Hi, Could anyone help with any information regarding the regiments position, and how this man was killed on the 18.6.44? Many thanks Dave
From his CWGC details, there is a concentration report that shows he was originally buried at Livry, complete with a map reference. This might be significant:
For general information have a look at these posts: Post 6: 1/5 Queens Royal West Surrey's Stretcher Bearers note book from Villers Bocage to 26 July Post 7: 1/5 Queens Royal West Surrey's Stretcher Bearers note book from Villers Bocage to 26 July Post 8: 1/5 Queens Royal West Surrey's Stretcher Bearers note book from Villers Bocage to 26 July I am working on a transcript of the relevant pages of the Regimental History.
This might be of use, although no direct evidence for you: (WO171/1368 - 1/7 Queen's War Diary) 17 June 1944 2300 1 RB took over our posns and 1/7 Queen’s moved to new posns which were dug and occupied by first light. B Coy relieved C Coy of 1/5 Queen’s in their posn area – 738608. A Coy took up posns in LIVRY. C Coy round X rds LA PAUMERIE. D Coy LIGNEROLLES. 18 June 1944 1000 “B” Coy Comd report accurate shelling of his fwd pls. Some casualties in wounded and shell shock. 1400 Lt. Clews killed by shell. During day Mortar Pl laid heavy concentration on enemy posns. 1420 Major Bosanquet posted to Bn, assumed command of “C” Coy in place of Capt. Rich, who was evacuated with an old leg wound. 1730 C.O. visited “B” Coy and arranged for their relief by “D” Coy. Throughout the day there was frequent shelling and mortaring of the Bn area. Personnel were by now well dug in and there were no casualties. In view of the danger of shells striking trees and bursting over the top of slit trenches, overhead cover was quickly improvised. 3 R.H.A. put down heavy concentrations on enemy posns.
From the Queen's Regiment History, pp. 358-361 The section does not mention Sibley by name. I would suggest obtaining copies of the Battalion War Diary from the National Archives. Contacting Drew5233 might help, as he may already have the relevant copies. Mark
Hello, One last question 'is their a photograph of the grave of private Sibley available' I hope this is the right place to request a photograph. Just a bit of background to this thread, My uncle (he drives an OAP minibus on days out) was chatting with Private Sibley's niece (they were at the RAF museum, Hendon, yesterday) and she said that "any information about him (Private Sibley) would be wonderful" Again many thanks all of you for your help Dave
From my photo collection Harefield War Memorial,Middlesex There are 3 Sibleys on the war memorial His Brother Walter Edward Sibley also died in service Private SIBLEY, THOMAS ROBERT Service Number 5952764 Died 18/06/1944 Aged 25 1/7th Bn. The Queen's Royal Regiment (West Surrey) Son of William Albert and Mary Beatrice Sibley, of Harefield, Middlesex. INSCRIPTION HIS PRESENCE WAS OUR GREATEST PLEASURE: HIS MEMORY NOW OUR DEAREST TREASURE : Buried at TILLY-SUR-SEULLES WAR CEMETERY Location: Calvados, France Number of casualties: 1143 Cemetery/memorial reference: I. A. 6.
Good morning Ramacal, Thank you very much for all of your help and photographs. This really helps to tell the Sibley story Dave