Private George H Bickle

Private George Henry Bickle, who came from Devon, served in the 12th (Airborne) Battalion, The Devonshire Regiment.

The Battalion was converted to an airborne role in 1943 and formed part of the 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division, and took part in the Normandy landings in June 1944.

A shortage of aircraft meant that only one Company could be inserted by glider, with the remainder travelling by sea. The Battalion formed up in the Ranville area on 7 June and took up defensive positions occupied by the 12th Parachute Battalion at around 17:00 hours.

Later that evening the Battalion positions were subjected to enemy mortar and machine gun fire. Their positions were then also attacked by enemy aircraft with anti-personnel bombs. Private Bickle is believed to have been one of three soldiers killed during these attacks.

Private Bickle died on 7 June, aged 25 years, and is now buried in Ranville Churchyard.

Headstone photograph taken 2010.