I WRITE in the hope that you may be able to help in my research into a family member killed in the Second World War.

Charles Titterton, aged 29, was killed on Saturday, July 15, 1944, fighting for the 179th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery in the battle for Hill 112 during the "Breakout from Normandy".

Although working class, he rose through the ranks to become a captain. This seems to have been through a mix of his being regular army when war broke out, the obvious loss of officers as the war progressed but, equally importantly, a soldier held in high regard and experience.

He left a widow, a son aged two and a daughter of only six months.

Although I only came to know of his existence a couple of years ago, I have now met his son and daughter and, through what little they know or were told, I learned he was killed along with two comrades.

My research has revealed that three soldiers were killed that day from the 179th and that they are buried virtually side by side. This is another indication that they fell together.

His comrades were Charles Addison and Herbert Gray. Charles Addison came from York. The only information I have on him is that obtained from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website which gives the following information:

"Lance Bombardier Charles Wilfred Addison, 179th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery. Died July 15, 1944. Service No 1126817. Son of Albert James Addison and Mary Margaret Addison, of York, husband of Elsie May Addison, of York. Buried at St Manvieu War Cemetery, Cheux, Northern France. Grave VIII E7."

I now hope that through your readers there may still be a link with Charles Addison. That there may be descendants of his still alive and that maybe they have photos, letters, etc or at least family knowledge that can be of further help to me.

This March I am hoping to make my first trip to St Manvieu to visit the graves of Charles Titterton, and those of his two comrades.

Kevin Titterton,

164 Cliffefield Road,

Norton Lees,

Sheffield. S8 9BS

Tel: 0114 2585169

Mobile: 07833 123753

Email: kevintitterton@hotmail.com

Updated: 10:06 Saturday, January 07, 2006