Search Results

1st KOSB 50 Franc Note signature Signature details: Initial D Surname Davidson07 Nickname/Rank N/A Match Status = Confirmed by Service No. Name & Rank Pte D H Davidson Service No. 3065907 Evidence Name and service no. match. (Was traditional for common surnames to place the last 2 digits of their service number at the end of their names). Wounded 14th April 45. Record in database? https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=GBM%2FWO417%2F091%2F0370&parentid=GBM%2FWO417%2F0943157 Next Previous

Private Casualty Information Private HARRY HOLBROOK Service Number Age Date of death 14428560 19 Sunday, 06 August 1944 Company: Unknown Son of John and May Holbrook, of Chorley, Lancashire. Age: Unknown. (Research concludes age 19) Personal Inscription: IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR DEAR SON HARRY. REST IN PEACE War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). General Service Corps 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Pissot In an IWM interview with Leslie Gibson, he states that his mate 'Harry' was killed by mortar fire. Reel 2 here War Diary for the date of death: Bn moved out in TCVs (Troop Carrying Vehicle) at 0500 hrs and arrived at assembly area 672379 at 0700 hrs. 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. By 0955 hrs MONTISANGER was occupied without opposition. Patrols were sent out to the main road and river S of PISSOT. Two bridges (675340 - 666340) reported blown. 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. Owing to the blowing of the br (675340) and the speed with which the attack had to be prepared, it was not possible to get any sp arms to them except one tp of tanks which got over later in the evening, and, by a very gallant attack, saved the situation on "C" Coy front. One complete pl of "A" Coy is missing from this operation and many offrs and ORs of both coys were killed and wounded. Late that night orders were received from Bde that the Bn was to consolidate - if necessary withdrawing. The withdrawal of the two fwd coys was carried out and by first light the Bn was in position astride the bridge at 675340. APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - PLEASE USE CONTACT FORM ON HOME PAGE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS CASUALTY RESEARCH NOTES: ANCESTRY. John Holbrook and May Holbrook (nee Addison) had a child, Harry Holbrook in July 1925. This matches the names given for the parents from CWGC and is only Harry born in Chorley to those parent's names. We conclude that Harry was 19 when he died. Share In Memorium Memorial SAINT-CHARLES-DE-PERCY WAR CEMETERY III. C. 4. View Cemetery Photo Credits: FindaGrave - Len https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56461873/harry-holbrook/photo#add-to-vc

Kerr Highest Rank Lance Corporal Researching Service No. Andrew Researching Company Mention in Borderer's Chronicle 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

Blakesley Highest Rank Private 14407180 Service No. Leslie Researching Company Carrier driver Leslie Blakesley joined the Army in November 1942, aged 17, and enlisted in the Black Watch. He originally served as a despatch rider, then became a driver of Bren Gun/Universal carriers. He was transferred to 1st Battalion KOSB on 3/3/1943 as they needed drivers for gun carriers and trained for the Normandy landings in the Moray Firth at Burghead. He was 20 years old when he drove his Carrier - pulling a 6 pounder gun - off the boat onto Sword Beach on D-Day. He was wounded in the back by shrapnel at one point. After the war, he went to Egypt and Palestine and learned to play the bagpipes. He was demobbed in 1946. His official discharge date was 08/05/47 (although medal card states a month earlier). Lesley married and had 5 children. He loved the pipes and taught one son and his daughter, Alison. Another of his sons played the snare drum. They all played for Dufftown Pipe Band. Leslie died in 1996. Many thanks to Leslie's daughter for the information, and photographs. 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

Andrews 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

1st KOSB Signals Section 50 Franc Note... One of our contributors, Rob Bowie, sent us some images of a 50 Franc French bank note that was signed by members of 1st KOSB's Signals section the night before D-Day. The note was kept by Rob's Father-in law, Norman Bowie , and, years later, Rob tried to find who the people were behind the signatures. We had a look at it but also didn't make much progress until we were checking medal cards for those wounded in action and noticed that, if the soldier survived, they normally signed their medal cards... This set us off on a quest and with quite a bit of detective work, we have managed to track down the names and some details on who these gentlemen were. *Huge thanks to Jenny for her outstanding work on this project! 50 Franc Note Face (1) KOSB_50FrancNote_Back Blank50FNote 50 Franc Note Face (1) 1/3 Signature Initials Surname Rank/Nickname Match Status Potential Match Service No. L E Bucksey Sgt MM Confirmed by signature Sjt. Leonard Edward Bucksey 338173 J Baldwin/Boulder N/A Researching NOTHING N Bowie N/A Confirmed by relative Pte Norman. Bowie 3196908 D.B. Cameron N/A Confirmed by signature SGT D B Cameron 3194195 Henry Cockburn N/A Confirmed by signature L/Cpl Henry. Cockburn 3196950 JB Cunningham N/A Confirmed by signature Pte. Joseph Baxter Cunningham 3196413 D Davidson07 N/A Confirmed by Service No. Pte D H Davidson 3065907 J Davis N/A Confirmed by signature Private John Davis 3188047 A Dickens N/A Confirmed by signature A Dickens 14524700 M Brelsford N/A Confirmed by signature Marshall Brelsford 3190940 E Ewing N/A Confirmed by relative Eric Ewing NONE Garvie 'The Dago' Confirmed by signature Pte. James R Garvie 3194297 J Gilston N/A Potential match on signature Corporal James Bell Gilston 3197654 E Graham N/A Potential Match L/Cpl E.L. Graham 3194008 W Jarman 'Mucker' Researching NOTHING Dusty Millar N/A Potential Match Pte W.R. Millar 3193963 C Reed77 N/A Potential Match with name and Service No. Private Charles Chalmers Reed 3065977 James Reid N/A Potential match with sig and Signals James Reid 7911108 D Reid67 N/A Confirmed by sig/S No. Pte D.P. Reid 3193967 J Ritchie N/A Confirmed by signature Pte J. Ritchie 14214497 A Scott N/A Confirmed by signature Alex Scott 14731977 G A Small N/A Potential Match Pte G A W Small 3197818 W Brown N/A Researching Researching Researching Unknown1 Pake N/A Confirmed by signature Corporal William Pake 3185122 R Carnes/Cairns? N/A Potential match Pte Robert Cairns 3191729 R Armstrong N/A Confirmed Pte Robert Armstrong 3193718 J Sisterson C QMS Confirmed by signature W/C.Q.M.S John Sisterson 3187122 Unknown6 Farthing? N/A Researching NOTHING Researching Unknown7 Wallace N/A Potential Match Pte R S Wallace 14214514 Supporting Documents, notes and photos: As well as searching medal cards and checking service numbers, we have also trawled through old copies of the Borderers Chronicles for any mention of the names behind the signatures.

Private Casualty Information Private STANLEY COLIN MARGRAVE Service Number Age Date of death 3195003 28 Wednesday, 06 September 1944 Company: Unknown Born in December 1915 in Goole. Mother's maiden name was Haller. His father, Henry Clarence Henderson Margrave was Branch Manager at a Builders merchants in 1921. Before the War, Stanley worked at the Turner Paper Mill and was a member of the Rawcliffe United Brass Band. RESTING WHERE NO SHADOWS FALL War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). The King's Own Scottish Borderers 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Etrepagny After speaking to family members, we believe Stanley (who was always known as Colin) Margrave was wounded on the Queen White sector of Sword Beach on D-Day. He was transported back to Botleys Park War Hospital in Chertsey. Original image > https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/MED01/01/1251 Then, he was transferred to Nottingham General Hospital, and finally to Leicester hospital where he underwent an operation - but sadly died a week later. Leicester Hospital By David Hallam-Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71769899 Stanley Colin Margrave married Elsie May Wood in July 1936 in Goole and had a daughter, Elsie Dorothy Margrave. Colin and Elsie Before the War, Colin worked at the Turner Paper Mill in Rawcliffe. Turner Paper Mill - from https://eastyorkshirehistory.blogspot.com/2014/05/rawcliffe-bridge.html *Looking at his medal card, Colin was assigned the Africa Star so must have served abroad before Normandy campaign. Colin's father, Henry, also served in the King's Own Scottish Borderers (S. No. 18835 - 3rd Bttn) in World War 1 and was wounded in action and gassed. In WW2 he served as a medic in the Home Guard - he lived into his 70s, never losing his military bearing. (We asked if there was a Scottish connection in the family and his daughter, Elsie stated: " There is a distant connection, apparently my Grandad's Aunt was Lady Rosemary Sinclair and the family built the castle of May where our Queen Mother spent a lot of her years .") His brother, Gilbert Arthur Margrave, and his cousin, Les, also served and are pictured here returning home from the war on the SS Princess Kathleen. Gilbert and Les Photo credit - https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Starboard-view-of-the-Princess-Kathleen-from-a-photo-postcard-in-the-private-collection_fig1_229051472 Colin Margrave is remembered in a book with the details of all the men from Rawcliffe who died in WW1 and WW2, as well as on the local memorial near the Railway Station, and in the Remembrance Book in Edinburgh Castle. From https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1453200 His daughter Dorothy (Elsie), told us that all three of her daughters went to Highland Dance training and the Leeds Pipe Band played for them. She also said her favourite pipe tune was Highland Cathedral Huge thanks go to Dorothy and Annmarie for allowing us to share this information about their family members. Share In Memorium Memorial RAWCLIFFE CEMETERY, Goole. UK Row B.2. Uncons. Grave 33. View Cemetery Photo Credits: FindaGrave - Retired QA https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/97971356/stanley-colin-margrave#add-to-vc

Private Casualty Information Private JAMES HARVEY Service Number Age Date of death 14283197 20 Sunday, 09 July 1944 Company: Unknown Born in 1924, in Hutcheosntown, Glasgow. Father was Patrick and mother was Mary. Had a sister, Rose Ann Harvey. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). General Service Corps 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Caen Extract from War Diary on date of death: The attack on CAEN. The plan: The Canadians were to attack from the West. The RUR's in the centre from the North. 1 KOSB from the EAST. The Bn moved off at about 0930 hrs over ring contour "60", which was under shell fire, to FUP on the Eastern outskirts of CAEN. The ghostlike houses slowly came to life as civilians began to realize we were entering the town. They came rushing out with glasses and bottles of wine. As the Bn was forming up on the start line and trying to re-establish wireless contact with companies and Bde, four Boche were seen to withdraw towards the centre of the town. Soon afterwards our HQ was mortared leaving 1 killed and 1 wounded. The Bn then proceeded to clear the town. Little opposition was met. Progress was slowed down by snipers and an occasional MG. Much assistance and information was offered by eager civilians. Debris and cratered streets also made progress extremely difficult. We eventually reached the RV in the Old Town and established contact with the RUR and pushed forward patrols to the river. Patrols met quite heavy fire from across the river and a number of casualties were sustained. APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - PLEASE USE CONTACT FORM ON HOME PAGE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS CASUALTY Share In Memorium Memorial LA DELIVRANDE WAR CEMETERY, DOUVRES V. K. 10. View Cemetery Photo Credits: Researching https://rgrayling.wixsite.com/1stkosbinnormandy/post/photoinformationcredits

Warrant Officer Class II Casualty Information Warrant Officer Class II JOHN ATKINSON Service Number Age Date of death 3186488 32 Wednesday, 21 June 1944 Company: A Son of John and Susannah Atkinson, of Gateshead, Co. Durham; husband of Mary E. Atkinson, of Gateshead. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). The King's Own Scottish Borderors 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Cambes WOII Atkinson was the Company Serjeant Major for A Company. According to the War Diary for the date of his death. " Approx 15 enemy shells fell in Bn area (CAMBES) damaging buildings and causing casualties. 5 ORs were killed and 11 wounded" APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - PLEASE USE CONTACT FORM ON HOME PAGE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS CASUALTY Share In Memorium Memorial LA DELIVRANDE WAR CEMETERY, DOUVRES IV. F. 4. View Cemetery Photo Credits: FindaGrave - Len https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56480592/john-atkinson#add-to-vc

Private Casualty Information Private GEORGE OLIVER BENNETT Service Number Age Date of death 3191378 25 Friday, 09 June 1944 Company: Unknown Son of George Oliver and Janet Dunbar Bennett, of Galashiels, Selkirkshire; husband of Mary Bennett, of Galashiels. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). The King's Own Scottish Borderors 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Cambes Extract from War Diary on date of death: On getting news that that RUR had got so far but were pinned down, the Bn put in an attack with two Coys forward. This met with a certain amount of M.G. fire and in the later stages enemy mortar fire which caused some casualties. APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - PLEASE USE CONTACT FORM ON HOME PAGE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS CASUALTY Share In Memorium Memorial RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY VA. B. 5. View Cemetery Photo Credits: Researching https://rgrayling.wixsite.com/1stkosbinnormandy/post/photoinformationcredits

Corporal Casualty Information Corporal WILLIAM DAVIDSON Service Number Age Date of death 3194798 28 Wednesday, 19 July 1944 Company: Unknown Son of George and Amelia Davidson, of Galashiels, Selkirkshire; husband of Margaret Davidson, of Galashiels. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). The King's Own Scottish Borderers 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Troarn Extract from War Diary on the date of death: The attack on enemy positions forward of TROARN was continued. "C" Coy were to take Station at 158677 and "A" Coy the X roads 161676. Both attacks were met with heavy cross fire from MG's and though supported by tanks had to withdraw with heavy casualties. Bn resumed former positions and later in day heavy shelling and mortaring caused casualties. The Commanding Officer ( Lt. Col G. D. Renny ) having been previously wounded, left under orders from Brigadier and Major TG Coverdale took over command of the Bn. Casualties in the Bn during these two days fighting were 12 Officers and 140 Other Ranks. Cpl Davidson mentioned in an Edinburgh newspaper William Davidson's Medal Card (partial) APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - PLEASE USE CONTACT FORM ON HOME PAGE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS CASUALTY Share In Memorium Memorial RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY VIII. B. 7. View Cemetery Photo Credits: Rob Bowie https://rgrayling.wixsite.com/1stkosbinnormandy/post/photoinformationcredits

Private Casualty Information Private EDWARD LANG Service Number Age Date of death 3192247 25 Wednesday, 07 June 1944 Company: Unknown Born in 1919. Son of Edward and Marion Lang of Girvan, Ayrshire. War Service details: Original Regiment joined- (Based on their Service No). The King's Own Scottish Borderers 1st Bttn KOSB location on day of death (According to War Diary) Cambes Extract from War Diary on Date of Death: "Led by 'C' Coy the move to the wood just to the North East of LE MESNIL was accomplished. Consolidation was carried out. In the evening some casualties were caused by enemy mortar fire." APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - PLEASE USE CONTACT FORM ON HOME PAGE IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON THIS CASUALTY Share In Memorium Memorial HERMANVILLE WAR CEMETERY 1. O. 1. View Cemetery Photo Credits: FindaGrave - Thierry Briere https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56491116/edward-lang#add-to-vc