The 2nd Battalion East Yorks 1939-1945
At the outbreak of war the Battalion was in Plymouth having recently returned from Palestine. They were mobilised on the 7th of September 1939.
The 2nd Battalion formed part of the 3rd Infantry Division. In 1940 they went to France as part of the BEF and, when the time came, fell back to the beaches of La Panne in good order. They were one of the last Battalions to be evacuated.
Following evacuation the Battalion spent time preparing defences on the south coast of England before being chosen to form part of the new “Field Army”. Intense combined operations training followed which saw the Battalion earmarked for the Dieppe raid. Fortunately for the Yorkshire men, the Canadians undertook the raid.
Eventually the threat of invasion receded and thoughts turned to the liberation of Europe. The Battalion was selected for an “Assault Operation” (this would turn out to be D-Day) . They went to Scotland to undertake training in beach assault and it is said that the training they received has no parallel in British military history.
On the 6th of June 1944 the Battalion took part in Operation Overlord and, although suffering many casualties, took all their objectives - see separate piece.
The Battalion continued to fight with distinction all the way through the Normandy Campaign, then on into Belgium, Holland and finally into Germany. Their attack on Bremen being the last action of the campaign for the 2nd Battalion.
The Battalion spent VE day in Westphalia where they were employed on occupational duties.
The above is a very brief history of the Battalion in WW2 and can not reflect adequately the hardships and suffering endured by the Battalion during the separate actions in which they were employed.
The 2nd Battalion formed part of the 3rd Infantry Division. In 1940 they went to France as part of the BEF and, when the time came, fell back to the beaches of La Panne in good order. They were one of the last Battalions to be evacuated.
Following evacuation the Battalion spent time preparing defences on the south coast of England before being chosen to form part of the new “Field Army”. Intense combined operations training followed which saw the Battalion earmarked for the Dieppe raid. Fortunately for the Yorkshire men, the Canadians undertook the raid.
Eventually the threat of invasion receded and thoughts turned to the liberation of Europe. The Battalion was selected for an “Assault Operation” (this would turn out to be D-Day) . They went to Scotland to undertake training in beach assault and it is said that the training they received has no parallel in British military history.
On the 6th of June 1944 the Battalion took part in Operation Overlord and, although suffering many casualties, took all their objectives - see separate piece.
The Battalion continued to fight with distinction all the way through the Normandy Campaign, then on into Belgium, Holland and finally into Germany. Their attack on Bremen being the last action of the campaign for the 2nd Battalion.
The Battalion spent VE day in Westphalia where they were employed on occupational duties.
The above is a very brief history of the Battalion in WW2 and can not reflect adequately the hardships and suffering endured by the Battalion during the separate actions in which they were employed.
The East Yorks on D-Day
Between 0430 - 0600hrs the assault landing craft were lowered from the Empire Battleaxe and HMS Glenearn. Just after 0600hrs the seven mile journey to the beaches began. At 0725hrs the East Yorks landed on Queen Red beach where heavy mortar, machine gun and artillery fire were encountered.
A and B companies supported by tanks were to break through the beach obstacles.
A company, along with C company of the 1st Battalion South Lancs, would attack and eliminate the Strong Point Cod. This consisted of: One 75mm gun, two 50mm anti-tank guns, three 81mm mortars, a 37mm gun and 5 machine gun posts.
B company were to move inland and assault Strong Point Sole with C company in support.
The next task was to attack and eliminate the Daimler Battery, a heavily defended gun battery with four 75mm guns capable of firing onto the invasion beaches. This was the main responsibility of D and C companies supported by tanks of the 13/18 Hussars.
Strong Point Cod was taken by 1000hrs and Sole was overrun by 1300hrs. Daimler Battery was put out of action by 1800hrs with little loss and 70 prisoners in the bag.
The East Yorks continued on to the village of St Aubin d’Arquenay. They were relieved by the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. The East Yorks spent the night in a cornfield near Hermanville.
By the end of the day the East Yorks had lost 5 officers and 60 men killed, and 4 officers and 137 men wounded.
A and B companies supported by tanks were to break through the beach obstacles.
A company, along with C company of the 1st Battalion South Lancs, would attack and eliminate the Strong Point Cod. This consisted of: One 75mm gun, two 50mm anti-tank guns, three 81mm mortars, a 37mm gun and 5 machine gun posts.
B company were to move inland and assault Strong Point Sole with C company in support.
The next task was to attack and eliminate the Daimler Battery, a heavily defended gun battery with four 75mm guns capable of firing onto the invasion beaches. This was the main responsibility of D and C companies supported by tanks of the 13/18 Hussars.
Strong Point Cod was taken by 1000hrs and Sole was overrun by 1300hrs. Daimler Battery was put out of action by 1800hrs with little loss and 70 prisoners in the bag.
The East Yorks continued on to the village of St Aubin d’Arquenay. They were relieved by the Kings Own Scottish Borderers. The East Yorks spent the night in a cornfield near Hermanville.
By the end of the day the East Yorks had lost 5 officers and 60 men killed, and 4 officers and 137 men wounded.
55 comments:
does anyone have information about
Major Robert H Barber(67170)
D comp, 2nd Batt.
KIa 6th June 1944
My grandfather was major Reginald Rutherford 2nd battalion b company..... any info
Hi Max,
We do have some information on Major R Rutherford. Are you looking for anything in particular. It would be helpful if I had some direct contact for you. Can you re-post with an email address. The moderator will not publish your email address but pass it on.
I've had an East Yorkshire cap badge in my possession for quite a while now, 30 or 40 years, it was passed down via my Grandmother. As you can see it's a little different from the normal badge. Could anyone shed any light on the actual badge itself, may be a year?
I was told as a child "It's silver, look after it, it was your Grandfathers" I've never seen another exactly like it.
I hope the photo link works, thanks in advance.
[IMG]http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt234/Elan_SE/image.jpg1.jpg[/IMG]
Hi, I'm wondering if you can help. I'm trying to research about my grandad raymond Terence rhodes I believe he may have served in the east yorks regiment 2nd battalion in ww2. I wonder if you have any info on him? If you do my email address is nicola_rhodes@rocketmail.com
Hello. My grandfather was 2nd Lieutenant Francis William Matheson Sharman who served in the regiment during WWII. I'm aware that he was awarded the Military Cross but I would be very pleased to get an further information about his service. Many thanks.
Hi My Father in Law private David George Wilkinson was shot in the head sometime after the beach landing.( he survived but died in 1990) He told me it was a French sniper not a German who shot him is anyone familiar with this? We are off to Normandy tomorrow so I presume the incident happened near Hermanville. Rgds Bill
Hi Bill,
That's an interesting story. I haven't heard it before. I shall post your question on our FaceBook page and see if anyone knows any more about it.
Did your Father in Law serve with the 2nd Battalion? The East Yorks had the dubious honour of providing two assault battalions for D-Day. The 2nd landed on Sword beach and the 5th landed on Gold Beach. If he was with the 2nd Battalion then indeed it would have been in the vicinity of Hermanville. Once of the beach, they made their way towards their second objective SOLE. This strongpoint is just to the north of the D35A that runs from Colleville-Montgomery towards Ouistreham. Having subdued this position they then proceeded to their next objective Strongpoint DAIMLER. This position is near the water tower just south of Ouistreham and was nicknamed the water tower battery. This gives you some idea of the route that was taken on the 6th.
Hello
Major Robert H Barber was my grandfather.
Bests
Patrick Wells
Hallo
I'm so hoping you maybe able to help me?
Im trying to find information (especially photos)about
Private Harry Shann EYR 8th Battalion WW1 DOD 14/07/1916
He previouslying work at a sanatorium in Hull.
Any information you may have or suggestions about tracing as much information as possible (as I am a complete beginner!) would be truly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance
Melanie Robertson
Melaniemole@btinternet.com
Hello,
I'm looking for any information on my papa who recently passed. His name was Clive Bradley and I have a picture of him in uniform and the number on him is 4344089 but i haven't been able to locate any information from that.
My papa passed without disclosing any family information and my Dad would really like to know where he comes from and if he has any family so your help would be greatly appreciated.
Jillian
My grandfather served with 5th Bn east yorks during the WWII
He was killed in action in may 1942
He is buried in Alexandria war cemetery
I have tried to research the units movements but am coming up with very little but lots on 2nd Bn.
It appears to have been a TA unit
Can anyone maybe supply me with any information or point me in the right direction.
I have just started on my searches (for 3 family members) so resources are difficult to find for this novice
Regards
Steven brown
Hi,
I was wondering if you have any casualty information or troop movements?
My uncle was in the 2nd East Yorks and was killed on D-Day
https://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/2337237/kelly,-henry/
We visited him around 6 years ago and left notes in the cemetery book etc. We have since moved to Canada, but I find much of my research turns up the same basic information at the Company level rather than unit.
Thank you for reading this. Have a great day.
My father was in the east Yorks during the second world war. In his war records it says he was in the 7th battalion but I can't find mention of it, my father told us he was on the first wave to hit Gold beach. Can anyone shed any light on this mix up please ?
Who is this man as i am the first grandchild of Reginald Rutherford and I know all the others
Who are you? I am the first Grandchild of Reginald. I am the daughter of his eldest child. I know all the grandchildren
Replying to Steven Brown re Grandfather 5th Bn East Yorkshire Regiment.
My Uncle was John Thomas Welburn, he died 3rd October 1942 and he
is Buried in Alexandria War Memorial Cemetery in Egypt.
I found a lot of information on Commonwealth War Graves Commision site..
I had very limited information on him, but from an old letter to my late mother
it gave me his rank and number, I found his burial plot number and a plan
of graves which enabled me to pinpoint his last resting place, which was
very comforting.
Good luck in your search I hope you find the information you are seeking.
My father, Roy Barden, served with the East Yorks from 1943 and took part in the D Day landings. Not long after landing he was injured ('shell shock') while taking cover behind an American tank. He was subsequently rescued and recovered back to the UK, but was wearing an American uniform and had no other means of identity, ending up in hospital in Birmingham. Consequently it was some time before he was identified and reunited with his family. He had little recollection of the incident and had no idea how he came to be wearing an American uniform.
The only other significant fact is that he was standing next to a photographer on the landing craft who got shot before they hit the beach. Perhaps this sounds familiar to someone?
As he died some years ago I have no other information but would be great to delve deeper into this mystery.
my great uncle Harry Leslie Oldfield from Sheffield was in the 5th bn east York reg...he was killed on 6th june 1944 on gold beach....we found his headstone recently in Bayeux war cemetery....his name also appears on a plaque on a monument on gold beach at ver-sur-mer Normandy with 28 other soldiers (so proud)
Willam birch now 95 was in east yorkshire landed on sword beach is looking foe any other remaining comrades he is my step dad very proud of him
The 7th Battalion was formed in 1940 and assigned to 203 Infantry Brigade. ] The battalion was transferred to 73 Infantry Brigade in July 1941 and to 162 Infantry Brigade in September 1942. It was disbanded in October 1944, having never left the UK.[ maybe your father as assigned to another unit for the d day landings probably the 5th my dads unit.
Anonymous is my cousin in Australia...she doesn't realise
Hello Sandra,
Max Maxie is your Cousin!
Pam and Alex are his parents
Hello Sandra,
Max Maxie is your Cousin!
Pam and Alex are his parents
paulmaxwell1968@gmail.com..........Anonymous is my eldest cousin in Australia....sandra
My uncle Tony Norris was with the East Yorks at Ouistreham as a stretcher bearer. He was a pre-war regular and had been with the Surreys (I think) at Dunkirk as a Bren gunner. He then became a conscientious objector but asked to serve as a stretcher bearer. He was at Arnhem too where he was carrying a casualty from the battlefield when he stepped on a mine that took his foot off. He still carried the casualty and won the BEM for it. As he said, "It didn't hurt at the time". He died some years ago. Anyone remember him? Probably a bit late now.
Hello Sandra
Your Grandad came to our wedding in 1992. My dad was in the east Yorks . William Lloyd.
Nigel X
Just found this thread..and from the West coast of Canada, I have a little surprise for Sandra Rutherford and Mad Maxie. My father was a Canadian Officer who was seconded to the British Army under the Canloan program of 1943. He was assigned to Beverley in East Yorks and joined the East Yorkshire Regiment as a Lieutenant. He knew Major Reg Rutherford (Duke of York's Own) well. I have two photographs he took of your grandfather. One is a group shot that includes Bob Rennison, Basher Bone, Maj. John Baker, and 2 others. The other is a solo picture of a smiling Reg Rutherford. I can't tell if these are before D Day or not. No date attached. If you would like a copy my email is cricguy100@shaw.ca.
Hi, Would you be prepared to publish the photographs on our FB page?
https://www.facebook.com/eastyorkshireregimentlivinghistory/
I think that they would be of interest to the whole group.
Good day to you. Yes, I will be pleased to post on your FB page.
Hello, my Grandad was in 2nd Battalion East Yorks . He survived D Day landings, killed 24 th June. In the letter sent to his wife it stated he was killed during battle of suicide wood. I can't find any information on this . Has anyone else heard of this battle. Thank you
Hi,
According to the battalion diary for the 24th, the battalion relieved the 1st Suffolks in Le Mensil wood on the Epron -Gazelle road. Some Artillery fire was directed on the position resulting in 1 officer and 3 other ranks killed and 3 other ranks wounded. It looks like your Grandad was either the office or one of the three other ranks.
Epron is just outside of Caen and Cazelle (not Gazelle)is now called Mathieu. The road is the D7 and Le Mensil is just to the west of the road close to Mathieu. I can imagine that le Mensil wood became known as suicide wood if the Germans were in the habit of regularly shelling it.
Thank you for the reply, it's very helpful. I had been told it was near Caen, and your information confirms thIS.
Are the diaries accessible for anyone to view, if so what is the website for this.
Are there any photographs of the 2nd battalion
Thank you for your help
Hi,
I believe that all regimental diaries are held at the IWM. You can request copies but there is a cost. This guy offers a very reasonably priced service.
https://www.facebook.com/British-Army-War-Diary-Copying-Service-209324246138228/
I have a few pages from June 1994. If you post your email I will send them to you. I won't publish your email.
There are photos of the 2nd battalion just not many. I can dig one out for you as well.
That would be lovely. Thank you so much . I have been searching for a long time for info on my Grandad James Michael Lydon
My email address is chrissie32@hotmail.co.uk
my father William Jenkinson was in the 2nd battalion east yorks the earlier comment re French sniper my father told me he went on a fighting patrol and they dealt with 2 snipers who were french
My Father William Jenkinson was in the 2nd Battalion East Yorks The earlier query re French sniper in Normandy he went on a fighting patrol and they dealt with 2 snipers in an orchard who were french
My Father William Jenkinson 2nd Battalion East Yorks also told me as they overrun German bunkers and dug outs surrendering German soldiers came out with their French girlfriends , As they progressed farmhouses were laden with hams ,calvados cheeses which they liberated as they had come from England on severe rationing.
My wife's grandfather father was in the 2nd battalion east Yorkshire regiment his name was Francis William Martin 3972782 we know he is buried in bayeux war cemetery. However we do not have any other information about him could you help with this
My name is Reg Roberts I am responsible for the post about my wife's grandfather Francis William Martin who was with your regiment and died in France just after D Day we have now found his grave and are planning to visit next year but I would still be grateful for any other information you can give us. Thanks in advance
Reg Roberts
Hello, my dad was in the 1st Battalion of the East Yorks, based first in India and then Burma. He was only 19 and he and a friend were put in charge of intelligence (for their company I think, if that is how it was run?) and I am thinking about writing their exploits up as I have a lot of their anecdotes on record, but would first like to understand how the 1st Battalion was structured - how many companies, who was in charge, how the intelligence was shared. Would this be available anywhere as would really like to get those sort of facts right. Thank you
Hello, my dad was in the 1st Battalion of the East Yorks, based first in India and then Burma. He was only 19 and he and a friend were put in charge of intelligence (for their company I think, if that is how it was run?) and I am thinking about writing their exploits up as I have a lot of their anecdotes on record, but would first like to understand how the 1st Battalion was structured - how many companies, who was in charge, how the intelligence was shared. Would this be available anywhere as would really like to get those sort of facts right. Thank you
My great uncle, Cpl. John Edward Rundle, 2nd battalion, East Yorks. Born 1913, died May 31, 1940 at Dunkirk. Buried in De Panne cemetery, Belgium. Plot 2 Row B Grave 3. Service number 4342120. We are trying to track his widow's family. We don't know what year he was married, his wife's name, or the names/genders of his children. We believe he had 2 children. Are there any 2nd battalion photos that name the soldiers in them? We don't even know what he looked like. Thank you.
My husband's name is Barry Kershaw is looking for any information about his father Roy Kershaw who served in WWll
We as a family would love a photograph Thank you
Hi I'm researching my family history,I always remember my grandma telling me they were based at Victoria Barracks Beverley during WW2,i think my Grandfather John Burn was a soldier maybe Corporal or later a Pioneer Sergeant.Unfortunately he suffered brain damage when falling off his bike after a bird flew in front of him.Any information would be gratefully received.
Searching for a gentleman by the name of Arthur Wagstaff, Private 4618258
Have you any record of this man? He's marriage licence to my grandmother indicates he was from the East York Regiment
My Father Joseph Farrell was in the East Yorkshire regiment from 1926 to 1938 Then D sectioned.
Was mobilized again in sept 39.
I know he was in the BEF and taken off at Dunkirk, he then went to the middle east and was involved in the fighting there.
in 1943 he transferred to the RAF regiment whilst in the desert.
I am trying to find out what battalion/s he was part of whilst in the East Yorks.
Any help appreciated
Regards
Jim Farrell
Hi
Searching for information on my Father Joseph Farrell no 4340692
Was in East Yorks Regiment from 1926 to 1938 D sectioned in 38 and then mobilized in sept 39.
Know He was at Dunkirk and also North Africa. trying to find what battalion he was in?
He transferred to the RAF regiment in july 1943 whilst in the middle east.
Any information appreciated.
Jim Farrell
Any one know anything about aaron walter thomas lippette east yorkshire regiment 2nd bn died 27 February 1945
Looking for information about Corporal James Paddison who died in Aug 1944. Thank you!
Looking at the history of Lieutenant John Laverack Sykes killed in action on the 11th June 1944
I have a certain amount of information on JLS. I have been trying to find anything more. It’s become akin to a quest. How do we share what we know?
Hi All, we have a public FaceBook page. It may be worth posting you question and information on there. It has quite a good following. Just search for East Yorkshire Regiment Living History Group.
Post a Comment