
8th Kings Royal Irish
Hussars

This site is made up of some of the results of my
research about my uncle, George
William Attwood who was KIA action of 14th June 1944 whilst
serving with the 8th (Kings Royal Irish) Hussars, during "The
Battle of The Brigade Box", which took place the day after the
notorious Battle of Villers Bocage.
George joined the RAC in 1943 and following basic training
was posted to the Kings Royal Irish Hussars in late 1943 early 1944 when
that regiment returned from Italy to train to be part of the 7th Armoured
Division and their preparation for the invasion of France. George trained
as an operator/loader and landed at Le Hamel on 9th June 1944. He was a
member of 4 troop, A Squadron, his troop commander was Lt Mike Browne MC
who was killed at the same time as George and his Squadron CO was
Major Guy Threlfall, who was killed in action in August 1944.
The 8th King's Royal Irsh Hussars were the recce regiment of the 7th
Armoured Division and as such their movements were not easy to track,
however they worked in this role with the Division from the 9th June
moving down to Villers Bocage, during this Battle they were split to the
East and West of the Divisions centre line guarding the flanks. When the
Division withdrew after the disastrous Battle of Villers Bocage, The 8th
Hussars took a major part in what became known as the Battle of the
Brigade Box or "The Island", it was during this action that I
believe my Uncle was KIA near Bricquessard.
I have included a Photo
Gallery with many photographs either from my own collection or loaned
to me (all published with the owner's permission!).
The
booklet Tank Hunting was issued to my uncle
whilst in basic training and gives a fascinating insight into training
methods.