Private 4458519 Herbert Boardman

Census details:
1939 Register - Not identified.

Notes:
27/10/1913 - Herbert Boardman's name has now been added to the St Helens Cenotaph.

[iframe]http://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/coffey_time/10153229.No_trace_of_Herbert___s_name_on_war_memorial/?ref=rss[/iframe] The 27th June 1942 is a date that will live forever in the Regimental History of the Durham Light Infantry. The morning of 27th June 1942 9th DLI were about 15 miles South of Garawla at a place called Raqabet El Sikka .151 brigade whom 9th DLI were part had the task of protecting part of the Mersah defences so the town of Mersah Metruh was not cut off. The ground was flat and rocky, making it impossible for the soldiers to dig-in. Instead, the men lay behind boulders or small, quickly-built stone walls. Rommels Panzer columns swept around Matruh and cut off the 10th Indian and 50th Tyne Tees division.At 0200hrs on the 27th `B` Company of the 9thDLI were attacked by a German patrol,at 0515hrs the whole of 9th DLI were attacked by superior numbers of German infantry supported by tanks, mortars and heavy artillery fire this was a heavy frontal assault and casualties were high on both sides in the ensuing hand to hand combat, at 0730hrs all three rifle companies found themselves isolated from one other. The battalion headquarters were over run with large numbers of casualties killed, wounded, missing and taken prisoner. At 0900am orders were given for survivors to withdraw unfortunately due to their positions many could not and were forced to surrender. Pte Adam Herbert Wakenshaw was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the 27th of June. 9th DLI lost 20 killed on the 27th June 1942 many more died of wounds over the next few days and weeks. [pic]imgs/S1PWHYAOTV/ALAMEINMEM_panel_67_68_D.jpg[/pic][caption](Alamein Memorial - Column 68) (Picture & Research by Jeff Keenan)[/caption]