The Regiment had been in action with the exception of four days, from 20 July, Verrieres Ridge to 16 August when the 6 Bde liberated Falaise, but were subject to mortar and arty shelling and was the target for German bombers during night of 17th. The 19-20th were spent resting and cleaning up. On 22nd, SSR liberated Orbec with help of FFI. Lt-Col Clift took overcmd of 6 bde, and major R.B. Courtney took cmd of the Bn. On 24th bn advanced towards Brionne where they found the bridge had been blown. BHQ set up in a chateau and same time O Gp was being held, enemy bombers dropped bombs and blew in all the windows. The War diary mentions the SSr had suffered numerous casualties since 20 July and that the problems of replacement was acute; the approx strength of Rifle Coys was an average of 35 men. On 27 August, a warning order was given to prepare to move towards next objective - The Foret De La Londe, where troops debused; C Coy making a left flanking patrol, and A,B, & D Coys continued to their positions, meeting slight opposition from MG posts and snipers which were quickly wiped out. On the 28 Aug at approx 0300 hrs marching troops left to do advance to contact on high ground, when at daylight C Coy under Capt Vic Schubert were ambushed and as a result Coy HQs were unable to contact Schuberts patrol. The remainder of C coy came under heavy fire and sustained heavy cas., including Lieuts Jesson and Cree both being killed. At 2000 hrs an arty barrage was laid on to advance to high grd towards a monastery where D Coy under Major E. W. Thomas came under heavy MG and mortar fire. The CO's carrier moved to a quarry to have the 22 set replaced while D Coy cleaned out the Mg and sniper posts. The CO's carrier then followed D Coy with Capt Hadley, IO and a scout walked beside and in front of the carrier when it struck a mine which killed Major Courtney and Capt Hadly instantly. Lieut D. F. Fairgrieve, Ptes Curtis, and T.R. MacLean were blown out of the carrier on to the road. Fairgrieve suffering from phosphorus in his hair, Curtis and MacLean from shock and cuts to face-all evacuated to hospital. Major E. W. Thomas took command of the SSR and advance continued where they took up a firm base and dug in. During the night 28/29 Aug 44 the bn was under constant MG, mortar and rifle grenade fire. At 0005 hrs, D Coy fought vigorously to get through but was unsuccessful.

The following is an account of action during the battle as described by Major E. W. Thomas, MBECD as given to the author on 15 July, 1998: " I am glad you asked for just one short period of time. My memory does not extend to many "in betweens". I do recall the action at and in the Foret De La Londe. I recall that on the 26 Aug Lt-Col Clift took over as Brig and I was designated a 2 i/c SSR. Due to heavy casualties and shortage of officers I stayed with my coy rather than going to Bn HQ. I further recall that my Coy and I were quite deep in the Forest which was thickly wooded with the odd small clearing with small trees and brush. We were not in close contact with flanking Units and not at that time in close contact with the enemy. I do recall my coy was small in numbers as was the rest of the Bn. It was at this time I received a message to report back to Bn HQ. As we were not in combat I headed off by myself, carrying my rifle as I usually did. As I came to one of the clearings I saw two Germans about 50 yds away. The unexpected sight of these two slowed my reaction, however the situation quickened theirs and off they fled. When I arrived at the rock quary, was adviced to take over the Bn. To Bde HQ next day for O Gp and from there I joined Brig Clift and his recce group for a tour of the forward positions. We were just returning from most forward pont when Brig Clift was hit in lower leg by sniper's bullet. I was standing beside him at the time and assisted him to cover (the War Diary takes over from there), signed Major Ernest Thomas, MBE CD. I have enclosed two photos taken of me during that time. Photo at quary shows me as I arrived at BHQ and is indicative of personal condition of all of us at that time. The night of 30 Aug the enemy pulled out over the Seine. NOTES- During the period from 20 July until 30 August the Regiment suffered total casualties of 873 all ranks, which included KIA, wounded, missing, shock & exhaustion, also sick and injured. The Bn entered Rouen on 30/31 Aug then continued by transport to Dieppe for five day rest and being at a strength of approx 62 in number, awaited a good show of reinforcements.