6 RSF start line for Operation Epsom?

Discussion in 'NW Europe' started by slipper, Aug 25, 2020.

  1. Bayonet Productions

    Bayonet Productions Lead Researcher

    If you use the map I posted with the war time photos. The SL was the "center line" road in Norrey.

    [Edit]: A key factor in how the Battalion maneuvered would be dictated by their adjacent unit boundaries. Does anyone have or know the Divisional boundary to the east? It should be the same as 44 BDE /6 RSF boundary.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. slipper

    slipper Member

    Thanks, Gents, I think it's really been cleared up today, with some, great work from you all.

    A great map John, yes I agree with the start line, I have sent you a pm with my email, a copy would be great, thank you.


    m kenny another great map thank you very much

    Thinking about it last night, it did not feel right that 6 RSF had advanced from the north or east of Norrey-en-Bessin, as they would have either had to pass through Norrey, which was already held or advance across a larger area of open fields, that seems unnecessary. The information supplied today seems to support the start line running through the middle of the village as shown below, it also supports the start line running diagonally to the line of advance at the eastern end, and hence taking casualties from 'short' rounds of the opening barrage. I would still like to think the lane in front was probably used, as it would be difficult to think of the battalion moving through the now destroyed ruins to the fields beyond.

    looking on google maps the start line is surrounded by high walls along part of its length, especially from the centre out to the east (see below). the lane in front of the village does have some areas that have fairly good coverage and are maybe 1 meter below the fields in front, so once again would probably have been a good position to get your bearings and regroup from the SL.


    Thanks, everyone for your help, I think we are more or less there, not sure about the boundary to the east, but all reports seem to state that 6 RSF approached from the western edge of St Manvieu, so as indicated would look like the shortest route, and all seem to support the advance starting from the Norrey area.

    There were some reports of the RTR tanks hitting a minefield that was possibly laid by the Canadians, so not sure what their route was, maybe around the outskirts of the village, although the few pictures available tend to show Infantry and Armour in the same fields.

    Thanks all, if I hear anything else of Adam I will post up, I also tried to ring the Regimental Museum, but think they may be closed, again I will post up if I hear some more.

    June 7th Norrey en Bessin besl.jpg


    start line road, looking east, may be considered 'sunken'

    start line lookig east.jpg


    lane in front of Norrey-en-Bessin looking west, approximately in front of the church, the bank on the left appears to have been there on 1944 photos, there are some raised areas long its length facing St Manvieu which is to the left

    lane in front of Norrey looking west.jpg


    the same position as above, facing St Manvieu, note the bank, probably a good place to regroup from the SL before entering the fields. St Manvieu is in a slight dip over to the left, so initially, 6 RSf would be out of sight of enemy forward lines

    to St MAnvieu.jpg
     
  3. Keith Lawler

    Keith Lawler Member

    Hi Slipper

    I have been very interested in your thread as my mum's husband was 6RSF who fought from Normandy through to the Rhine Crossing. He was wounded in the early hours of 24.03.1945 in Bislich and was evacuated to Venray where he died of his wounds one week later. He is buried in the CWGC cemetery on Venray and as I now live in the Netherlands I have adopted his grave. Part of the adoption programme is writing his story for future generations.

    But to the point. Charles Hanaway - Memoirs of an Infantry Man was 6RSF and was on the start line that day. His words seem to back up your research especially your reference to a church:

    "At 7.30am........we moved past a single piper who was playing his pipes on the doorstep of the small village Church".

    Best regards
    Keith
     
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  4. Pete Marshall

    Pete Marshall Member

    In relation to my own research into 6 RSF I went to the RHF museum in late 2019. Unfortunately they lost a lot of RSF material in a fire in the 1980s. It’s mostly HLI stuff that remains. I took an original piece of sealed pattern insignia as a gift to the museum and they did allow me into the archives however for some reason I was denied access to some personal memoirs which was frustrating, as I’d travelled all the way from Sussex. Some of the staff said I should return as the curator was perhaps a little abrupt with me, but I’ve not had the chance since.
     
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