1st Battalion 507th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division.

Timmes' Orchard

‘Le Maison Timmes’, Amfreville.

Staff Sergeant Donald E Bosworth 1st Battalion 507th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division.

I have just spent three splendid days in the company of Jeff and Kyle Bosworth from California USA as we followed in the footsteps of their father and grandfather Staff Sergeant Donald E Bosworth 1st Battalion 507th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division.
S/Sgt Bosworth parachuted into Normandy during the night of 5th-6th June 1944. He missed his Drop Zone and broke his ankle landing near the village of Orglandes. After commandeering a French farmer’s vehicle he set off into the night to eventually link up with his Commanding Officer Lt. Col Timmes at an orchard just outside the village of Amfreville.
During the fighting at ‘Timmes Orchard’ S/Sgt Bosworth was wounded in the shoulder following a violent exchange of fire with a German machine gun crew.
He stayed with the 507th and took part in their final battle at La Poterie Ridge, overlooking Le Haye du Puits. In the midst of the fighting S/Sgt Bosworth distinguished himself by bringing up ammunition to his comrades whilst under heavy fire.
He was awarded the Silver Star in recognition of his actions.
A remarkable man.
My thanks to Jeff and Kyle for sharing his story with me.