Can anyone help me? I am researching Fusilier 14649949 Raymond Ralph Challice for his family. He served with the 6th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers and was KIA on the 8th of August 1994, aged 19, during the attack on Estry in Normandy. Information from his family is that after the fighting moved on, Raymond was found and buried near to where he fell by a local French family, (possibly on their land). This seems to be borne out by the CWGC, whose Grave Concentration Report Form dated 06 February 1946, confirms that Raymond’s body was recovered from a grave in Estry and re buried at St. Charles de Percy War Cemetery. The CWGC have included the following map references in Raymond’s entry, indicating that this is exactly where he was found: Estry GSGS 4250 1/50,000 France Sh. 6F/6 MR. 670486 I am trying to identify the site of his original burial for the family but haven’t been able to find any maps or map extracts for the area. I have checked war diaries of units involved in the action without success and am wondering whether anyone knows whether a copy of the above map still survives and if so can it be viewed? Thank you and best regards Mike
There are various copies of the map you require available on line. Search the forum for 'topographical maps' and you should be able to track them down. I'm currently away from my maps but, if you need any further help, I'll do my best when I'm back in proper circulation again in a day or two.
Estry at top right hand corner (MR748378). Hopefully this will put you near the spot: 6F/6 - Vire - War Office Map (1:50,000) Good fortune with all. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Closer inspection of said map it would seem that the local folks buried Fusilier Challice in their own churchyard/cemetery. Nothing likely recorded from the French side, but it is possible, and possible that local folks may remember too. Again, good luck. Kind regards, always, Jim.
Mike, Useful links for you and the family (maybe). https://www.patrimoine-religieux.fr...253-Estry/181652-EglisedelaNativiteNotre-Dame Estry, France (Calvados, Normandy): tourism, attractions and travel guide for Estry Kind regards, always, Jim.
Hi Thank you all so much for your help. The family will be so pleased to have this information. Once again thanks and best regards Mike
Mike, nothing that you might not have already, but if you want something brief for the family here you go. An overview/account of the fight at Estry here Mike, August 8th is mentioned: 1944 la bataille de Normandie, la mémoire | Estry – Valdallière No English version on the site so translation below. Kind regards, always, Jim. “The Hohenstaufen, "fire brigade" of the German front; Launched by the British a week ago, Operation Bluecoat is approaching its main objectives. VIII Corps covers the right flank. The 15th Infantry Division Scottish is joined by the 6th Guards Tank Brigade; the two units know each other well from England. On the morning of August 6, 1944, despite thick fog, progress was good on the road to Aunay-sur-Odon; Suddenly, at the Calverie*, the Germans unleashed a mortar fire, a Panther tank, ambushed towards Lassy, destroyed the reconnaissance half-track, killing Captain D. G. Mathieson. Approaching the Estry crossroads, the Scots of the 227th Infantry Brigade discovered that the village was solidly defended; elements of the 9.SS Panzer-Division Hohenstaufen transformed the sector into a point of resistance with a minefield; all British attempts are broken with heavy losses in men and armor. The next morning, an assault was launched from the west with the Churchills of the 4th Tank Battalion Grenadier Guards and the 10th Battalion Highland Light Infantry; a camouflaged Panther in a shed is destroyed; at dusk, the British had established a fragile defensive position northeast of the crossroads. The Pioneers and the SS Grenadiers suffered heavy losses but held their positions thanks to the support of the artillery and the Schwere SS-Werfer-Abteilung 102. On August 8, a new British attack failed, despite the reinforcement of special tanks of the 79th Armored Division. On the night of August 12, the 7.Armee received the order to withdraw; the 9.SS-Panzer-Division picks up towards Putanges; the Pionier-Battalion remained in the rearguard until August 13 before evacuating Estry; at the same time, the Americans reached the rear bases of the Hohenstaufen, cutting off supplies. The 15th Infantry Division enters Estry on August 13, which is nothing more than ruins”. *Calverie here may refer to a roadside cross of a religious/crucifix nature, common in rural France, or possibly a cross-roads. Being on site would determine which (or both!). Jim.
An informative and detailed thread on the assault on Estry from the good folks and dear departed of WW2 Talk. Estry August 1944 Churchill wreck.. Kind regards, always, Jim.
I'm a french History teacher in Vire, Normandy, not so far from Estry. In 2014 we collected testimonies and souvenirs form civilians who were children during the 1944 battles. Here are some photos made in 1944-45 by M Roland Pringault from Estry. I think you could appreciate them.
