1,222 graves: 986 British, 2 New Zealanders, 1 Canadian, 1 Australian, 232 German. Shortly after the Landings, fighting took place around Tilly-sur-Seulles. Mainly 49th, 50th and 7th Armoured Divisions (British) were involved. Tilly was not liberated until 18th June, following violent clashes which were to continue until mid-July 1944. The cemetery lies near the road in open country behind a hedge of trimmed Beech not far from the centre of Tilly. Across the entire width on either side of the Cross, stand two porches flanked by 'jardinières' with creeping coniferous shrubs. Beyond are pergolas, their pillars entwined with Wisteria, Honeysuckle, Clematis, and Virginia creeper. At each end is a semi-circular stone bench surrounded by a close-clipped hedge. At the foot of the headstones numbers of red yellow and pink Roses are mixed with the perennials.
I took these photos at Tilly about four years ago, they should give a fair impression of the cemetery, I am always impressed by the great care given to the grounds and th war graves. There are as Jim mentioned 232 German soldiers buried in Tilly, they receive the same care although buried in a separate section. This is quite common in Normandy.
Captain Peter Garrett was the FOO for 4 KSLI and had served with them since the beginning of the campaign. On the 3rd August he was at Company HQ at a position occupied by two companies of 4th KSLI. During the morning this position was attacked by enemy tanks and heavily mortared. Several 3 RTR tanks were hit. Peter Garrett immediately went to his tank through heavy enemy tank and mortar fire and directed fire with telling effect. During the action his tank was hit, but Garrett continued to direct fire from his own regiment and 77th Medium Regimen, making several journeys to Company HQ across ground which was under heavy fire. For this he was awarded the Military Cross. He was killed by a mortar bomb during the two hour battle to clear Aubusson, as probably was POrivate Salt of the 4 KSLI whose grave stone is also in the post. Sadly Garrett's replacement Captain D H Bennett was killed a few days later after he was accidentally shot by a sentry. He is also buried in Tilley-sur-Seulles CWC Casualty
