Box 024, folder 38: Joseph E. H. Leblanc

- 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..

- 5 -

The Radar Station proved a tough nut to crack. It was ideally situated for defence, well protected with reinforced concrete shelter, and extensive minefields across the approaches. During the first phase of the attack the Battalion cleared a large wood which formed a part of the "Station's" defences. After a day of bitter fighting, during which the rifle companies suffered many casualties including Lieutenant Fawcett and Lieutenant Dickie an order came down from higher formation to by-pass this hedgehog and push on to the high ground beyond it around Anguerney. [underlined] Some conception of the Radar Station's defence potentialities may be gained by referrence to the date in JUNE it actually fell. It was continually assaulted by numerous formations from Companies to Brigades and finally capitulated in the face of a full-scale Brigade attack with massed artillery and heavy bomber support on the 17th of the month. [end underlined]

[inserted] [underlined]Note: X - Died/Killed in action or is since deceased [end underlined] [end inserted]

Answer to Question 23. Appendix "C" for Cornelius Ryan Book about D-Day

[underlined] Name Major J.E.H. LEBLANC [end underlined]

[underlined] SOME OF THE OFFICERS, WOs, NCOs, OF N SHORE R WHO TOOK PART IN OPERATION "OVERLORD" [end underlined]

[Underlined] RANK NAME APPOINTMENT ON D-DAY H Hr approx 0800 HOUR LANDED DECORATION DATE/WOUNDED PLACE DIED OR KILLED DATE PLACE HOME TOWN PRESENT ADDRESS OR REMARKS [end underlined]

[inserted] X [end inserted] Lt-Col. D.B. BUELL CO BN HQ DSO 10 AUG 44 Quesnay Wood - - Montreal, Que. Died 22 Jul 58. He was Director of Militia and Cadets at AHQ.

Major G.E. LOCKWOOD 2 IC Bn HQ MBE Jul/Aug 44 Falaise Gap - - Came to Unit from Staff Appointment former Calgary Highlander.

Capt J.R. ROSS Adjt Bn HQ MC 26 Sep 44 Boulogne - - Woodstock,NB. Woodstock, N.B.

Lt. Blake OULTON IO Bn HQ - - - - - Cape Tormentine, NB. Bathurst, N.B. Became OC C Coy. Major Militia.

[insert] X [end inserted] WO I W.F. McRAE RSM Bn HQ MC -MBE - 26 Sep 44 Boulogne Campbellton N.B. -

Sgt HERBERT CC Bn HQ - - - - - Chief Clerk of Bn HQ.

[inserted] X [end inserted] Major J.A. MacNAUGHTON OC A Coy 0800 hrs MID 6 Jun 44 Tailleville Black River Bridge N.B.

Capt Leandre BELLIVEAU 2 IC A Coy 0800 hrs - 7 Jun 44 Tailleville - - Moncton, NB. c/o McCormicks Biscuits, Montreal, PQ.

[inserted] X [end inserted] Lt C.S. MERSEREAU Pl Comdr A Coy 0800 hrs - - - 7 Jun 44 Tailleville Fredericton, NB. -

Lt. M. KEITH Pl Comdr A Coy 0800hrs - 6 Jun 44 St. Aubin sur Mer - - Campbellton, NB. -

Lt F.F. MOAR Pl Comdr A Coy 0800hrs - - - - - Became OC A Coy - Maj. Militia, Newcastle, N.B.

Major R.B. FORBES OC B Coy 0800 hrs DSO Jul 44 - - - Fredericton, NB. Became Lt-Col presently with Fraser Mills, Edmunston, N.B.

.../2

Page 3 of Appendix "C" Answer to Question 23.

RANK NAME APPOINTMENT ON DAY H Hr approx 0800 HOUR LANDED DECORATION DATE/WOUNDED PLACE DIED OR KILLED DATE PLACE HOME TOWN PRESENT ADDRESS OR REMARKS

Lt. D. MOAR Pl Comdr D Coy 0820 hr Chatham/Newcastle, NB. Presently a Physician

Lt. W. DICKIE Pl Comdr D Coy 0820 hr 7 Jun 44 Tailleville Campbellton, NB. Presently a Dentist.

Capt C. GAMMON OC Sp Coy 0820 hr Jul 44 - Bathurst, NB. Became CO (M) Unit. Presently at Bathurst NB.

Capt J. CURRIE Carrier PL Newcastle, NB. Presently CO (M) Unit, Newcastle, NB.

X Capt W. PARKER Mortar Pl (F) 26 Feb 45 Keppellen, Germany. Rothwell, NB. Became OC B Coy before being killed.

Capt C.H. MURPHY Anti-Tank Pl 7 Jun 44 Radar Wood Aug 44 Flaise Gap McAdam, NB. Returned to Unit and wounded again and returned to Canada. Fredericton, NB.

Lt. B.J. McELWAINE Pioneer Pl. ST. John, NB. and Became Capt was chose London, England. to summarize notes on history of N Shore R from War Diary. He wrote an article in the London Daily Chronicle and understand he is still in England.

Capt R.M. HICKEY Padre RC 0820 hr MC Jacquet River, NB. now Parish Priest Monseignor RM Hickey (PD) Author: Scarlet Dawn

Capt J.A. PATTERSON MO MC Toronto, Ont.

Capt J.A.L. ROBICHAUD OC HQ Coy 0820 hr 10 Aug 44 Quesnay Wood Fredericton,NB. [inserted] wounded as OC D Coy [end of inserted] .../4

Page 2. of Appendix "C" Anser to Question 23.

RANK NAME APPOINTMENT ON DAY H Hr approx 0800 HOUR LANDED DECORATION DATE/WOUNDED PLACE DIED OR KILLED DATE PLACE HOME TOWN PRESENT ADDRESS OR REMARKS

Capt. 2 IC B Coy 0800 hr - -

Lt. G. MORAN PI Comdr B Coy 0800 hr 6 Jun 44 St. Aubin Sur Mer

Lt. C. RICHARDSON PI Comdr B Coy 0800 hr - Jun/Jul St.Stephens, NB. Became OC B Coy

Lt. P.H. McCANN PI Comdr B Coy 0800 hr MID Aug 44 Falaise Gap GrandFalls, NB.

X Major R.H. DAUGHNEY OC C Coy 0820 hr DSO 10 Aug 44 Rots 4 Jul 44 Carpiquet 10 Aug 44 Quesnay Woods Frederiction, NB.

Capt J.E.H. LEBLANC 2 IC C Coy 0820 hr 4 Jul 44 Carpiquet Moncton, N.B. Presently Major AS & TO and CO 4 Coy RCASC CA (R), Montreal.

X Lt. G.M. FAWCETT PI Comdr C Coy 0820 hr MC 7 Jun 44 Radar Station near Tailleville 10 Aug 44 Quesnay Wood Campbellton, NB. Died in Canada after the War.

X Lt. H.R. McQUARRIE PI Comdr C Coy 0820 hr MID 7 Jul 44 Carpiquet Moncton NB. Lt. H. DAY PI Comdr C Coy 0820 hr (F) Hartland, N.B. Became OC HQ Coy.

X WO 2 J.H.O.L. MURRAY CSM C Coy 0820 hr 4 Jul 44 Carpiquet Cross Pointe near Campbellton, NB.

Sgt GIRVAN PI Sgt C Coy 0820 hr 6 Jun 44 Tailleville Campbellton, NB.

Major J.E. ANDERSON OC D Coy 0820 hr New Castle, NB. Became CO of Unit later Brigadier (M) Present address: Fredericton NB.

Capt L.F. ROY 2 IC D Coy 0820 hr Moncton, NB. Became OC HQ Coy and is presently Physician in Richibucto, NB.

.../3