The battalion was soon in action at Cagny, south-east of Caen, where
it faced one of Hitler's crack SS Divisions. The summer weather was at its hottest, and as the battalion left this sector
heading towards the River Seine they were harassed by flies as well as German sniper and mortar fire. They passed Calvados
heading east towards Vimont, an enemy held village. On 14 August 1944 the village was cleared, and the advance continued.
They crossed the River Touque in darkness, with the aid of cables slung across by the pioneers, and ejected the German
garrison on the far bank.
On 24 August the advance resumed, across heavily wooded country ideal
for snipers. Among those killed here was Major John 'Dizzy' Dain, who before the war had been a master at Uppingham School.
He was sadly missed. The battalion's next major objective was the port of Le Havre which was stubbornly holding out. Again
a determined enemy made good use of cover - his Spandau machine guns were particularly effective, and the battalion was only
able to move forward with the support of tanks.
Next came the drive into Belgium, and as the German Army was now in full
retreat, the battalion (aboard a fleet of trucks) advanced a record 116 miles in one day. On 29 September 1944 the 1st Leicesters
were ordered to attack the German position known as the Depot de Mendicite, a combined workhouse and prison which stood astride
the main road at Merxplas. It was heavily fortified, and the presence of the inmates prevented a preparatory artillery
barrage.
The Leicesters attacked under cover of darkness and 'C' Company managed to enter
the compound. The fighting here was confused as Germans fired upon them from all sides, but the company commander Major Arthur
Denaro (left) led his men forward until he was killed. Denaro's actions that day were of the highest order, and many would
argue, deserving of the Victoria Cross. However this was not to be.
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Above: Pte Peter Rowley, killed by enemy mortar fire on 15
August 1944. He is buried in Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados
Left: Mortar Platoon, 1st Leicesters
Below: Major John 'Dizzy' Dain, killed on 26 August 1944 by
a sniper
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Above: medals and obituary of Ray Millington, of Hinckley,
who died of wounds at Le Havre
Below: A group of Leicesters with Belgian civilians, October
1944
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