Lieutenant-Colonel Jack Maurice
2nd Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

At 0115 hrs several shells fell in the Bn area, one of which killed Lieut Col F.J. Maurice. Col. Maurice had comd the Bn for two years and was dearly loved by all ranks. His death cast a gloom over the Bn just as it was again to go into action.

(War Diary, 7 Jul 1944)

Born on 2 April 1905 in Marlborough, Wiltshire, Frederick Jack Maurice was commissioned with the East Surrey Regiment after graduating from Royal Military College, Sandhurst in 1924. He became adjutant for 2nd Battalion in 1935, and by 1940 had been promoted to major. Home from France on sick leave, when German forces attacked Belgium, Maurice crossed to attempt to rejoin his battalion. In the chaotic situation he fought with an ad hoc group of troops before evacuation.

In July 1942, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in command of the 2nd Battalion, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. After nearly two years of training, Maurice lead the unit went ashore on D-Day with the 3rd Infantry Division. For the initial advance from the beachhead, he earned the D.S.O.:

In spite of considerable opposition both in front and on the flanks the force advanced with great speed and succeeded in attaining its objectives. The success of this operation was far reaching in its effect and was very largely due to his cool judgement, leadership and the fine personal example he set to his men. It is impossible to speak too highly of this officer both during this particular operation and the subsequent day when his battalion was subjected to continual artillery and mortar fire.

One month after D-Day, Maurice was killed by enemy shell fire on 7 July 1944. Second-in-command Major M.J.F. Wilson took over until the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel C.G. Millett one week later.