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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

Operation Name: UNDER CONSTRUCTION 7 June 1944 To 8 June 1944 1/0 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 LE MESNIL

1st KOSB 50 Franc Note signature Signature details: Initial JB Surname Cunningham Nickname/Rank N/A Match Status = Confirmed by signature Name & Rank Pte. Joseph Baxter Cunningham Service No. 3196413 Evidence Living in Glasgow at time of medals awarded. Discharged from the Army in December 1945 Record in database? Next Previous

McPhilemy James Private Rank in Normandy 14273265 Service No. Researching Company Photos, information and 'moral support' provided by relatives. James McPhilemy was born in Possilpark, Glasgow, November 1924 to Matthew and Ellen McPhilemy. He was the first son born and second eldest of 16 brothers and sisters. He left school at 15 and worked as an apprentice sheet metal worker for Yarrow Shipbuilders in Yoker, Glasgow. James was killed in action 17th June 1944 whilst the Battalion was fighting in Cambes En Plaine. He has a memorial page here You can view the official War Diary for the date of his death here James was given a temporary battlefield grave which was just outside the walls where the CWGC Cambes En plaine stands today. 19th May 1945: James, along with 9 other Borderers, was reburied in CWGC Douvres-la-Délivrande around 9km from Cambes En Plaine. All 10 Borderers are buried in the same row. Special thanks go to Paddy McPhilemy for information and photographs. Private James McPhilemy, 1st KOSB Private James McPhilemy, 1st KOSB 1/5 Previous Special Mention Share Next Special Mention

Operation Name: Charnwood 9 July 1944 To 11 July 1944 War Office Map of Caen Courtesy of Normandy War Guides Google map of approx locations of 1st KOSB Click to enlarge War Office Map of Caen Courtesy of Normandy War Guides 1/2 The French city of Caen was due to be taken on D-Day to help secure the major routes into and out of Normandy. However, due to myriad hold ups on and behind the beaches, and initial attempts being met by fierce resistance by the 21st Panzer Division, 12th SS Panzer Hitlerjugend, and Panzer Lehr, it was not secured until over a month later. PRELUDE Prior to the attack in July, fleets of Air Force bombers carpeted the town in the hope of forcing the occupying German forces to retreat. Many civilians were killed in these raids and countless buildings reduced to rubble. The shattered remains held up mechanised troops and provided perfect cover for snipers and ambushes. EyeSerene, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons "Caen was 80% destroyed by bombing. 1st KOSB led advances over mountainous rubble including cavernous hollows from 15" Naval guns. The enemy rearguards were active. " Major Alistair Renny, CO of D Company - from Monty's Ironsides. P70. 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary: Tks were virtually unable to operate and the inf adv slowly with the assistance of bulldozers. 2nd Royal Ulster Rifles: " Owing to the rubble and devastation caused by the bombing, movement was slow and difficult. There was no question of vehicle movement here, and so throughout this advance the infantry relied solely and entirely upon their own resources." Courtesy of Paul Scanlon - https://royal-ulster-rifles-ww2.blogspot.com/2010/11/9th-july-1944-advance-in-to-caen.html THE ATTACK 1st KOSB War Diary, 9th July 1944: The Bn moved off from Lebisey at about 0930 hrs over ring contour "60" (the D60 road), which was under shell fire, to FUP (Forming Up Point/Position) 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. French civilians sharing some refreshment with 1st KOSB troops (Link to the video above on Youtube > here ) 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. Some of the first troops to enter Caen pose with local inhabitants outside wrecked shops, 9 July 1944. IWM Much assistance and information was offered by eager civilians. Debris and cratered streets also made progress extremely difficult. “Inside CAEN the people who had been under cover since the RAF bombing on Friday night came out of their shell buildings and their cellars to cheer their liberators, tears of joy trickling down their grimy faces. It was the first large-scale spontaneous welcome the British had received in Normandy… made all the more touching by the fact that it was given by people who had seen half their city crumble under the devastating blast of bomb and shell” Borderers in Battle by Hugh Gunning 1948 page 106 Caen - 9th July - By Sergeant Christie No 5 Army Film & Photographic Unit - This photograph 4700-29 comes from the collections of the Imperial War Museums (collection no. B 6727)Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8420398 We eventually reached the RV in the Old Town and established contact with the RUR (2nd Bttn Royal Ulster Rifles) and pushed forward patrols to the river. Patrols met quite heavy fire from across the river and a number of casualties were sustained. The Abbey Aux Dames, Google Maps, 2025 "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". 1st KOSB Veteran, Jeff Henderson *Video shows the Abbeye Aux Dames, St Peter's Church and 1st KOSB passing some civilians on the street. At dawn on the 9th the Ulster Rifles sent two strong patrols in through the rubble and ruin of CAEN. At 9.30 the remainder of the Ulster Rifles and the KOSB advanced on their left. By midday they had reached the BOULEVARD DES ALLIES (top left of image) Assault Division Norman Scarfe 1947 p70 Jeff Henderson's route "We stood down to let the Canadians past and let them take the honours. I spent so much time walking over burning rubble that I had to cut my boots off because of blisters. One of our lads was killed in St Pierre itself from a sniper." 1st KOSB, D Company Rodger Moffet St Pierre/St Peter's Church in modern day Caen. (Google maps) Imperial War Museum film taken in Caen. (1st KOSB men can be see around the 1minute 50s mark) "When morning came we saw an amazing spectacle-the high and open ridge overlooking the city thick with armour of all descriptions, waiting to burst through. But the initial work had to be done by the infantry and "C" and "D" Companies led the way, edging carefully into the outskirts of the city, winkling out nests of enemy snipers and then quickly gaining control of the town north of the canal. The rest of the Battalion then infiltrated through the wreckage, established contact with the Royal Ulster Ritles and began the process of consolidation. Casualties were fairly heavy, but not so serious as had been expected and by the early afternoon our positions were firm, although the enemy continued to shell and mortar the city." WIG Wilson , A Short History of the 1st Bttn KOSB in North West Europe 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary: 2 RUR and 1 KOSB were the first units to enter CAEN. DAY II 1st KOSB War Diary, 10th July 1944: An OP was established overlooking the river. "C" & "D" Coys patrolled forward to the river ORNE and met heavy fire from South bank. Later in the day "B" Coy occupied the Barracks, which had been previously an enemy HQ of some size. Slight enemy shelling during the day. "During the 10th July we were kept busy scouring the town for groups of Germans and keeping watch on the other side of the canal, which the enemy still held. Our wounded-many of them rescued under shell-fire by French women Red Cross workers-had to be located in the hospitals and our dead had to be buried. Enemy shelling continued, and there was some air activity, but we were still exhilarated by success and by the enthusiasm of the French: it was a real disappointment to have to hand over our sector to the Canadians on the morning of the 11th." WIG Wilson , A Short History of the 1st Bttn KOSB in North West Europe 1st KOSB troops with Captured Hotchkiss, 10th July 1944 WITHDRAWAL FROM CAEN 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary, July 11th 1944: Bde posns handed over to 8 Cdn Bde and Bde withdrawn into rest area based on PLUMETOT for rest and refitting after 35 days continuous action. 2 LINCOLNS reverted to comd 9 Brit Inf Bde, 2 KSLI to 185 Inf Bde. "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". 1st KOSB Veteran, Jeff Henderson "Our departure was marked by a gesture of defiance, for we marched out with the Company pipers playing in full hearing of the enemy. As we climbed up the hill, through the ruined streets, we felt that a good job had been done. Caen, which was originally to have fallen on D-Day but which for all those horrible weeks seemed almost unattainable, was in Allied hands at last. 1st KOSB Pipe Band - taken shortly before move to Denmead Outside the city we filed aboard carriers, jeeps, anything on wheels, and drove back through Epron and other former centres of German resistance, now utterly ruined, with their trees gaunt and stripped, and their streets piled with rubble. It seemed like a dream. For so long these places had spelled "Enemy" and now they were ours. We could hardly believe it. Tired, dirty and victorious, we arrived at Plumetot, where we hoped to have a rest. WIG Wilson, A Short History of the 1st Bttn KOSB in North West Europe "On the morning of July 11, the Battalion were relieved by Canadians and moved to a rest area at PLUMETOT where the time was spent cleaning up, kit inspections and parades. Football games were organised and there was a generous allotment for film shows, swimming, etc. The Pipe Band played Retreat for the first time since landing, on the evening of the 12th. Officers and other rank reinforcements joined the Battalion." Notes from personal records of Major James Gray M.C. Captain and 2i/c of A Company THE COST Between the 9th and 11th of July, 8 men from 1st KOSB were killed and 17 wounded. The majority of the men killed in the attack on Caen are buried in La Deliverande War Cemetery in Douvres or Hermanville War Cemetery (Originally called the Sword Beach Cemetery) La Deliverande War Cemetery Hermanville War Cemetery Estimated civilian casualties from the actions in Caen range from between 1,500 and 3000 killed - mostly in the preceding air raids. D-Day Revisited have reproduced an interview with a French civilian, Liliane Merle, who lived in Caen at the time of the Invasion - click on their logo to read. There's a video on Youtube showing more footage of the days leading up to, and capturing Caen here *Our special thanks go to Rob Bowie and Rodger Moffet for helping, not only with this article, but also with the site overall. 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 CAEN

1st KOSB 50 Franc Note signature Signature details: Initial D.B. Surname Cameron Nickname/Rank N/A Match Status = Confirmed by signature Name & Rank SGT D B Cameron Service No. 3194195 Evidence SGT D B Cameron mentioned in Borderers Chronicles. Mentioned in Dispatches in The Gazette March 1945. Discharged from the Army in January 1946. Living in Edinburgh at time of claiming his medals. Sgt David Bell 'Davey' Cameron - signals. Record in database? Next Previous

Operation Name: UNDER CONSTRUCTION 9 June 1944 To 6 July 1944 1stKOSB_Cambes_NWG_DDay+5.jpg 1stKOSB_Cambes_NWG_DDay+5.jpg 1/1 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 CAMBES

1st KOSB 50 Franc Note signature Signature details: Initial D Surname Reid67 Nickname/Rank N/A Match Status = Confirmed by sig/S No. Name & Rank Pte D.P. Reid Service No. 3193967 Evidence Name, signature and service no. match Wounded around Cambes 10 June Record in database? https://graylingmedia.wixsite.com/1stkosbinnormandy/1st-kosb-wounded/3193967 Next Previous

BRUNSSUM WAR CEMETERY BRUNSSUM WAR CEMETERY Previous Grave Marker RANK First Name Surname AGE Date of Death Photographs Lieutenant JOHN WILLIAM MacEWAN 21 Friday, January 05, 1945 Next

Adams Thomas Wilson Corporal Rank in Normandy 3189444 Service No. Researching Company One of the reasons this site was built Thomas Wilson Adams was born on 11 July 1921 in Hawick. Eldest son of Mr James Adams, of 2 Princes Street, Hawick. Aged 23, he joined up just before the war, when he was employed as a boarder with Messrs Innes, Henderson and Co. Ltd. His younger brother, John, joined the services only weeks before Thomas' death. " My uncle did in fact go to Wilton Primary (Hawick). He was killed in Caen on the north French coast . He survived twice from "sinking vessels" in the Channel. This is what my dad John told me. On his last trip home he confided in dad saying he would not be so lucky the next time. Alas, this was true the story goes he was shot by a lone sniper after Caen had been taken control of by the Allies. Your Grandad [ David Morrison ] would have possibly known Thomas when they were at the high school. Tommy did have a girlfriend in Canvey Island near Southend. My family did in fact visit them in the late 1950's but then lost contact. " Thomas Adam's nephew, Rodger Adams. October 2024 Casualty page here 1/4 Previous Special Mention Share Next Special Mention

Laing M.M. Robert Anstruther Paton Lance Corporal Rank in Normandy 3192547 Service No. D Company Awarded the Military Medal Robert Anstruther Paton "Bobby" Laing was born in Edinburgh in October 1917. His father died before Bobby was two years old. Fred Hartle said: "On the 19th (July 1944 - Troarn) 'word got round that the Germans had asked for a cease-fire... both sides were allowed to pick up their wounded. L/Corp Bobby Laing was a stretcher bearer and put the Red Cross satchel on his head and, together with the German stretcher bearers, tended the wounded". From Page 85 - Monty's Ironsides, by Patrick Delaforce. Bobby received the Military Medal recommendation on the 23rd of July 1944 for his actions around Troarn. His award was published in the Gazette in December 1944. https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/36850/supplement/5859 After the War, he married Maggie Childerly and they had two children. His medals were issued in June 1950 and he was living in Edinburgh at the time. Bobby died in October 1987 at the age of 70. His death was registered in Islington in London. British Military Medal By Hsq7278 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61987808 KOSB_RLaing_Gazette.jpg RAP_Laing_New_PSc.jpg British Military Medal By Hsq7278 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61987808 1/5 Previous Special Mention Share Next Special Mention

1st KOSB 50 Franc Note signature Signature details: Initial M Surname Brelsford Nickname/Rank N/A Match Status = Confirmed by signature Name & Rank Marshall Brelsford Service No. 3190940 Evidence Living near Worksop, Notts when applied for Medals. Record in database? Next Previous