST WAR CEMETERY

Graph showing all those Killed and Wounded in Normandy during World War 2. 1st KOSB Casualty graph We have dedicated numerous hours to gather a complete roster of individuals who perished in Normandy, as well as what we believe to be a thorough compilation of those who were wounded. The chart below presents a daily breakdown of these figures, including the major battles they are associated with. *With new data coming in all the time, this may be updated regularly - we have found 26 new records since making this chart. (We have not included the 1 casualty from 1940 due to how the graph would look).

Corporal Casualty Information Corporal ROBERT GEORGE ROBERTSON Service Number Age Date of death 14405197 20 22 October 1944 Company: Researching Son of Robert and Isabella Robertson, of Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). Researching 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Researching Share In Memorium Memorial GROESBEEK MEMORIAL Panel 4. View Cemetery Photo Credits:

Lt G. L. Watson Previous Next Wounded In Normandy Lt G. L. Watson Service No. 308419 Company: Unknown Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). Officer Date Wounded: Tuesday, 08 August 1944 Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.) Wounded in back by enemy shell fire in La Groudiere View This Day George Lamb Watson was born in 1922 in Galashiels, Scotland the son of George Watson and Janet Lamb. Before the War he was an apprentice Dyer in Galashiels. "He was a Sergeant in the Royal Artillery commanding a light anti-aircraft battery on the S.E. coast before joining the 1st Battalion KOSB. I don’t know a service number for his Royal Artillery service but have a local newspaper article referring to him being interviewed on the BBC having shot down a Focke-Wulf when he was 21 years old." He was mentioned in the London Gazette on 14th April 1944 (researching) He was discharged from the Army in June 1946. "After the war he worked at Bliss Tweed Mill, Chipping Norton where he met his wife Zilpha. They relocated to live in Selkirk and then Galashiels when he worked as Production Manager at Gardiner of Selkirk Tweed Mill. He enjoyed golfing and trout fishing." He married Zilpha Margaret Witts in October 1953 in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Sadly, George died in 1978 at the age of 56. *Quotes are from George's nephew, also named George. January 2025 Share Get in touch First name* Last name Email* Casualty Full Name or KOSB ref no. Write a message Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

Private Casualty Information Private WILLIAM HOUSTON Service Number Age Date of death 2823972 27 25 April 1945 Company: Researching Researching War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). Researching 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Researching Share In Memorium Memorial BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY 15. A. 7. View Cemetery Photo Credits:

Cpl Henry Watson Previous Next Wounded In Normandy Cpl Henry Watson Service No. 3050052 Company: Unknown Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). The Royal Scots Date Wounded: Wednesday, 19 July 1944 Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.) Possibly wounded in attack on Troarn. View This Day Henry Watson was discharged from the Army in August 1946 with his address being in Edinburgh. If you have any information on this soldier, please use the contact form to get in touch. Thank you. Share Get in touch First name* Last name Email* Casualty Full Name or KOSB ref no. Write a message Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

Pte G. Burrows Previous Next Wounded In Normandy Pte G. Burrows Service No. 14002897 Company: Unknown Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). General Service Corps Date Wounded: Friday, 09 June 1944 Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.) Possibly wounded in attack on Cambes View This Day If you have any information on this soldier, please use the contact form to get in touch. Thank you. Share Get in touch First name* Last name Email* Casualty Full Name or KOSB ref no. Write a message Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

Private Casualty Information Private LIONEL WHITEHEAD Service Number Age Date of death 14751815 19 13 April 1945 Company: Researching Son of Lionel and Eveline Whitehead, of Kilnhurst, Yorkshire. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). Researching 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Researching Share In Memorium Memorial BECKLINGEN WAR CEMETERY 3. G. 15. View Cemetery Photo Credits:

Adamson James Pringle L/Cpl Rank in Normandy 3188372 Service No. Researching Company David Morrison's Best Man at Wedding James Pringle Adamson was best man at David Morrison's (Richard's Grandad) wedding in Inverness in May 1943. He married Elizabeth Telford in April 1942, in Galashiels. He was wounded in Normandy on Friday, 9th of June around Cambes/Le Mesnil. He continued to serve after the war as we have photos of him in the Middle East (See gallery) He was still playing the pipes in 1968 when he took them with him on a visit to see relatives in Australia. Looking at photos and official docs, James was most likely in the following places: *Potentially joined KOSB in 1937 (going on Service No.) Most likely from Galashiels/Hawick. 1943: Inverness. Victory Wings parade and practising beach assaults. Also David Morrisons wedding in May. 1944: Selkirk prior to moving down South for D-Day 1944: April 29th Denmead camp in the New Forest 1944: June - September, Normandy 1944: September - Belgium 1944: October - Holland 1944: November - Holland 1944: December - Holland 1945: January - Holland/Germany 1945: February - Germany 1945: March - Germany (Esserden. Rhine Crossing) 1945: April - Germany (Bremen) 1945: May - Germany (VE Day - Dortmund) 1946: Egypt and Palestine 1947: Palestine Temporary Pipe Major . *Went home on leave with D Morrison 1948: January - Jaffa and Tel Aviv After leaving the Army, James Adamson emigrated and became the Pipe Major for the Hamilton Pipe Band in New Zealand. In 1968, he moved to Australia and was the PM for the Kurri Kurri Pipe Band Special thanks for this information go to: James' son, Jamie Adamson. Aad Boode for confirmation of Pipe Major status post-war Jenny for connecting the dots David Morrison for his photographs Members of the Facebook Group - Bygone Galashiels Borderer's Chronicles through the years Galashiels April 1942. Outsite the King's Hotel, Market Street. James Pringle Adamson and Jamie Adamson at a Parade for the Queen Mother in 1966 From Jamie Adamson collection Galashiels April 1942. Outsite the King's Hotel, Market Street. 1/17 Previous Special Mention Share Next Special Mention

Operation Name: Bluecoat 6 August 1944 To 13 August 1944 KOSB from 6th August 1944 Map courtesy of Normandy War Guide Google Maps 2025 Vire-Vassy Road Map courtesy of Normandy War Guide KOSB from 6th August 1944 Map courtesy of Normandy War Guide 1/3 *1st KOSB did not complete their movement into the Vire/Vaudry area until Sunday the 6th of August, 1944. However, for context, we have looked at the initial foray into Vaudry from the perspective of allied units, and civilians. Their movements across Normandy are charted on the interactive Google Map here The build up... Despite heavy British losses, Operation Goodwood had also led to very significant losses on the German side and largely fixed the enemy in place on the Eastern flank of the British advance. It was Operation Bluecoat which would create the real breakthrough. Bluecoat’s Main Effort was on the right (West) flank of the British held area and butted up to the US First Army. Approx positions of Allied and Enemy forces ALLIED FORCES The British attack was initially led by XXX (British) Corps , which had under its command: 43 (Wessex) Division 50th (Northumberland) Division 7th Armoured Division British Ambulance Carrier & Soldiers from D Coy 4th Dorsets in 43 Wessex Division advance during the offensive south of Caumont-sur-Aure, Normandy - 31 July 1944 IWM B8270 On its Western flank was VIII (British) Corps , consisting of: 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division 1th Armoured Division Guards Armoured Division 3 (British) Infantry Division consisted of: 8th Infantry Brigade 185th Infantry Brigade 9th Infantry Brigade plus Headquarters troops, Engineers, Gunners a heavy Machine Gun Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment and the supporting arms Map 21, from 'Normandy to the Baltic' by Field-Marshall Montgomery, 1946 *3rd British Infantry were given the job of filling the gap between the Western edge of VIII Corps and the US 2nd Infantry Division. British Sherman Tanks advance towards Vire, 2nd August, 1944. Laing (Sgt), No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons 3rd August 1944 The first British Troops arrive at the Chateau 11:00 THEY ARE HERE! We saw the first tanks come down the road at 11am. Needless to say we rushed for the distribution of chocolate, cigarettes, candy etc. At the moment there are four tanks spitting grapeshot on all the bushes. There are still, here and there, a few Germans throwing grenades. It’s hard to imagine the joy we feel to see, for the first time in four years khaki uniforms and hear “How do you do” pronounced with a real English accent. These are the English and not the Americans. They have helmets reminiscent of German helmets and no longer their slightly ridiculous shaving dishes. Personal diary, Marie-Therese Gallet (age 19) 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary (location = Longraye) 14:00 Comd and BM visited Div and received orders for the move to FORET L’EVEQUE 6351 and were informed that no move of main bodies would be instituted before 0600 hrs 4 Aug. 18:15 Recce parties moved off and the bde was placed at 2 hrs’ notice to move. On 3rd August we moved to the bocage country via Caumont to Vire area. On the 7th I was wounded and so ended my Normandy Travels. *(Possibly wounded by enemy shell fire in Pissot). Details here 1st KOSB Veteran, Jeff Henderson 4th August 1944 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary 08:00 Bde moved out to new area and after an extremely “dusty” move re-opened in farm 637518. The intended location was reached at 11:00 hrs, but combination of circumstances, mainly hygienic, resulted in the bde moving to a newer and sweeter smelling area. 16:00 Armoured Brigade came under command 3 Brit Inf Div. Bn localities 2 LINCOLNS 652521, 1 KOSB 645512, 2 RUR 638505. (St Martin Des Besaces, Longraye, Foret D'Eveque areas) 5th August 1944 05:00 "Around 5AM a noise and a shake more violent than the others [shells landing] makes us all jump. Doors and windows open, some are torn. Many of the windows fall, plaster tumbles and the cornices of cupboards fall. The roof was literally raised and then fell, there are cracks everywhere. We decide to go to the trenches [in the garden]. We remain in the trenches until 7pm and then, the battle having subsided, we go out one after the other and go home to eat and have a quick toilet. We then learn that the bridge over the road blew up……… for the moment we hear no more cannon, only an uninterrupted roll of tanks on the road. I think that today we will see the arrival of the English, definitively this time". Marie-Thérèse Gallet (age 19) Chateau du Pont de Vaudry, courtesy of Nick Shacklock “Once Caen was cleared, the British were able to reach Saint-Martin-des-Besaces, north of Vaudry, where German troops were safely entrenched on the Perrier Ridge facing where we now live. This chateau sits right in the gap where Operation Bluecoat took place in July and August 1944.” At that time, the chateau was owned by the Gallet family, part of the luxury perfumiers Roger & Gallet. The Gallets and their 11 children lived here from 1919, with as many as 30 people sheltering in the property at various points throughout World War Two. Brigitte Gallet published a book about their wartime experiences, named La guerre 1939-1945 telle que nous l'avons vécue (The 1939-1945 war, as we experienced it). Nick Shacklock, present owner of the Chateau De Pont de Vaudry, 2025 The Gallet family reunite in Pont-De-Vaudry in 1945 (From Ouest France online) 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary Another quiet night, with no enemy activity at all. This quiet life proves beneficial to all in gen, after the hurly-burly of recent life in the TROARN area. 09:00 Brigade Command held a conference with offrs of *44 RTR, who were to operate with us in the next show. 18:00 1800 Bde ‘O’ Gp called, details of op were discussed and the OO issued. *44 RTR were to be under comd for the show. *44th Royal Tank Regiment Royal Tank Regiment insignia (on D-Day Stripes *edited) - By Government of the United Kingdom - https://www.palacebarracksmemorialgarden.co.uk/category/british-army/royal-tank-regiment/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72801361 6th August 1944 After some very intensive fighting to the Eastern side of the front, the advance was approaching the D55 Estry – Vire road with 9 (Inf) Brigade on the Right flank. The Brigade consisted of 2nd Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment on the right (West) flank, and the 1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers on the left adjoining the most Westerly elements of 185 Brigade. 2 Royal Ulster Rifles were in Brigade Reserve around Montisenger and the Brigade was being supported by 44 Royal Tank Regiment and 33 Field Regiment RA. The frontage of the two battalions was less than 2km, with the extreme right hand Company of 2 LINCOLN being around 100m to the right (West) of the junction between the D55a (Vaudry) road going South and the D55 Vire-Estry road. 2 LINCOLN were in periodic contact with 23rd (US) Infantry Regiment who were in the process of fighting through Vire. 9 Infantry Brigade were given the initial task of cutting the Vire-Estry road (now the D55) and then climbing up from there to take and cut the Vire-Vassy road , which was a main supply route for the Germans. It was known that the land from the railway line was strongly held by the Germans and that the approach from the Vire–Estry road was very exposed to fire, which was controlled by numerous well sited Observation Posts. By the time that the Brigade forward elements arrived at Montisenger the Germans had already blown the bridge over the River Alliere at Pont de Vaudry making the route up the hill impassable to vehicles until a re-placement bridge had been constructed. 08:15 1st KOSB War Diary The 'O' Group moved to S.L. at 0815 and the attack with "C" Coy on left and "D" Coy on right commenced at 0845 hrs. 09:55 MONTISANGER was occupied without opposition. Patrols were sent out to the main road and river S of PISSOT. Two bridges (675340 - 666340) reported blown. We spent the night, some in the trenches, others in individual holes right next to it, others, including me and the three little ones, in a large hole. This hole, dug by the Germans to put a truck in, is vast. We put a tarpaulin over it and brought straw mattresses and blankets. The day was spent in or near the trench. Around 11am we are shaken by two explosions and we learn shortly after that two shells fell near the house. The Wellingtonia and the Tulipier are hit, but the house received only fragments. Mme Anne-Marie Gallet (Maman) 15:00 Both the Kings Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) on the left (East) and the 2nd Bn Lincolnshire Regiment (2 LINCOLN) had crossed the Vire – Estry road and had begun to infiltrate onto the South side of the River Alliere (200m from the front of the Chateau). Until that point there had been little sign of German resistance, however the advancing troops had clearly been seen from the commanding heights to the South, and sporadic shelling and mortar fire began. " On August 6 they successfully occupied Montisanger without opposition. However, later that day, two companies attempted another attack on positions south of a river near Pissot. They reached their first objective and pushed on but against heavy opposition, with many men killed, wounded or missing." Geoff Hogg , 1st KOSB Veteran Geoff Hogg, 1st KOSB An early casualty from this shelling was the Commanding Officer from 2 LINCOLN Lt Col Wilson. The Regimental Aid post was also hit wounding both the medical Officer and the Padre together with two Lieutenants. In addition Lt A Hempsall was killed, together with 2 ORs and an additional 12 ORs were wounded. 2 LINCOLN and 1KOSB were ordered to hold firm in this location overnight and not to advance or patrol beyond the Granville-Paris railway line 1Km past the house. The plan was that 253 Field Company Royal engineers would build a bridge over the Alliere during the night to allow (initially) the Batallion’s vehicle borne recce elements and later the Sherman Tanks of 44 Royal Tank Regiment (44 RTR) to cross. 2nd Lincolnshire Bttn War Diary The Bn was ordered to gain position astride the river to enable the R.E. to build a bridge during the night. This was accomplished by B and D Coys against slight opposition but troublesome shelling by enemy who held good observation posts commanding the river. Lt.Col. Wilson was wounded by shellfire and Maj. L.H.B. Colvin assumed command. 18:00 1st KOSB War Diary An attack on positions S of the river (sqs 6734, 6735) was ordered at 1700 hrs to start at 1800 hrs. This attack was carried out with "C" Coy on the right and "A" Coy on the left. The two coys reached their first objective and pushed on but were pinned down by enemy MG fire from flanks when approaching the railway (sq 6737). These two coys made this adv against fairly heavy opposition, almost completely unsupported. Temporary Grave Marker for Pvt Taylor Pvt Robert Taylor, KIA 6th August 1944 Owing to the blowing of the bridge (675340) and the speed with which the attack had to be prepared, it was not possible to get any sp (armour) arms to them except one troop of tanks which got over later in the evening, and, by a very gallant attack, saved the situation on "C" Coy front. One complete patrol of "A" Coy is missing from this operation and many offrs and ORs of both coys were killed and wounded. Willard Stanton Caseley Born in Mass' USA but crossed to Canada and joined up. He was part of the CANLoan program . Before joining the 1st KOSB on 23rd July, Willard was with the coastal artillery for 2 years (regiment not known). Was killed in his first attack. 1st KOSB casualties for the 6th August were: 14 Killed in Action 34 Wounded Vaudry Temporary Burial lists, compiled by the Ancien Combattantes et victims de la Guerre de Vaudry (Full lists at bottom of page) Evening arrives, a few isolated Germans pass by us. One, carrying a sub machine gun, stops next to our trench and then runs away. We then hear the sound of a machine gun directed at our tarpaulin. It is the English. The tarpaulin and mattresses are perforated and I get wool on my head. Little Martine screams as much as she can. Her cries were heard and the shooting stops. We see four English soldiers carrying grenades who look at us in bewilderment. We scream “French” and we show the baby. We cry “ go away, you will get us killed”. Mme Anne-Marie Gallet (Maman) 7th August 1944 08:00 The initial plan was that 253 Fd Coy RE would lay a Valentine Tank Bridge over the Alliere to the West of the destroyed bridge (to allow the lighter vehicles to cross) and create a ford using repurposed ramps from a Horsa Glider. No 1 Platoon (1 PL) were to begin to build a 60 foot Bailey Bridge to carry the heavy vehicles. However, as the bridging site was overlooked by well sited German Observation Posts (OPs), it proved impossible to start the work until 0800 on the morning of the 7th and the work was incredibly dangerous. Only three men at a time were allowed to work on the abutments of the bridge as the site was under continuous shell and mortar fire. During the evening, the Recce vehicle of 1 Pl was hit by shellfire, wounding both the Platoon officer and Platoon Sergeant. A Lance Sergeant was killed as were 4 ORs, with an additional 7 ORs wounded. Work on the Bailey bridge stopped and did not re-start until 9th. A fatal mistake is made 10:00 In contradiction of even the most basic of accepted infantry tactics, the Commander of 9 Infantry Brigade ordered 2 LINCOLN to advance alone to the railway line, which was around 600m away from the foremost Battalion position and then to push forward to the top of the hill. No orders were given to KOSB to advance on their left and they remained astride the Vire Estry road. In support of 2 LINCOLN were a Squadron of 44 RTR and 101 Anti-Tank Battery RA, a heavy machine gun platoon of 2 Bn Middlesex Regt and one Battery 33 Field Regiment RA with self-propelled 105mm guns. The advance began with C and D Companies of the Lincolns to the left (East) of the D55a (Vaudry) road and A and B companies to the right. A platoon of 253 Fd Coy RE were in support to provide mine clearance. Almost as soon as A Coy moved out they were mortared heavily, immediately killing a signaller, destroying the wireless set and temporarily blinding the platoon commander. They endured heavy machine gun fire from well dug in weapon pits in the hedgerows and on the South side of the railway line. Two tanks from 44RTR moved in on the right flank to assist but were rapidly knocked out. The first by a Panzerfaust (German Bazooka equivalent) and the second by a mine. German Panzerfaust By Bundesarchiv, Bild 101I-710-0371-20 / Gronefeld, Gerhard / CC-BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121372220 After supporting fire by the artillery, 'A' company eventually reached the railway line, but by now all the Company officers had been injured. Two German machine guns, sited in the railway crossing keeper’s cottage took a particularly heavy toll. The remaining RTR tanks attempted to reach the railway crossing, but the two leading tanks were disabled by mines, which effectively blocked the (sunken) road about 100m short of the crossing. The RE(Royal Engineers) Section attempting to clear the mines also suffered casualties. On the left of the advance, D company had initially made good progress to La Lande, however, they were unsupported on their left flank as a result of the fact that the KOSB had been ordered to remain astride the Vire-Estry road and they were rapidly outflanked by German troops, who were now firing at them both from ahead, behind and to the left. Two sections (20 men) of the foremost platoon had managed to cross the railway line and were effectively surrounded. At this point of the attack, it was decided that the attack was getting nowhere on either flank and could not continue without further heavy losses. Consequently the Companies on both of the sides of the Vaudry road were extricated back to the start point under a smokescreen laid by the artillery. Unfortunately, it did not prove possible to contact one of the Sections of D Company which had crossed the railway line and these were initially posted missing. All 11 men were later found dead. Which was in addition to the other three ORs killed and two officers and 25 ORs wounded. One of these soldiers was Private Arthur Papworth , buried in Vaudry churchyard. Pvt Arthur Papworth, 2nd Lincs. Photo from alencon.maville.com As a result of this failed attack and because the Brigade Commander had failed to provide support on either flank, and also because this was not the first time that the Brigade Commander had erred, he was sacked at 2200 that evening and replaced. From 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary for 7th August: Patrols of both 2 Lincolns and 1 KOSB respectively reported contacting the enemy in some strength in area 674385, 657327 and 658326, the Lincolns patrol having met and killed one German NCO on their travels. A rather informative deserter from A tk Bn of 3 Para Div who are in the line facing us, reported that they had one coy 100 m South of rly 6632 and their 2 and 3 coys fighting as inf – this stresses the point that the enemy is finding manpower an increasingly difficult problem. "On the following day, patrols were sent out and reported enemy still occupying the position of the previous day while a later patrol reported no enemy in a wood nearby. On this day, Geoff Hogg was out on a reconnaissance mission in a platoon with Lt. Alan McQueen Don. Lt. Don said to Geoff: "You will have to help me through this as I’ve had no infantry training." Geoff stayed very close to him after that. They came across a gap in the hedge and Lt Don was about to cross the gap but Geoff held him back saying there could be snipers about - but Lt Don said “I will just have a quick look." As soon as he did a sniper shot him through the head and he fell backwards on to Geoff. They carried his body to a shallow ditch and wanted to make a cross for him with a rifle - but being an officer he only had a sidearm which they left with him". Lt. Don has no known grave and was never found. He is remembered at Bayeux War Cemetery. Lt Alan Don 2 LINCOLN were relieved the next day (8th) by 2 Bn East Yorks and moved into Brigade Reserve. 44 RTR were also relieved by the County of London Yeomanry and KOSB were relieved by 1 Suffolk. *This is the last day any casualties (KIA) were recorded for the 1st Bttn KOSB's time in Normandy. 8th August 1944 During the night of the 8th it became evident that there was a significant reduction in the aggression of the German troops defending the hill (it later became evident from heavy patrolling by 1 Suffolk and 2 Lincoln that very significant numbers of German troops had been withdrawn from the area. This was to the Mortain area to support Hitler’s personally planned and driven ‘ Operation Luttich ’ in which he had aimed to re-take Mortain and Avranches). IWM Footage (above) The Germans retreat before the advance made by 8th British Corps and Vth US Corps in the Vire sector of the Normandy front, leaving behind them wrecked equipment and blown-up bridges. Dated 8th August 1944 2nd Bn. The Royal Ulster Rifles War Diary Royal Ulster Rifles Insignia. By G Glass - http://www.armymuseums.org.uk/museums/0000000121-Royal-Ulster-Rifles-Museum.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27439658 The Battalion had a quiet day in perfect weather. During the day it became known that 9 Brigade were to launch an attack with two Battalions up with the object of securing high ground to the East of VIRE. 1st Bn KOSB were to capture ring contour 230 and 2nd RUR had as their objective the village of VAUDRY and the VIRE – VASSY rd running E to W to the South of VAUDRY. The day was there spent in detailed reconnaissance of the ground by the Commanding Officer and Company Commanders and, at the end of it, the C.O. gave out orders to Company and Platoon Commanders on the ground itself. Subsequently further detailed reconnaissance was made by Company and Platoon Commanders. "Late on the night of the 8th August we moved through the quiet meadows and alongside the stream towards the concentration area for the next attack. Once more a curious peace reigned over everything. The skies were rich with stars and the waters of the stream glimmered under the motionless trees". WIG Wilson , A Short History of the 1st Bttn KOSB in North West Europe 9th August 1944 The construction of the 60’ Bailey Bridge recommenced on 9 August after a relatively quiet night. A BRIDGE AT LE POINT DE VAUDRY, 9th August 1944. IWM B8896 08:00 1 KOSB were on the South side of the railway line unopposed and the village of Vaudry had been occupied by 2 Royal Ulster Rifles without major incident, other than a slight hold-up caused by mines on the line of advance. "The dawn was dewy and fresh as we advanced again up the slopes towards the main road with the 2nd Bn The Royal Ulster Rifles on our left. To our surprise no opposition was encountered and, although mines caused some casualties, we quickly reached our objectives. The enemy's defences had given way, the Americans were holding Vire, and later in the morning we linked up with the famous Rainbow Division. The Germans had pulied out during the night and, though they had not retreated very far, we had no trouble in securing good positions astride the road, and in collecting a few prisoners". WIG Wilson , A Short History of the 1st Bttn KOSB in North West Europe A V Looker Arthur Vincent Looker. Wounded Weds, 9th August, 1944. Arthur wrote a book about his time in 1st KOSB called, In at The Deep End. 10th August 1944 1st KOSB War Diary 12:00 Towards midday splinters from two rounds fired by an enemy S.P. set fire to the farm building at Bn HQ. This blazed rapidly and was soon completely burnt out. Practically no kit or equipment was lost. 17:00 Two patrols were sent out each platoon strength, under artillery and mortar covering fire. The first reported the orchard at LE FAY 657307 clear of enemy. The second patrol came under heavy mortar fire on route to ROULLOURS and did not enter the village. This patrol had one casualty. Vaudry and Roullours. [Map courtesy of Normandy War Guide] 11th August 1944 09:00 An attack towards TINCHEBRAY by 3 Br Inf Div with Gds Armd Div on the left and the 2nd US Div on the right started at 0900 hrs. 9 Inf Bde was in reserve and the Bn remained in its area at 4 hrs notice to move. IWM footage (above) Soldiers from the 2nd US Infantry Division and 3rd British Division's 9th Brigade (1st KOSB) share slit trenches and gun positions in the 'bocage' near Le Pont du Vaudry - 10th August 1944 12th August 1944 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary 1 KOSB reported that the German truck they shot up at 645314 three days ago, had in it a number of grenades . "Mother enjoined us to move away when the soldiers were soaping naked in the river without worrying about the ‘civilians’. I do not know what Mother would have said if the had known that her daughter (me) had been invited to fire the cannon in Ken’s Battery in the garden. Fred, his mate, a funny Scotstman was in charge of signals, and the gun was firing according to the orders received by telephone. Who would have thought that the gun was fired by pulling a string and that the string was in my hand. When I heard the word ‘FIRE’ I pulled hard, whilst praying to heaven, given the direction in which the gun was pointed, that the shells do not fall on La Ritiere". Marie-Therese Gallet 2nd Royal Ulster Rifles report: "The only contact made with the enemy in this position was a strange one. Soon after we reached our final positions in Vaudry a patrol from "D" Company comprising Sjt Lynch, Cpl McDaid and six men on reconnaissance, saw moving Southwards from the Vire-Vassy road, a group of men whom they thought were Americans. They called out a friendly greeting only to see the group spin round astonished, and disappear rapidly behind a hedge. The next thing they knew was that a shot from a Bazooka landed close by them, where upon they in turn took cover and returned the fire vigorously. They saw no more of these men who cleared out with the utmost speed and who can only have been a detached remnant of a Boche Platoon". From The Taking of Vaudry by Paul Scanlon 13th August 1944 06:30 1st KOSB War Diary The Bn was ordered to take over the village and the high ground at VIESSOIX, which protected the left flank of the Bde, from two Coys of 1 Grenadier Guards who had had a hard fight to take it two days before. The advance party for the move to VIESSOIX left at 0630 hrs and the remainder of the Bn followed an hour later. Bn HQ was established at 698317. Slight enemy shelling after midday but otherwise a quiet day. IWM Footage (above) A four-man FOP detachment from the 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers and the 3rd Recce. Regiment scan 'no-mans-land' for a Tiger tank alleged to be in the vicinity of Veissoix in 3rd Division's sector of 8th Corps' front. Dated 13th August 1944. 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary for 13th August: 1 KOSB at VIESSOIX with HQ South of church in village; and 2 RUR at Pt 237 6531 on main rd VIRE – ESTRY, with Bde HQ at 649315. Viessox, Google Maps, 2025 Div instructed that bde be prepared to move at short notice, reason being the enemy seems to be making a gen withdrawal and a pursuit on the lines of Operation "Wallop" is envisaged. Highlight of the day was the discovery of 13 dead Germans in 2 Lincolns area - one of whom was a woman attired as a German paratroop NCO. Div were immediately informed of this interesting discovery. The day brought very little event apart from the usual routine contact patrols with flanking fmns, i.e., US forces on the right and 2 HCR on left. Operation Bluecoat paved the way for Allied troops to force the retreating enemy into what has come to be known as the 'Falaise Pocket'. The Germans suffered substantial losses, but even so, a large number escaped through France and into Belgium and Holland. 1st KOSB, their part played in the attack on the area of Vire, move onto Tinchebray and then Flers where they rest and recuperate, spend their time training and taking on reinforcements from other units. Map of Tinchebray from War Office, courtesy of Normandy War Guide CREDITS and THANKS 2nd Lincolns action, researched and written by Nick Shacklock , Ex Royal Engineers and Vice Chairman of the RBL Normandy Branch and current owner of the Chateau Du Pont De Vaudry. Special thanks of course to Nick, Geoff Hogg (and family), The Overloon War Chronicles, Jenny Anderson, Paul Scanlon (2ndRUR) and Normandy War Guide - who has a fantastic WW2 map of Vire area here > https://www.normandywarguide.com/archives/map-6f6 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 VAUDRY

Pte S. H. Hood Previous Next Wounded In Normandy Pte S. H. Hood Service No. 3186808 Company: Unknown Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). The King's Own Scottish Borderers Date Wounded: Sunday, 06 August 1944 Details of wounds - (Based on War Diary etc.) Possibly wounded in attack around Montisanger/Le Pissot area View This Day Samuel Hunter Hood was born in October 1913, in New Abbey. Mother's maiden name was Cameron. He was discharged from the Army 25th October 1945 and was living in Gatehouse-of-Fleet in Scotland at the time. He died in September 2004 in Whitehaven district, Cumberland, England. If you have any information on this soldier, please use the contact form to get in touch. Thank you. Share Get in touch First name* Last name Email* Casualty Full Name or KOSB ref no. Write a message Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit