Private Robert Box

Private Robert Box was the son of Mr and Mrs E Box, of Carlisle, and husband of B M Box, of Harraby, Carlisle. He served with 8th (Midlands) Parachute Battalion and took part in the Normandy campaign.

Private Box died on 25 August 1944, aged 25 years old. He is now buried at Vatteville-la-Rue Churchyard, near Caudebac, Normandy.

Private Box's official date of death in the 8th Parachute Battalion honour roll is recorded as 25th August 1944. However, the exact date is uncertain. Box was involved in the battle for the freedom of the Beuzeville, but he was injured and captured along with Lance-Sergeant Charles McIlhargey. It was initially assumed that both died in the back of a German lorry in a friendly fire incident. But when British soldiers returned to investigate, a Madame Bouden offered this alternative account: 

On Sunday 27th August at approx 2000 hrs the above named British Parachutists [Robert Box and Charles McIlhargey] were brought to the village by a Cpl of the German Army and held in the house owned by Mr Bouden. A few hours later, they were taken down the road by the Cpl (who by a statement of Madame had already treated them brutally), 200 yds further down the road, the Cpl was met by a Capt who gave the order for the prisoners to be shot. The following morning Mr Bouden buried both of them in a nearby field, where the brutal crime was committed.

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