1944 - 1949
The definitive research resource for the 1st KOSB from 1944-1949
1st KOSB WAR DIARIES
1st KOSB WAR DIARIES - NORMANDY
Monday, 21 August 1944
D +
76
NORMANDY
WD CHECKED ✓
START LOCATION
LA CHAPELLE AU MOINE
FINISH LOCATION
>
LA CHAPELLE AU MOINE
WAR DIARY
SUMMARY OF EVENTS AND INFORMATION
The Bn carried out special training* for an assault river crossing operation, using the equipment as follows :-
(a) Class 9 FBE Bridge
(b) 9 Close Support Raft
(c) Storm boats.
This trg was designed for an assault crossing of the SEINE. Owing to recent news bulletins, however, it does not appear probable that this will be necessary. *We have compiled an article on the 1st KOSB river crossing training using documents contained within the War Diary appendices here
ALTERNATIVE SOURCES
Personal accounts, other War Diaries and excerpts from books
From 9th Infantry Brigade War Diary for 20th August:
Complete day spent trg in storm boating and Cl 9 rafting on lake at LA CHAPELLE 8416 and Cl 9 FBE br crossing on river 8520. Bns and units in the Bde Gp were given trg allotments of periods during the day in which to exercise personnel in the negotiation of river obstacles. The weather was extremely poor, rain continuing throughout the day.
*The Bttn potentially used the large body of water near Les Peties Noes on the above map to practice their river crossings.
There are some IWM photos of the crossing of the Meuse/Escaut canal that show the 'storm boats' (Courtesy, Paul Scanlon)
Also, Antoine LePrince contacted us via facebook and said a Storm Boat used by the Bttn had been found recently in the area.
Please contact us if you have any information regarding this date. Thank you.
CASUALTIES ON THIS DAY
Click a name to open their page
DIED ON THIS DAY
KIA
Photo | RANK | First Name | Surname | Service Number | AGE | Memorial | Grave Marker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WOUNDED ON THIS DAY
WIA
Photo | Name and Rank | Service No | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
PHOTO AND MAP CREDITS
Map:
War Office map with kind permission of Normandy War Guide
Photo:
1 KOSB and 2 RUR crossing of the Meuse/Escaut Canal at Lille St Hubert in September (rather than the Seine).