The Green Howards (Yorkshire Regiment).
Died on 11th June 1944.
Age 19
The 6th Battalion, The Green Howards, landed at La Riviere on 'Gold Beach', Normandy, on 6 June 1944. They quickly advanced inland. On 11 June they were ordered to attack, with tank support, a fortified farm near the village of Cristot. The area was known as the 'bocage' - small fields and orchards with high hedges and sunken lanes. This was ideal for the Germans to defend. As the Green Howards advanced, the Germans waited until the tanks had passed, then opened up on the Green Howards with heavy machine gun fire from the farm and its surrouncing orchards. They fought bravely, although at a heavy price in casualties, until they captured the farm, killing many Germans in the process. They later had to withdraw, bringing their wounded away on the tanks. Pte. James (Jim) Cockerill was one of over 200 casualties suffered by the Battalion in this brave action.
Jim was the son of Walter and Robertha Ellen Cockerill. He was aged 19. He attended St.John's, Stonefold, Church and School and was a member of the choir. Before he enlisted he worked in a local cotton mill.
Jim is buried in Bayeux War Cemetery, France. There are 4,663 Commonwealth graves in the cemetery. Jim lies in Plot X1, Row K, Grave 16.
.png)
