4th Somerset Light Infantry - Op Epsom 28-30 June 1944

I am trying to understand the detail of 4th Bn Somerset Light Infantry's involvement in the latter stages of Operation Epsom. I am researching the death of Pte Albert Henry Gleed (Pte, 14580154) who was killed on 29th June. Whilst I can find an overview of their advance to Baron online and in the books I have, there isn't much of a detailed nature or personal accounts. Any help or suggestions appreciated!

Merry Christmas!
Tony

 

Have you looked at their war diary?

 

And I’m assuming you’ve looked at this?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-Somerset-Infantry-Campaign-North-West/dp/1845743466/ref=asc_df_1845743466
(Book suppliers other than Amazon are preferable!)

And this one? It covers a broader period, clearly, but might be of some use?
History of the Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert's): 1919-1945

 

Hi P-Squared

On the WD - not yet. If no-one has it already I will get it during my next trip to Kew in the New Year.

I have read Operation Epsom and Hill 112 by Tim Saunders plus Hill112 by Maj JJ How. I have a book by Delaforce on 43rd Wessex Division and also the History of the 4th Bn Somerset Light Infantry on order but that will be after Christmas now.

By coincidence I was at Baron and Hill 112 in October but my main interest was the Wiltshire Regiment at that time.

 

If you’re on Facebook, there’s a chap who offers a War Diary copying service: British Army War Diary Copying Services. He charges 10p per page which seems a lot, but depending how far away you live from Kew (cost of travel, etc) and how you cost your own time, it might be worth contacting him; he may already have what you want. (I have no relationship with the page!)
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057312735054

 

That's Drew5233

 

Hi

Yes, I'm aware of Drew. It may be worth seeing if he has it already; worth paying for as you say and he provides a great service. Otherwise I go a few times a year. This isn't my main area of interest - as a project I'm researching the stories of each of the men on the local village war memorials in the Vale of the White Horse (now Oxfordshire - was Berkshire) and Pte Harry Gleed is on the Wanborough War Memorial.

It looks like Pte Gleed was buried at Baron initially and one of the other men from a nearby village was buried there as well (Pte Judd from Shrivenham) but they were concentrated to different War Cemeteries!

The probable location of Pte Gleed's initial burial at Baron - in one of the fields either side of the road seems to have been used for a number of graves from Op Epsom or Op Jupiter on 10 July 1944. MR953638



Some photos from Hill 112 Nearby:


The 43rd Wessex Division Memorial on Hill 112

 

That’s interesting - thanks for sharing. (I lived in Watchfield for a few years while I was stationed at Shrivenham and then Brize Norton Lovely part of the world.)

 

Ha! The individual I am working on at this very moment was at RAF Watchfield and crashed near Brize Norton! Small world

 

I know the airfield well - used to walk my dog across there. Small world, indeed!

 

Hi I have the war diary for my fathers regiment which was the 4th Wiltshire Reg where he was attached to Brigade HQ which give some overview of Op-epsom and other regiments involved. I can dig out the period for you if its of any use. Its pretty general I am afraid which seems to be the case for WWI and WW2 and is not "front line". It helps if you know his commanding officer.

 

Hi Bazer Smith Yes, I would be very interested in the War Diary. The three Battalions in 129th Brigade were all operating in a fairly small space. Does it have any operational plans or maps in the appendices?

 

Well, 'The History of the 4th Bn The Somerset Light Infantry June 1944 - May 1945' has arrived from Naval and Military Press. A good little book but not much on the detail of that engagement.