Hi, Has any one any information as to where I can obtain a list of names of those who were involved in the assult on the Merville Battery on D Day. I am interested in the 9th battalion Parachute Regiment AAC. Also I would like to know what part the 9th played in this action. John Rollingson (my farther) was lost in this action and the only other name that I have is Vic Dangerfield, so if any one can give me any informaton, I would welcome this. Malcolm Rollingson.
Hi malcolm welcome to the forum. Have you seen these sites? The Merville Battery The 6th Airborne Division in Normandy The above site also has a section where you can ask if anyone knew your father Official Site of the Merville Battery - The Museum of the 9th Parachute Battalion
Hi Malcolm ... Not what you asked for ... but I found this .... one more name to research ! ( I wonder if your Dad is on the photograph ? ) Pvt Emile Servais Corteil Death - Jun. 6, 1944 Private Emile Servais Corteil was a dog handler with the 9th Bn Parachute Regiment of the 6th British Airborne Division. Pvt Corteil made the D-Day jump with his dog "Glenn" on the early hours of 6 June 1944 in the Orne River Valley to secure the flanks of the landings and knock out the Merville Battery which imposed a threat to the British landing beaches. Corteil and Glenn were among the many who missed their night time landing zone. Corteil, Glenn and the other Paratroopers were making their way to the rallying point to attack the Merville Battery. The Paratroopers were dogged by the flooded flate lands, German Patrols and traveling in the dark. The British Air Force had orders to strafe at any movement in certain areas along the Orne River Valley to keep the Germans in check and protect the Airborne Landings. The Paratroopers ended up in one of these areas that the British Pilots had orders to fire on. The British Paratoopers were attacked by friendly fire and Pvt Corteil, Glenn and other Parartroopers were killed as well as some being wounded. Pvt Corteil and his dog "Glenn" are buried together. It is believed that this is the only war time grave burial with a dog handler and his dog. Inscription: 14410713, 9thBn Parachute Regiment AAC Age 19 Pvt Emile Servais Corteil ( - 1944) - Find A Grave Memorial
I found Emile on this list of Parachute Regiment War Dead .... you'd have to go through the list for the 9th battalion ! para index C Annie
John Rollingson Hi Malcolm I have been researching the family tree for a friend, and you and he have the same Grandmother, Alice Frances. He knew your Father, as they were cousins If you would like to e-mail me, I can put you in touch with him. lindagray@blueyonder.co.uk Regards Linda
