Major George Downie

Major Downie participated in Operation Overlord,(D Day invasion of Normandy). Landing on 6 June 1944 as a Supply officer  within the Head Quarters of 398 Company (Royal Army Service Corps) RASC which was providing logistical support to the 6 Airborne Division. He probably took off from England between 0045 and 0103, with 4 other RASC officers on the Second Air Lift. Which would co-ordinate all of the RASC units in the Brigade, of which 398 were part of. Wounded near one of the Orne Bridges (probably Pegasus) on 10th June 1944 and evacuated.

The diary entry notes there was a combined Luftwaffe and Artillery attack on positions held by British airborne troops around the Orne River (likely Pegasus Bridge). During this attack, a number of casualties were incurred including George. It also mentions that his unit had retrieved and repaired a French motorcycle sidecar from German forces.

The 398 Company War Diary states:

"1800 - Sharp enemy air attack on Orne bridges supported by Artillery fire. 1 Sergeant and 3 Drivers return to Company from 12 Devons, 11 Drivers from 2 Ox and Bucks and 7 Drivers from 1 Royal Ulster Rifles. 1 Enemy combination motorcycle - 990 cc "Gnome-et-Rhone" recovered and repaired by Workshops Platoon. Major Horton assumes appointment as S.Sup.O at H.Q. RASC, vice Major Downie (Wounded and evacuated). Captain Robertson assumes command of company.”