Date of death:

September 25th, 1944

Buried on:

Commonwealth War Cemetery Leopoldsburg
Plot: II. Row: A. Grave: 14.

Service number:

314153

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

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25 September 1944 WO 171/1304 - Hallamshire Battalion
1/4 K.0.Y.L.I. passed through 4 Lincolns to take the village of RYCKEVORSEL 9209. The Bn moved up behind the K.O.Y.L.I. and was ordered to move fwd on the axis MERXPLAS 0010 - POPPEL 1219. 1/4 K.O.Y.L.I. and 'A' Sqn Recce Regt found many enemy to the North East and West of the village and were hotly engaged. It was found impossible to proceed along the axis. Accordingly the C.O. decided to move 'B' Coy along the track 936076 - 951093, and 'A' and 'C' Coys remaining in the area 933093, hoping by this means, to bypass resistance and push on along the axis. 'B' Coy made good progress through the Woods and 'C' Coy were brought round to clear on the East of 'B' Coy. 'B' Coy reached 951093 without meeting opposition, but 'C' Coy encountered enemy in the neighbourhood of BLACK HEIDE 9508 and were counter attacked. They succeeded however in fighting their way through to the main rd after losing Lieut Toon and three ORs killed. 'D' Coy were in the meantime, brought up from the South bank of the Canal. 'A' Sqn Recce reported that the enemy had made off to the East. 'D' Coy were accordingly pushed along the axis after them, being instructed to keep at least 50 yds away from the rd itself. Unfortunately they moved along the ditches on either side of the rd and consequently encountered heavy shell fire, which was all the more effective as the rd was lined with trees, causing the shells to burst in the air. The men were therefore naturally without cover and suffered many casualties incl Capt A. Pearce. The Coy became somewhat demoralised but were led fwd again by Capt J Hall, and pulled together by Major J. Boucher, who was wounded, but had remained fwd and carried on till dark. It was now getting dark, so the Bn re-organised in the area 950094 where a good field of fire could be obtained. Total PW: 15.

25 September 1944 WO 171/1304 - Hallamshire Battalion
Cas: Offrs: Killed Capt W.A. Pearce and 2/Lt H.P. Toon, Wounded: Major J. Boucher. O.Rs: Killed 12, Wounded 10.

• - Second Lieutenant Harold Purday Toon | War Casualty Details 2110077 | CWGC
  

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