Hi there,
THis probably a wild shot here but my Grandad was a Sergent by the name of George Hoyle and involved near Caen and the battle for Le Bon Repos, near Hill 112. I don't know much if anything on this and what happened, all I have ever found is a page of information that is very brief.

If anyone could give me pointers or a step of information I would really appreciate it. Anything that could piece together what happened would be great. All I know he was in trench surrounded by other dead British soilders for 3 days of fighting. Anyone know of what the Welch did around Hill 112 would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Regards

Dave

The Book I used for information was 'Saunders, Tim. Normandy: Hill 112 - The battle of the Odon 2002.'

If you have any little references could you either post or email them to me.

Thanks again.

I can only find one good reference.

Le Bon Repos crossroads ( 'the quiet resting-place' ) was originally captured by the Glasgow Highlanders. Elements of the 5th Welch took over the position during the night of July 20th and at daybreak realised that they were in full view of the enemy, only 400 yards away. Any movement drew fire. The German positions had been taken over by the 10th SS Panzer Division who were determined to eradicate Le Bon Repos which was well forward into German territory. An afternoon assault by Panzer Grenadiers supported by fire from Tiger tanks went on well into the night until the position was recaptured.

On the evening of the 23rd, Le Bon Repos was re-attacked, this time by the 4th Welch - preceded by an artillery barrage and supported by six Crocodile flame-throwing tanks. In half-an-hour, they had cleared the 10th SS from the position.

This info is extracted from Major J J How's book, 'Hill 112 - Cornerstone Of The Normandy Campaign' ( Wm. Kimber, 1984 ).

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Cheers!

I got the information off my Gran before she died on what he did as my Grandad told my Gran bits in letters and now and again said the odd thing but rarely did he speak of it.

I know he was involved in Le Bon Repos and was in a trench surrounded by dead men, also I believe his friend was shot by a german sniper also. Additionally to this I also know his regiment used live ammo in a training operation that I believe got another friend of his killed.
He was decorated with the standard medals according to my uncle after the war.
He never spoke of it and never said much if anything. I have pieced everything together by tracking the regiment down and what went on where etc. I am hoping some book I will dig up will mention his name.

The biggest and most valuable piece of information I have is a french frank folded in an envelope that is located somewhere in our house. It has written on it the names of his squad. I was given this over 10 years ago and never thought anything of it. Sadly I don't where it is but believe me its GOLD DUST.

Sorry for posting, the only clues I had was 53rd Welsh regiment and Hill 112. In a trench for 3 days at one point.

Everything is built of that about his involvement in Normandy, also my Grand said he went over on D-day +1.

Little bit on the 53rd (Welsh) Division on my site at:

http://battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/53rd_division.htm

Also some ideas on how to find more:

http://battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/tr...2_soldiers.htm

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Webmaster - Battlefields of WW2- www.ww2battlefields.com