14224634 Private Wilfred John AYRES, 1st Bn. Hampshire Regiment: 06/06/1944

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by CL1, Jun 6, 2012.

  1. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Remembering Today

    Casualty Details | CWGC
    AYRES, WILFRED JOHN
    Rank: Private
    Service No: 14224634
    Regiment/Service: 1st Bn. Hampshire Regiment
    Date of Death: 06/06/1944
    Age: 20
    Cemetery: BAYEUX WAR CEMETERY
    Grave Reference: X. D. 15.
    Additional Information: Son of Edgar John and Agnes Georgina Ayres, of Grateley, Hampshire.
    Personal Inscription: FROM OUR HOME CIRCLE GOD HAS TAKEN ONE WE LOVED TO A NOBLER REST ABOVE
     
  2. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    RIP. Pte. WJ Ayres. :poppy:

    The 1st Bn Hampshire Regiment, 231st Infantry Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division was the assault battalion on Jig Green, Gold Beach, on D-Day; the furthest right/west of the British 2nd Army landings. Its task was to capture Le Hamel first and then Anselles-sur-Mer, Arromanches, and the defences at Tracy-sur-Mer and Manvieux.

    Unfortunately, the RAF and Navy bombardment had failed to neutralise or even soften up the Le Hamel defences and the assaulting troops were hit by withering fire from pillboxes and 88's, which were zero-d in on the beaches. The approaches to the beach exits were blocked by deep minefields, which were also covered by heavy MG fire.

    Two companies managed to create an exit on the very east flank at 9.00am, 1.5 hours after wading ashore. Anselles was attacked from the rear and captured at 12 noon. Le Hamel was finally captured at 17.00pm, with Arromanches following at 18.30pm.

    The battalian lost about a third of its complement, some 184 all ranks; 66 KIA including the CO and 2i/c, and 118 WIA.

    Sources: Monty's Northern Legions - P Delaforce (Sutton) and The Royal Hampshire Regiment 1918-1954 - DS Daniell (N&M Press).

    PS. Apologies for posting three days late, but just back from holiday yesterday afternoon.
     

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