| ryan_box024-tld_f38_11 - 4 -
Still, Charlie Company's task was not over. Other enemy had buried
themselves in the countless tunnels and cellars of this position
and much clearing had to be done. After the sixth painstaking
search of the grounds and buildings it was finally cleared of enemy.
Able Company had come forward in the afternoon and cleared the woods
south of Tailleville, as well as the numerous trench systems that
stretched in front of the village. During the fighting in the houses their
Company Commander, Major J.A. MacNaughton was killed by a sniper.
For his part in the landing operation he was later mentioned in Desps.
[underlined] DOG COMPANY GET ASHORE [end underlined]
Dog Company's role was to clear the southern portion of
St. Aubin and the area around the railway station. It was intended that
when this task was finished the 46th Royal Marine Commandos would pass
through to the East and take out Lagrune-Sur-Mer. Unluckily, these
Commandos had trouble with its landing Craft which grounded on the
rocks opposite the principle beach fortress. However, they succeeded
in getting ashore and, although behind schedule carried out their
task.
In the fighting in the town Dog Company lost approximately
12 men, among them Sgt Clouston who was killed getting off the
beach.
[underlined] NIGHT MUST FALL [end underlined]
When darkness fell on the night of 6th June weary men looked
to their weapons and took a deep breath. Somewhere out in the
blackness a bewildered enemy was collecting his strength and
resources. Unbelievably the Atlantic Wall had been pierced - now
he must try to throw the invader back into the sea. Therefore, little
groups of men tore holes in the earth and prepared for the German's
retaliatory thrust. Fortunately, it didnt materialize. It had been
a long, bitter day. Five Officers, and 120 other tanks were casualties,
some fatal. The stretcher bearers had snatched the wounded.
From exposed positions on the open beaches and brought them
back to safety. Time after time the Medical Officer, Captain J.A.
Patterson, and the Padre Honorary Captain R.M. Hickey went to
the water's edge to tend and comfort someone struck down by fire.
Both of these officers were awarded the Military Cross for gallantry
and heroism. Other decorations were also conferred on others whose
conduct during the Battalion's baptism of fire was far beyond the
call of duty - whose leadership and example inspired men to do great
and brave things. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel D.S.
Buell, Major R.B. Forbes - of Baker Company - Major R.H. Daughney,
Charlie Company Commander were awarded the Distinguished Service
Order. Private George Clark of Able Company, received the Distinguished
Conduct Medal. Private H.C. Butland, Private Ted Savage, Private
H. Blakney and Private Robert Adair won the Military Medal. Lieutenant
George Fawcett, of Charlie Company, wwas also decorated. His splendid
efforts resulting in the award of the Military Cross.
On the morning of D plus 1 at six o'clock the Battalion
began its advance in land. It was first necessary to launch an
attack on a large Radar Station, the defences of which dominated
the slopes running down to the beaches.
..../5..
| ryan_box024-tld_f38_11 - 4 -
Still, Charlie Company's task was not over. Other enemy had buried
themselves in the countless tunnels and cellars of this position
and much clearing had to be done. After the sixth painstaking
search of the grounds and buildings it was finally cleared of enemy.
Able Company had come forward in the afternoon and cleared the woods
south of Tailleville, as well as the numerous trench systems that
stretched in front of the village. During the fighting in the houses their
Company Commander, Major J.A. MacNaughton was killed by a sniper.
For his part in the landing operation he was later mentioned in Desps.
[underlined] DOG COMPANY GET ASHORE [end underlined]
Dog Company's role was to clear the southern portion of
St. Aubin and the area around the railway station. It was intended that
when this task was finished the 46th Royal Marine Commandos would pass
through to the East and take out Lagrune-Sur-Mer. Unluckily, these
Commandos had trouble with its landing Craft which grounded on the
rocks opposite the principle beach fortress. However, they succeeded
in getting ashore and, although behind schedule carried out their
task.
In the fighting in the town Dog Company lost approximately
12 men, among them Sgt Clouston who was killed getting off the
beach.
[underlined] NIGHT MUST FALL [end underlined]
When darkness fell on the night of 6th June weary men looked
to their weapons and took a deep breath. Somewhere out in the
blackness a bewildered enemy was collecting his strength and
resources. Unbelievably the Atlantic Wall had been pierced - now
he must try to throw the invader back into the sea. Therefore, little
groups of men tore holes in the earth and prepared for the German's
retaliatory thrust. Fortunately, it didnt materialize. It had been
a long, bitter day. Five Officers, and 120 other tanks were casualties,
some fatal. The stretcher bearers had snatched the wounded.
From exposed positions on the open beaches and brought them
back to safety. Time after time the Medical Officer, Captain J.A.
Patterson, and the Padre Honorary Captain R.M. Hickey went to
the water's edge to tend and comfort someone struck down by fire.
Both of these officers were awarded the Military Cross for gallantry
and heroism. Other decorations were also conferred on others whose
conduct during the Battalion's baptism of fire was far beyond the
call of duty - whose leadership and example inspired men to do great
and brave things. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel D.S.
Buell, Major R.B. Forbes - of Baker Company - Major R.H. Daughney,
Charlie Company Commander were awarded the Distinguished Service
Order. Private George Clark of Able Company, received the Distinguished
Conduct Medal. Private H.C. Butland, Private Ted Savage, Private
H. Blakney and Private Robert Adair won the Military Medal. Lieutenant
George Fawcett, of Charlie Company, wwas also decorated. His splendid
efforts resulting in the award of the Military Cross.
On the morning of D plus 1 at six o'clock the Battalion
began its advance in land. It was first necessary to launch an
attack on a large Radar Station, the defences of which dominated
the slopes running down to the beaches.
..../5..
|
EN