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Elias Sterio
Rank: Private
Name

Elias Sterio


Nationality
British

Unit

6th Battalion


Location
Le Pont de la Guillette, Normandy, France

Date
June 13th 1944

Survived the war?
No
Durham Light Infantry

Durham Light Infantry

A bridge too far

The letter here below was delivered to Mrs Bridget Sterio, Elias' wife on June 22nd 1944. Elias Sterio was born in Swansea Wales UK in 1919. He came ashore on D Day, 6th June 1944 at about 11am with A Company, 6th battalion Durham Light Infantry.

Dear Mrs Sterio,

By now you will have had offical notification of the death of your husband so I am permitted to write to you on behalf of the officers & men of A Co we offer our deepest sympathy in your loss which was also our loss as he was a good soldier & well liked by all. Although there is little to tell, I know you would like to hear how it happened.

We had been ordered to capture an enemy position & your husband was with the leading platoon. The Germans allowed the first men through & then fired on the larger body of men. You will be thankful to know that he suffered no pain as he died immediately. There is nothing else to say except that he did his duty gallantly & no man can do more.

Yours very sincerely
R. Edwards Captain
A Company

On the 13th of June 1944 they were walking down the Bayeux to Tilly sur Seulles road to help liberate Tilly sur Seulles. At Le Pont de la Guillette they were ordered to the right, down a lane to clear a German position. The Germans were waiting in farm buildings.

Elias Sterio was in the front batch of men,  the Germans waited until a larger body of men were in site then opened fire. He was killed instantly at Le Pont de la Guillette, just north of Tilly Sur Seulles. He now lies at peace at Tilly. He left a wife and a one year old baby (Mary). Le Pont de la Guillette is now peaceful but could do with a memorial to those brave men who lost their lives there on that fateful day, 13th June 1944.

Brian Jenkins, his nephew

Veteran's personal file
Durham Light Infantry
Durham Light Infantry

The Faithful Durhams

Personal photographs

Click on a picture for enlargement

Veteran's personal death record

  • 13th June 1944 (24 years old)
  • Tilly-Sur-Seulles War Cemetery

Remember each and every sacrifice, made for your freedom!

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