C

*I have 'stitched' a group of photographs together to recreate this group shot. However, I believe this photo has a piece missing (Approx 88 men on this one as opposed to approx 114 on D Company). If anyone has a group photo of C Company then please do get in touch.

Major H.S. Gillies has a special mention page here

From Official War Diary:

7th June 1944. The attack on Cazelle was led by C Company.

16th June 1944. Enemy intr in 'C' Coy area early in morning. Own arty laid barrage on area forward of 'C' Coy and later a low flying attack was made by enemy plane.

20th June 1944. 'C' Coy O.P. reported 6 heavy lorries in wood near BURON (9972).

04th July 1944. "C" Coy sent out raid to GALMANCHE. Party A was successful and overran an enemy platoon or section posn.

10th July 1944. CAEN. An OP was established overlooking the river. "C" & "D" Coys patrolled forward to the river ORNE and met heavy fire from South bank.

19th July 1944. "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.

24th July 1944. PW brought in by "C" Company. Reinforcements arrived at night. Most sent to "B" and "C" Companies.

25th July 1944. Another two PW brought in by "C" Company. Both identified as II/192 PGR.

6th August 1944. 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. 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.