The missing Green Howards

26^th June 1944 – a General Strike begins in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, in resistance to the occupying Germans imposition of a curfew.  On 4^th July the curfew is withdrawn to avoid further popular uprisings in Denmark. (From WW2-net Timelines.)

The Japanese, advancing south in China, take the US air base at Heng-Yang in Hunan.

 

26^th June 1944 – British Second Army in Normandy begins Operation Epsom, a major offensive in the Odon Valley, south-west of Caen.  The plan was to attack west of Caen and swing round to encircle the city. (From The Caen Offensive  and 'The Drive on Caen'.)

The whole of British VIII Corps attack led by the 15^th Scottish Division and the 43^rd Wessex Division, with the 11^th Armoured following behind.  (43^rd Recce, Dick’s former unit, had lost many men in the sinking of the Derrycunihy two days earlier).

Eric Brewer of ‘B’ Squadron was again on reconnaissance:

“Once again we had to patrol no mans land to find position of Enemies O.P. and forward MG. Post advance about 2 mile came in contact with Late Green Howards position and found their kit intact which looked as though they had to get out in a hurry, while near Gerrys forward O.P. must have seen us because a couple of Mortars landed about 20 – 30 yds away so we went back.” (From Eric Brewer’s Diary by kind permission of Derek Brewer and his family.)

The company of Green Howards (part of 50^th Division) had been missing for over a week and were thought to have been taken prisoner. (From ‘Beaten Paths are Safest’ by Roy Howard, Brewin Books 2004.)

Eric Postles recalls another tragedy that day:

“Corporal Ashton and his crew of 10 Troop armoured car were killed.  They had landed with us on D-Day.  Corporal Ashton had been an entertainer in clubs before the war and used to play the piano for sing-songs in the NAAFI in England.  They are buried in Tilly Cemetery.  During this time 12 Troop Carrier crews ran into an ambush with some killed and wounded including 1060s.  The dead are buried in Bayeux Cemetery.” (Extract from ‘My War Years’ by John Eric Postles ISO used by kind permission of the author.)

 

61^st Recce Roll of Honour includes the following who died on this day:

          Corporal Squire Ashton (age 31) of Kettering, Northamptonshire

          Trooper Arnold Wade (age 32) of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire

          Trooper Gwilyam Williams (age 25) of Ebbw Vale, Monmouthshire

All are laid to rest in the Tilly-sur-Seules War Cemetery.  (See 61st Recce Roll of Honour, courtesy of Recce Mitch.)

We will remember them.