In a world where tales of heroism often fade into history’s shadows, a secretive auction has uncovered a treasure trove of mysterious historical artifacts with a poignant narrative. The year was 1944, and the soldiers of the Dorsetshire Regiment found themselves thrust into a little-known yet harrowing battle on the Dutch-German border.
The 4th and 5th battalions of the Dorsetshire Regiment were tasked with a formidable mission – to breach the 400-mile-long and 2.5-mile-deep Nazi defence line. Among these valiant men stood 23-year-old L/Cpl Frank Boyce, known affectionately as “Biddy,” a young soldier whose courage would etch his name into the annals of bravery.
L/Cpl Boyce’s journey was not one of mere victory but of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite sustaining serious injuries at the outset of the operation, he epitomized unwavering determination, earning him the prestigious Military Medal. Now, decades later, The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester stands as a bastion of remembrance, seeking to secure L/Cpl Boyce’s medals for its esteemed Dorsetshire Regiment collection.
Born in the verdant embrace of the New Forest on 24 August 1921, Frank “Biddy” Boyce’s path was intertwined with the tumultuous events of wartime Europe. As the 5th battalion navigated the treacherous terrain near Geilenkirchen, they bore the scars of previous battles at Hill 112 in Normandy and Arnhem, where losses had weighed heavily on their hearts.
Their objective loomed ominously before them – the formidable German Siegfried Line, a bastion of bunkers, pillboxes, guns, mines, and tank obstacles standing as a sentinel to Nazi Germany. The ensuing battle was a symphony of sacrifice and valor, as the Dorsetshire soldiers braved conditions reminiscent of the horrors of World War One.
General Sir Brian Horrocks, their Corps Commander, immortalized the intensity of the conflict, remarking that the Battle of Geilenkirchen was a testament to the ferocity of warfare. Against a backdrop of unrelenting rain and ceaseless German counter-attacks, the men of the Dorsetshire Regiment exhibited unparalleled bravery and resilience.
L/Cpl Boyce’s citation for the Military Medal painted a portrait of unparalleled gallantry – wounded at the onset of battle, he pressed forward with unwavering resolve, ensuring the effectiveness of his mortar and guiding his platoon to the final objective. Despite grievous injuries and the loss of blood, his spirit remained unbroken, a beacon of inspiration to all who fought alongside him.
Following the echoes of battle, the site of their heroic stand was christened Dorset Wood, a poignant tribute to the indomitable spirit of the soldiers who
