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Chapter V The next few weeks that followed the Invasion Operations, proved to be a temporary relief. The movements of the Battalion took it to Bois Du Molay, Colombiers, and then to Foucarville, where the Rangers took charge of a Prisoner of War cage. Then to Flamanville, France, where the Rangers had the mission of guarding the beach against possible counter-invasion by the Germans who were on Jersey and Guernsey Islands. While patrolling, the Rangers suffered many casualties, as the beach had been thoroughly mined by the enemy. However, up to the time that the Rangers left Flamanville, no counter-invasion took place, -- though several months later, the Germans on the Channel Islands did raid a French Port and take prisoners. These weeks were also used for acquiring and training replacements; -- replacements that volunteered to join the Rangers and who had to measure up to the high standards set forth. Every effort was put forth to make real Rangers of these men, this time without the benefits of Camp Forrest, Fort Pierce, Scotland or the Assault Training Center of Braunton, England. But with the spirit, physical and mental qualifications, these men, in a short time, became Rangers, -- and the original Rangers accepted them as such. Movements again, and this time to St. Bonfosse, Bauis, St. Germain, mayenner and finally Tragarantec, where the Rangers were supplied and prepared for the coming campaign, -- “Brest”. |
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