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Bridge Vaux-sur-Aure

After landing in the second wave of attack on Gold beach at Le Hamel, the 2nd South Wales Borderers move through the fields between Asnelles and St. Come de Fresne to Forrêt de Mauvines, west of Ryes, the RV area 2nd SWB (Rendez -Vous or collection area).

The main objective for the 2nd SWB was to eliminate the bridge and road at Vaux-sur Aure and the German RDF (Radio Direction Finder) near Pouligny. At Vaux-sur Aure contact would be made with the Americans who moved inland from Omaha beach.

From the RV, 2nd SWB supporting the front troops, 2nd Devons in the vicinity of Ryes and 1st Dorsets at Buhot. At 5.35 pm Buhot was and by 7.30 pm Ryes was in British hands. The B-company 2nd SWB moves via Magny-en-Bessin in the direction of Vaux-sur Aure with 2nd Essex on their left flank (final goal: St Sulpice) and on the right flank A-company SWB, which goes to La Rosiere. 2nd Glosters became the brigade reserve together with brigade HQ and move towards Magny-en-Bessin after 7:40 pm.

On June 6 at 11:50 pm the 2nd SWB reported that they had captured the bridge. Here the positions were taken and the night was spent in patrol walks and small fights with lost groups of Germans. 12 Germans were taken prisoner.

Total losses on June 6 were; 20 injured and 4 dead.

Deadly victims:
Sergeant Reynolds (Cementry Bayeux)
Private Price (Cementry Bayeux)
Private Massey (Cementry Bayeux)
Private Parr (Mangy and Bessin)

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Source

  • Text: Cornelis Reijntjes
  • Photos: Cornelis Reijntjes (1, 2, 3), Jan van den Bos (4)