In my experience, you would have to be very lucky to find a Coy posting in the standard records from a personnel file. If you have no luck with the SSR site, some other options: Get a copy of his complete file from LAC, not the standard genealogy package they provide by default. It will cost a bit to copy and might take a while, but if you find an important bit, worthwhile. Look at medical and dental records, where Coys were sometimes noted. The closer in time to his death, the more reliable (transfers were not uncommon). Any letters from (or to) him that survive? His overseas address would typically indicate Coy. Get to LAC and look at the War Diaries, especially Part I Orders. These often showed postings when men were Taken On Strength (TOS), particularly if it happened in England prior to them getting into combat. Search from the date you know he was TOS and work forward, info could take days to be propagated to orders. Postings between Coys may also be found. Some units were better than others at tracking this info, no way to know unless you dive in. Some diaries include the chits listing a reinforcement draft with hand noted Coy assignments, especially for reinforcements.
For a general overview of events, you may wish to track down Canadian Military History (Vol 18, Number 1, Winter 2009) which examines the attack at Verrieres Ridge on 20/21 July 1944. The article is focused on the Essex Scottish, but their fate was closely linked to that of the SSR, so there is discussion of the SSR included. May also lead to other sources. Journal - CMH, Current Issue, Featured Article, Subscription to Canadian Military History, Back Issues of the Journal, Advertise with Canadian Military History | canadianmilitaryhistory.ca
Dave, I will forward the contact information regarding the recent reunion. Hope that helps. The website i provided has your uncles name in the R of H. Randy
17th..again with much thanks.... I do not have a picture of his headstone, he is at Bretteville-sur-laize cemetary. Dave Dave If you would like a photo, I will be going there in June. Cheers - Rob
17th..again with much thanks.... I do not have a picture of his headstone, he is at Bretteville-sur-laize cemetary. Dave Hi Dave Here is his photo - The War Graves Photographic Project regards Robert (Sorry Rob!)
Hi Dave Here is his photo - The War Graves Photographic Project regards Robert (Sorry Rob!) The initial photo in the picture is always obscured, as you have to pay to get the full image. I've paid for pics from this site myself and if you need the odd one or two, this is great. Mine will be free of charge if you are happy to wait. I'm going there and am photographing for myself and a number of other people. I don't mind being called Robert or Rob. (Not Bob though).
Thanks to both of you, I hope to take my own photo when I am there but very much appreciate your efforts in this regard.
Hi just new here....my great uncle died at Verriers ridge, I am touring the area and visiting his grave (Bretteville-sur-laize)at the war cemetary in October 2011. He was with the South Saskatchewan Rifles Regiment (infantry)..... any assistance or connections to others related to soldiers (or vets would be GREAT) there would be appreciated. Dave Humber: Like you I've been searching for any information related to my uncle ( Nels) Marvin SANDO L /155534 who also served with the South Sask Infantry Regiment and was killed on Sept. 16 /1944. Marvin is from Preeceville Sask near Sturgis. I have a list of other soldiers who were killed at the same time as him. I also found that be goolging his name I located that Marvin is buried at the CODYDE MILITARY CEMETERY IN BELGIUM. Would appreciate any info regarding where they originally landed, where they trained and any other battles they might have been in. Where was your uncle from and what was his name? My understanding is that my uncle received a medal entitled " HONOUR OF DUNKIRK for service in that area. Still trying to locate. I am willing to share any other leads I get. Looking forward to hearing from you. Regards, Gerald Sando ( Sun Bear) ps I am 64 and my goal is to create a family document dedicated to Marvin Sando
Tilly! That is a name that brings back a few shudders. A late friend of mine went across France to Tilly, and photographed the place now. It has settled back into its Normandy peace and quiet with little scars left behind I have one memory...It is my resting the Bren on what was left of the front wall of a house (the bit around the window) The Bren pointing down the main street beside me was a sleeve with an arm in it, and a boot with a foot in it...... I cannot recall what we were there? Sapper
73 years ago today the Black Watch of Canada suffered grievous casualties in an attack on Verrieres Ridge as part of Operation Spring. Only 15 of 300 men survived the assault. The Canadian 2nd and 3rd Divisions gained only part of the ridge at a cost of 1,500 casualties. This attack was the costliest single day for a Canadian battalion since the Dieppe Raid and has remained contentious to this day.
