Harry I hope you don't mind but I have borrowed the pics you posted as it were. You wouldnt happen to have close ups of the headstones in Moussey Churchyard that I could have/borrow by any chance? I did ask a chap on another forum some time ago as he offered to get me them but I have yet to hear from him. Regards Andy Andy. Please find posted,shots of the individual SAS graves at Moussey Churchyard, taken in October 2003.They are not complete as I had two cameras on the go at the time and since then I experienced a computer problem. Will search for the others.
Andy, I have just joined the forum. My name is David Chapman and am the great nephew of one of the members of 2 SAS buried in the grave yard in Moussey. His name was Private Donald Lewis and is buried in the far grave wirh Private Brown and a unknow member of the french Resistance. Donald was only 18 when he was executed by the Germans! I went to Moussey in the summer of 2008 and have good photos of all the headstones if you would like a copy. I know the history of Operation Loyton pretty well and have meet the amazing Len Owens who was actually there. I was also a guest of the SAS at the Field of Remembrance, Westminster, and after back at the SAS barracks at regents park to see their book of remembrance in which Donald is noted. Any information I can provide will be willingly given.
Awarded a periodical MM and Gazetted on 11.10.45 From 5th March 1945 to the cessation of hostilities Cpl. Owens has been the NCO in charge of wireless communications of a squadron of jeeps operating as forward reconnaissance for 2 Canadian Army in Holland and Germany. Throughout this operation Cpl. Owens carried out his duties to the utmost satisfaction often under fire. Previously Cpl. Owens was senior NCO of a small detachment of GHQ Liasion Regiment which with a detachment of 2 SAS Regt. was dropped into the Eastern Vosges by parachute on August 12/13. Throughout this operation behind the enemy lines Cpl. Owens was largely resonsible for the vital communications which continuously worked perfectly in spite of many difficulties which would have deterred a less determined or less capable soldier. Without these excellent wireless communications, with the enemy always close at hand, the operation could have only ended in failure. In addition to his signalling responsibilities this NCO was always willing to volunteer for any other task or duty which he discharged with cheerfulness and efficiency. Cpl. Owens won the admiration and respect of all ranks of the Regt. to which he was attached.
Moussey Churchyard, Vosges,France. SAS fallen. Private J J Conway Segeant M B Fitzpatrick MM L/C J H Elliot
Moussey Village,Vosges,France. Memorial to villagers deported to Germany at the time of SAS involvement in the area in August and September 1944.
Hello everyone, I've just joined the forum. My name is Paul Elliott and like Chappers in an earlier post, I'm also the great nephew of one of the members of 2 SAS (A Squadron) buried in Moussey churchyard, grave 3. His name is Lance Corporal John Herbert Elliott. He broke his thigh upon landing, he and 2 troopers became separated from their unit and took shelter in a farm building until they were captured 16/9/44, then executed in Pexonne. If anyone on the forum has any information on operation Loyton, I would be very grateful, as I'm sure everyone is aware that obtaining the information on the web is difficult! Myself and my family are planning to visit Moussey in September, but does anyone know the date when the rememberance service takes place? Best wishes,
Research ive done on Loynton ive gound a french woman was a collaborator with the Nazis and told the Naxis where the guys were hiding out then they were either shot on site or taken away for interrogation then shot.