5570661 L/Cpl Robert Allan MILLS, 5 Wilts: 03/07/1944 Finding original grave

Discussion in 'Searching for Someone & Military Genealogy' started by FakeMoustache, Feb 21, 2022.

  1. FakeMoustache

    FakeMoustache Member

    Hi everyone,

    I'm researching my grandad's cousin, Robert Alan Mills. He served with the Wiltshire Regiment 5th Bn during WW2.

    He died 3 July 1944, and is buried in BANNEVILLE-LA-CAMPAGNE WAR CEMETERY.

    The records suggest that he was moved from his original grave to the cemetery (see here).

    Can anyone establish what the 'previous location of grave' relates to? In other words, is it possible to find out what the code means / where he originally was buried?

    It looks like France 7F/1 relates to Cean. Not sure where exactly however.

    According to The War Diaries for his battalion he was shot 4 July.

    "1944-07-04
    Regiment 5th Wiltshire
    Location Baron, France
    Entry Fairly quiet day except for enemy harassing fire. Carrier burnt out, L/c Mills R.A. and Pte Harris E.J. wounded. "B" Coy report sniper activity on Coy front and sent out patrol to deal with it. No kill but snipers cleared off."

    7F/1 - Caen - War Office Map (1:50,000)

    Lance Corporal Robert Allan Mills | War Casualty Details | CWGC

    Thanks
    Chris
     
  2. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    I think the 643633 is wrong and should be 943633 (as that is on Map 7F/1) - if you look at the map you posted and go along the top to 94 (and another 3/10ths) then on the side look at 63 (and 3/10ths) and you can see it shows some woods next to Baron which seems to tie in

    Around the red circle I'd say
    baron.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 21, 2022
  3. FakeMoustache

    FakeMoustache Member

    Thanks for your information. Given the number of such coordinates that were being transposed I suppose it makes sense they'd be the odd error.

    I think it works out as approximately here

    Baron-sur-Odon
    https://maps.app.goo.gl/Cvx7ajxeTp4DguB47

    I will be sending off for his military records this week to see if I can learn more about his service.

    Don't suppose many that would have served with him around this time are still with us?
     
  4. FakeMoustache

    FakeMoustache Member

    Hi AB64.

    Quick question, do you know what ADGR 7728 stands for, shown in the report column?

    Also any idea on the difference between K/A, D/W and Died?

    Many thanks again
    Chris
     
  5. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    I think the ADGR bit is to do with a Graves Registration unit report - I think there has been some discussion before from people wondering if they still existed somewhere
    K/A would be killed in action, D/W would be died of wounds and Died (I think) a bit of a catch all for anyone else
     
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  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Killed in Action - clear enough I hope, also indicates that date of death could be consulted in War diaries for circumstances.
    Died of Wounds - personnel could receive wounds on one day and die later on, (days, weeks, months later), so a date of death won't be much help as to original incident.
    Died - used for cases of illness or sudden death, not necessarily related to battle or service eg heart attack, infections, etc.
    Died whilst on Active Service was also used for some cases, eg for personnel on leave who may have been killed during air raids, or in accidents, etc

    Battle Accident was a sub-category of casualty type, used later on in the war as per Casualty Branch instructions.

    Some casualty lists detail "illness" or "injury" eg Previously reported as Seriously ill/injured, now reported Died of Illness/Injury. Usually worth cross referencing non-KIA CWGC entries against WO Casualty Lists.
     
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2022
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  7. FakeMoustache

    FakeMoustache Member

    Thanks both - really helpful.

    The date he died seems to be mixed. The War Diaries reference him being wounded on 4 July 44.

    "Carrier burnt out, L/c Mills R.A. and Pte Harris E.J. wounded."

    Yet the CWWG documents all state 3 July, as does his grave in the cemetery in France and memorial in a church here in England.

    Hopefully then I get a copy of his service records it will become clearer.

    Many thanks
    Chris
     
  8. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  9. AB64

    AB64 Senior Member

    Casualty List has Killed in Action 3rd July (I was typing as you posted Owen)
     
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  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Night time incidents could be particularly confusing when reporting dates, ie an action on the night of 3/4 could be reported as either date really.

    Although, as many of us know, War diaries aren't entirely reliable. Depends really on what was reported to whom & when. Or, when the diary was written up: not always on the day.

    Could even be a typo / omission ...
    eg
    Carrier burnt out, L/c Mills R.A [KILLED]. and Pte Harris E.J. wounded.

    Not to sound flippant but as an OR, at least he's mentioned!!





    Has anyone checked out Pte E. J. Harris's Cas List entry for a date?
     
    Last edited: Feb 22, 2022
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  11. FakeMoustache

    FakeMoustache Member

    I couldn't find E. J. Harris on CWWG website, so with any luck he survived the war.

    I hear you re Robert Alan Mills being mentioned in the war diaries as I guess most weren't due to the sheer number of casualties.
     
  12. FakeMoustache

    FakeMoustache Member

    Just picking up on the fate of Pte. E. J. Harris.

    Ive found a name matching his in the casualty list.

    5th Bn. Wiltshire Regiment (5577474) wounded 3 July 1944.

    Date of action: 03.07.44
    Date: wounded
    "Reported to War Office Casualty Branch for the 24 hours ending 09.00"
    Incident date 22/07/1944
     
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