D-Day+

After attacking Cazelle, they dug in at Le Mesnil Woods. Whilst digging they were mortared and took heavy casualties in B and C companies. At twilight, they were attacked by friendly tanks who mistook them for Germans. They attempted a break out and the Pipe Major played 'Blue Bonnets' just before.

Stayed in the woods until June 9th, working alongside the 2nd Bttn Royal Ulster Rifles, laying minefields and returning mortar fire.

"Early on June 7 we prepared to attack the village of Gazelle. We moved on bicycles through Periers-Sur-le-Dan preparatory to the attack. At midday patrols reported Gazelle clear of the enemy and led by ‘C’ Company (Major H.S. Gillies) the Battalion moved through Gazelle to the woods north of Le Mesnil".

Capt James Gray, Second in Command of A Company on D-Day

"Half a mile further on we reached a fairly large wood - Le Mesnil - when we ordered to halt, and dig in, much to Col. Turner's chagrin. As we were digging, heavy and accurate mortar concentrations came down inflicting bad casualties (8) on B & C Companies."

Padre W I G Wilson - from Monty's Ironsides P.52

9th Infantry Brigade War Diary

8 June passed fairly quietly, except for occasional enemy activity with machine guns and mortars and the inevitable sniper. Positions were consolidated and contacts made with flank fmns, while 'I' began to build up a picture of the enemy on the Bde front. It became established, and was later confirmed, that the Bde faced elements of two German Pz Divs, 21 and 12 SS Hitler Jugend.