ryan_box023-tld_f56_02

EXCERPT
1. SH 102576 Sgt COUTURE, George James
2. Royal Winnipeg Rifles - 3rd Division
3. Coast of Normandy
Approx. 0730 hrs, 6 June 1944.
4. Rifleman
5. 18 years
6. No
7. Mrs. Angela Couture
8. No.
9. "Recruiting Sgt" - Canadian Army, Calgary Area.
10. When I transferred as a volunteer from the "Queens Own Cameron
Highlanders of Canada (Winnipeg) to the Winnipeg Rifles as a
3 inch Mortor Number two months before "D" Day.
11. When we crossed the Channel most everyone seemed concerned with
the weather. Some soldiers talked of their homes and families
in Canada, others about wives and children, others kept to
themselves, but the majority of soldiers seemed to be glad to
have the training finished and were anxious to finish the war
and return home to Canada. I like a great number of the younger
ones looked upon this as an adventure and never gave too much
thought to what lay ahead.
As our ship travelled down the mine swept Channel, we had quite
a scare, as a German (or English mine) had broke free and just
missed contacting our boat. After we passed, a R.N. torpedo
boat blew it up with rifle fire.
12. A rumor, that I still remember, is that the 3rd Cdn Division
as assault troops would only establish a beach head and were to
be relieved in 24 hours and taken back to England for rest and
leave.
13. No.
14. Many of my friends were killed and wounded during the day and
landing.