2722562 Guardsman Eric KIRKPATRICK, 3 Irish Guards: 07/08/1944

Guardsman Eric Kirkpatrick, 2722562, 3rd Bn. Irish Guards who died age 36 on 7 August 1944.
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick.; husband of Evelyn Kirkpatrick, of Cheadle Cheshire.
Remembered with honour Bayeux Memorial.
Panel 12, column 2.
Also remembered Distington memorial Cumbria.

The Army Roll of Honour states that Eric Kirkpatrick was born in Cumberland.
CWGC :: Certificate
He was the only fatality for that day from the 3rd Battalion.

The war diary for 3rd Battalion Irish Guards for Monday 7th August 1944 states:
During the night 6/7th, excellent work was done by the Pioneer PL, commanded by Cap. D.E. COMPTON, in clearing MONTCHAMP of mines and booby traps. No. 1 Coy cleared the village while the Carrier Pl distinguished themselves on patrols at the entrances.

The Bn was ordered to secure the area between MONTCHAMP and ESTRY for a gun area for 15 (S) Div. No 1 Coy proceeded through MONTCHAMP to PONT a L’ECRIVAIN. X Coy passed through No 1 Coy to the area of Les ECOUBLET. These Coys met no opposition, except road blocks which were booby trapped. No 1 Coy later moved up to the right of X Coy, and Bn HQ, Nos 2 and 4 Coys moved into the area of PONT a L’ECRIVAIN.

The whole Bn area was subject to sporadic mortar fire, and also to several “overs” of S.A. fire, but fortunately there were only a few casualties.

 

Casualty

Guardsman KIRKPATRICK, ERIC
Service Number 2722562
Died 07/08/1944
Aged 36
3rd Bn. Irish Guards
Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Kirkpatrick; husband of Evelyn Kirkpatrick, of Cheadle, Cheshire.
Commemorated at BAYEUX MEMORIAL
Location: Calvados, France
Cemetery/memorial reference: Panel 12, Column 2.