Ronald James Boiling was born in Thame on 20th January 1925 and baptised at St Mary’s church on 26th April 1925.  He was the second son of Edward William and Florence Mary Boiling (nee Rawlings) of 16 Wellington Street, Thame, although later they lived at number 40 Wellington St.

Ronald worked for Messrs WW Howland & Son, builders, prior to joining the Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry in March 1943 at age 19years.  He was with the 1st  Battalion that landed in France in late June 1944.  They were part of Operation Epsom that was intended to take the town of Caen, and later moved into the country east of Caen.

Early on the 13th August having crossed the River Orne on foot and at 4am the Battalion moved through the village of Bois Halbout to take the cross roads a La Bijude.  The attack met stiff resistance and was initially forced to withdraw but by 5pm that day the cross roads had been taken.

The Oxford & Bucks lost a number of men in the action including Lance Corporal Ronald J Boiling who is recorded as killed in action on 13th August 1944.

14556610 Lance Corporal Ronald James Boiling, Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry, is buried at Banneville-la-Campagne War Cemetery, Calvados, France.  He is remembered in Thame on the war memorial and St Mary’s Church memorial board