Stanley George Shipley, Hill 112

 

We often get guests at Le Gaudin visiting the historic Hill 112, known to the British as ‘the key to Normandy’ during World War II.

 

In July this year we were delighted to welcome Christoff Friederichs and members of his family. Christoff has just finished writing a book about his maternal grandfather, Stanley Shipley, a professional soldier who was wounded at the battle for Hill 112.

 

His medals include the General Service Medal with Clasp "Palestine" 1939-45 Star, France and Germany star Defence Medal and War medal 1939-45.

 

Stanley first saw action in Palestine in 1936 as a soldier in the Wiltshire Regiment.

 

After seven years in the army he retired, only to be enlisted again at the outbreak of WWII. After Dubkirk, he trained in Scotland to become a commando and served his time in North Western Europe.

 

Wounded at Hill 122, he returned to England to recover and went back again to hostilities in Holland, Belgium and Germany. Sadly, at the close of the war, he died within weeks of his return home.

 

“It has been wonderful staying at Le Gaudin,” says Christoff. “Right in the middle of where it all happened - and Mine Host is a military historian who really knows so much about WWII and Hill 112 in particular. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone interested in the hostilities surrounding the Juno operation. We will certainly be coming back.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another book launch at Le Gaudin - 'how to be a copywriter'