The Newsletters of the Friends of the Green Howards Regimental Museum

Issue 19. APRIL 2005.
Normandy to Berlin
June 1944 to December 1946

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Details of the contents of Issue Number 19 are shown below.

Issue 19. April 2005.
Normandy to Berlin, June 1944 to December 1946

The story of the Regiment is described between June 1944 and December 1946, from the preparations for the D-Day invasion through to the actual invasion itself and the fighting in the immediate aftermath, and then the final push through to Germany.

As well as graphic accounts of the action on and after D-Day, and action in the following year, there are accounts of the final days when men of the 1st Battalion were stationed close to the Belsen Concentration Camp.

First hand accounts by the soldiers who took part in the actions is used throughout. One of those whose words are quoted was CSM Hollis, - the only soldier to be awarded a Victoria Cross on D-Day.

The Newsletter is copiously illustrated with maps and contemporary photographs, and there are many portraits of officers serving in the Green Howards at the time.

Time Line

The events in which the Regiment took part between 1 June 1944 and December 1946 are itemised, and the Regiment's Battle Honours are shown.

The Invasion of Normandy

The story of the D-Day landings is told, with the personal accounts of several of the soldiers taking part giving the narrative a personal touch.

King Sector of Gold Beach

The assault by the 69th Brigade, in which the 6th and 7th Battalions of the Green Howards were part, is described. As well as the maps and photographs that accompany the story, there are also the personal accounts of soldiers who took part.

The Green Howards D-Day Heroes

There were many heroes on D-Day, most of whom were never recognised or decorated. But the stories of CSM Hollis, VC, and two winners of the Military Cross, are provided.

Into Bocage Country

A description of the action in the Normandy countryside, illustrated with photographs and personal accounts.

Fighting Through the Netherlands

Between 18 August and 7 September 1944 the 6th and 7th Battalions advanced over 500 miles Eastwards with the 50th Division.

1st Battalion, Anzio to the Elbe

Whilst the 6th and 7th Battalions were engaged in the advance Eastwards from Normandy, the 1st Battalion were involved at Anzio. After the fall of Rome in June 1944, the 1st Battalion were involved with eight months of training in the Middle East. They were then transported to Europe for the final days of the War in March and April.

10th Battalion to 12th Airborne

The 10th Battalion was formed in June 1940 at Tidworth, and in May 1943 was converted to a parachute battalion, - becoming the 12th (Yorkshire) Battalion, the Parachute Regiment. This Battalion took part in the Normandy invasion as part of the 6th Airborne Division. They suffered the highest number of casualties of the 6th Airborne Division, and by September 1944 only 55 remained of the 550 who had been dropped on D-Day.

12th Battalion to 161st Reconnaissance Regiment.

The Green Howards raised 12 Battalions in World War 2. The 12th Battalion was formed in June 1940 but was amalgamated in August 1942 into the 161st Reconnaissance Regiment (Green Howards), Royal Armoured Corps. They were in action in August 1944 and took part in the long drive East towards Germany.

Luneberg Heath to Berlin

The final days of the War, with the 1st Battalion stationed close to the Belsen Concentration Camp.

Staff at No 5 Infantry Training Centre, Richmond, - 1944

Cartoons of personalities in the Regiment, by Fred May.

Awards to the 1st, 6th and 7th Battalions, the Green Howards, - From Normandy to Berlin 1944-1945

The list of medals awarded to men of the Regiment, including 1 VC, 2 DSOs, 7 MCs, and 23 MMs.

Issue No.19