WW2 BRITISH ARMY GROUPING TO A D-DAY ACTION TO CPL. S. THORNBER, 79TH ARMOURED ENGINEERS

Wounded in Action D day group of 4 to 2119161 Lance Corporal Stanley Thornber, 79th Armoured Engineers Squadron, Royal Engineers.

1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, Silver Wound badge. Also includes his Paybook and Dog tag.

5th Armoured Eng Reg booklet lists Thornber wounded. Military photo many docs and forms, Sqn Farewell dance booklet listing 79 Sqn Actions in NW Europe. Listed on nominal roll and WIA. Soldiers Release Book.

Stanley Thornber was born in Burnley, Lancashire in 1918, the son of George Thornber and Cissie nee Smith. In 1939 he was working as a joiner. In 1940 he married Doris Blades. He enlisted as a L/Cpl with the Royal Engineers in Aug 1940. He participated in the D-Day Offensive. as part of the 79 Armoured Engineers Squadron. This unit used strange-looking tanks (known as Hobart’s Funnies) that could be modified to float, clear mines, and carry and lay bridges and roadways, all of which proved their value in this action.

Thornber was wounded in action on 9th June 1944 when that unit was fighting at Cambes, an important early action after D Day. He was discharged from service on 27 Sept 1946 and his testimonial states “He was a demolition NCO in a tank of an Assault Sqn R.E. and acted most coolly through many gallant actions. He is a top rate Carpenter & Joiner & has carried out some excellent construction work.”

He died in Burnley in 1990.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/79th_Armoured_Division_(United_Kingdom)

Stanley Thornber Served 1940-45
From Burnley Lancs
Demolition NCO in a tank of assault Sqn RE. Queen Beach (Sword Beach) D Day

Code: 50277