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Pte Norman Booth Killed In Action Vimy Ridge 27/28th May 1940

Started by themonsstar, January 18, 2009, 07:01:00 PM

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Fritz Bayer

CWGC accepted date of death is May 27th - and he would have died somewhere between Wulverghem and Ypres, not Vimy... As part of C Coy of the 1/9th Manchesters (under the command of 151 Bde whilst on Vimy Ridge), they evacuated the area at 02:00 on May 24th moving westwards then north towards Ypres. On May 27th, they began to play their part in "The Battle of Wytschaete, 1940" (though some members of the 2/Northamptonshires might argue as to exactly what part they were playing!!! :D).

On this date (27th), Vimy Ridge and the surrounding area was firmly in the hands of the German 251st Infantry Division so, unless he was a straggler or prisoner (though the area was evacuated with no casualties), the obituary has the wrong location (highly understandable).

Thanks for posting the image, by the way. It's of great interest to me. (Mind if I take a copy?)

Cheers.

dave.


harribobs

"It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply
  to serve as a warning to others."

Fritz Bayer


Fritz Bayer


Fritz Bayer

Quote from: Fritz Bayer on January 20, 2009, 08:47:43 PM
CWGC accepted date of death is May 27th

Here's his CWGC entry...looks like they've now left the date of death as per the newspaper report ...

Fritz Bayer

His original entry...

BOOTH, NORMAN Private
3532054
1/9th Bn. Manchester Regiment
Army
United Kingdom --
27-May-40
19
Son of Harry and Hilda Booth, of Stalybridge, Cheshire.
Column 119.
DUNKIRK MEMORIAL France


Fritz Bayer

Cheers Roy.

War diary for the day is none too descriptive (better info in the diaries of those who the 1/9th were supporting)...