328233 Daniel Evan Davies - LRDG, 1/4 KOYLI

I am trying to trace my father's service from D-Day onwards. I know from a number of sources that he served in Syria in 1940/41 in the North Somerset Yeomanry, was then accepted by the LRDG and served in 'Y' patrol until the end of the war in the desert. Whilst training in the Cedars of Lebanon in June 1943 he suffered a serious back injury when his jeep overturned on a mountain road. Was in hospital for a number of weeks but eventually recovered to full fitness. His service records then give a number of unit postings but he ends up in 101 reinforcement Group and lands in Normandy on D-Day. I understand from a family member that he flew in by glider but I have no further information. His service record then states that he was taken on strength by 1/4 KOYLI on 28th June 1944. He served in NW Europe until December 1945. Any information on his service in Europe would be gratefully received.

 

I can't comment on when he will have landed in Normandy as I have no information to hand on support/reinforcement groups etc. If he joined 1/4 KOYLI on 28th June 1944 that was two days after the battle for Tessel Wood when they were part of 49th Division and the start of a quite long stay and hold period in Tessel Wood: difficult times with high casualties all round. You may find more information about this phase if you google search for Fontenay-Le-Pesnel Tessel Wood and Rauray.

 

Hello and welcome to the forum.

These war diaries at the National Archives may be of interest to you. Give me a shout if you want copies and can't get there yourself.

WO 169/228 North Somerset Yeomanry 1939 Sept.- 1940 Jan., Mar.- Dec.
WO 169/1401 North Somerset Yeomanry 1941 Jan.- Dec.

WO 218/89 L.R.D.G. 1941 June Dec.
WO 218/90 L.R.D.G. 1942 Jan.- 1943 Jan.
WO 218/91 L.R.D.G. 1943 Jan.- Nov.
WO 218/94 L.R.D.G. 'A' Sqn 1941 June - 1942 Mar.
WO 218/252 Long Range Desert Group 1941 Oct - Dec

WO 171/3687 101 Reinforcement Group 1944 Jan.- Dec

WO 171/1324 1/4 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 1944 Jan-Dec
WO 171/5223 1/4 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 1945 Jan-Nov
WO 170/5031 1/4 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 1945 Dec
WO 170/8013 1/4 King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 1946 Jan-June