Called into the cemetery yesterday [for first time since 2007] & saw Lorne's grave seems to have a new headstone since I was last there, nice sharp lines on the text & a marble type of stone.
Over 10 years since started thread but Lorne's name still lives on with the recent publication of this small book- 42 pages https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dear-Lorne...TF8&qid=1474925942&sr=8-1&keywords=dear+lorne In 1943, eleven-year-old Peter Hunter was knocked down by motorbike ridden by a nineteen-year-old Canadian soldier, Lorne, and so began an unlikely friendship. In 1944 Lorne was sent to France, and never returned. More than half a century later, newly-retired detective Peter sets out to find his old friend, chronicling his quest in these spellbinding letters
More about Lorne Marr PETERS ARGYLL On 27 August 1944, the Algonquin Regiment crossed the Seine and attacked the village of IGOVILLE. Meeting considerable opposition, they held fast and waited for the Argylls to pass through while enduring heavy machine gun fire and shelling. The Argylls moved into IGOVILLE and formed up behind a railway embankment where they would wait 6 hours while the attack on the town was organised. Just before the Argyll assault commenced, the fog of war descended and series of errors resulted in the capture of the unit Main Battalion Headquarters (Main BHQ). The Commanding Officer travelled in the Tactical Battalion Headquarters (Tac BHQ) consisting of about a half a dozen people who kept up on foot with the lead companies. The Main BHQ was some 20 all ranks who travelled in several vehicles behind the fighting companies. One of the primary vehicles was a signals corps half-track that carried the large radio sets that allowed the unit to remain in contact with brigade HQ. The Main BHQ crossed the Seine to the east of IGOVILLE and headed toward the town. Being unable to raise the Tac BHQ or the companies, they were relying on a forecast of where they should be. In addition, they received faulty directions along the way and ended up driving into IGOVILLE just forward of the line of friendly troops. The troops of "A" and "D" companies as well as the Tac BHQ watched in horror as the Main BHQ drove into German hands. "D" Company fired mortar smoke in front of them, "A" Company fired tracer in front of them and the Commanding Officer tried to shoot their tires out but it was to no avail. Of the staff of the main BHQ, two were killed, three escaped and 15 were made prisoner. Just after the capture of the Main BHQ, the Argyll assault went in at 1500 hours (3:00 PM). "B" and "C" companies lead supported by "A" and "D" companies. Fighting through was costly and bitter but the town was cleared by 1800 hours. "A" Company took 50% casualties. Two shells hit one of the platoons of "A" Company and only 9 men of 36 were left unhurt. Forty prisoners were taken and the Germans suffered as many dead and wounded. The Argylls suffered 14 killed, 46 wounded and 15 POW. The situation was still not resolved as the Germans continued to hold HILL 95 to the north of the town. During the fighting on the 27th the unit was taking a lot of sniper fire. In order to clear out the snipers from a farm field where they were hiding among the crops, the unit carrier platoon mounted what was described as a "cavalry charge" through the field. Forty German prisoners were taken and an equal number were killed and wounded. In this action the carrier platoon commander Lieutenant Philips and the carrier platoon second in command Sergeant William B.(Bull) Jackson were both killed. WWII: Igoville - Canada at War
