Personal Papers of 883440 Sergeant R.C. Couzins
Robert Charles Couzins was born on 5th October 1919 in St Albans. He joined the Royal Artillary in 1938. Robert wrote a long letter dated 2nd October, 1944 describing his experiences from the Normandy landing until he was injured and returned to England to recuperate.
He also includes a note on the units to which he belonged or he supported during his time in the army which is given below and a summary of "How we became to be in the Invasion."
Mobilized 3rd Sept 39 at the time embodied in the 54th Div: leaving Hertfordshire (St. Albans) Nov 29. d Day supported 50th Div: assault on La RIVIERE. opened fire 0645. went ashore 0800 86 being first guns ashore. 23rd March 1500hrs moved up to the Rhine. At night 51 (Highland Div) made crossing. On the 27th 0430, from then on mainly in support of Guards Arm. Div., eventually leaving to assist 3rd Div in attack on Bremen. Back to 51st as they moved North to Cuxhaven. news that wholesale surrender was being effected came 5th May. Divisions supported during 11 months:-Guards Armoured, 7th Arm (desert rats), 11th Arm. 50th, 51st, 52nd, 53rd, 59th, 3rd, 15th, 43rd, 49th 6th Airborne, the 86th & 101st American Airborne Divs dropped at AACHEN & EINDHOVEN respectively.
List of decorations. (within the Regt) D.S.O’s 2. M.B.E.’s 2 M.C.’s 6 MM’s 4 Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star 1. Mentions 5 C in C’s certif.: 5. U.S.A. Silver Star 1 U.S.A. Bronze Star 1