Hello dbf or Martin14, Do you, or anyone else for that matter, have a MI9 report for Cyril Richardson's escape from Italy? Cant seem to find it. Cheers Skip
Skip, No sorry I don't and I would imagine that Martin doesn't either. I only asked for a photo from him for my commemorative site. Just checking - where have you looked for report - TNA? ADM199 would be the one to ask about these matters; I can move query over to POW section if you want. Regards Diane Name:RICHARDSON, CYRIL SIDNEY MALCOLM Initials:C S MNationality:United Kingdom Rank:Guardsman Regiment/Service:Coldstream Guards Unit Text:3rd Bn. Age:26 Date of Death:21/10/1943 Service No:2657262 Additional information:Son of William George and Kate Richardson, of Horsham, Sussex. Casualty Type:Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference:Grave 82A. Cemetery:VEVEY (ST. MARTIN'S) CEMETERY
Diane - that would be great - not worked out how to do that myself yet! Much appreciate the reply. I have looked at WO 208/3344 which covers MI9 debriefs 201-400 and will have look at 1-200 (3343) and 401-853 (3345) but not sure if there is an easier way of doing it rather than trawling through so many files. All the best, Skip
Skip Moved posts over to POW section [From this thread http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/war-grave-photographs/26828-going-vevey-st-martins-cemetery-switzerland.html ] Do you know if there definitely was a report? Could he not have died before making one? Anyway, really not my area at all; hope Brian can add something.
Not sure Diane. What I do know is that 'Lofty' Richardson joined the LRDG mid 1941 serving in G1 patrol and was taken prisoner by the Germans on 17/12/41. After being imprisoned at Barce he was transported to PG59 in Italy. He escaped on 11/09/43 with John 'Tam' Pratt, also of the LRDG, crossing into Switzerland on 28/09/43. He died of pneumonia a month later. Diane - thanks for moving this across.
Hi Skip, You probably have this already, but attached is his entry from WO392/21 a list of Allied POW's to the Italians, August 1943. He is stated present in Camp 133, which is only designated as a 'Working Camp'? As Diane says, ADM 199 is your best hope for detailed info. Steve.
Steve - many thanks for that. Didnt know that he was in Camp 133 so it's extra information and much appreciated.
133 was not a work camp itself it was an administration centre at Montelupone for 9 work details in June 1943. It was proposed to expand this to 19. Agriculture was the work. Major De Nicola was Italian Officer Commanding. Escapers Reports were made by the man himself, so if he was killed before getting back to Allied Lines there will be no Escapers Report I'm afraid.
Photograph of Richardson here;- http://www.specialforcesroh.com/gallery/file9879.jpg As Brian said if he died so soon after reaching safety then there will be no escape report but if he escaped with John 'Tam' Pratt try looking to see if he made one the report (if made) should mirror Richardsons attempt ..should`nt it?...or have I missed something? Jim
Thanks once again ADM199 - the extra detail about 133 is invaluable as the net only lists it as being at Novara. Richardson made it into Switzerland but I wasnt sure if he would have filled out a report on arrival rather than have to wait until he reached the UK. As it sounds that he probably didnt I guess that finding the report of John 'Tam' Pratt, LRDG, might be the way ahead in case he describes Richardson's escape. Is there any way I can narrow the search for this rather than trawl through all of the 3343-45 files at TNA?
As was previously mentioned, I have only a picture of his final resting place, but it seems other members of this forum are doing their usual wonderful job of pitching in and helping out.
Yes - can second that; been very impressed by this forum. Thanks very much for al the responses. Just found a very useful website listing MI9 reports in their respective WO 208 files: Index to TNA WO208 - Escape and Evasion Reports
Always be careful of using what you find on the internet. Go to original sources to check the accuracy. That's where what I have posted comes from. Escapers into Switzerland were debriefed after they reached their internment Camp. The report will say date arrived in Switzerland but this is not accurate as it is the date interrogated. T/229219 Dvr Tom Pratt is much easier:- WO 208/4266 is the File you need. The Reports are in Alpha so will be easy to find. Thanks once again ADM199 - the extra detail about 133 is invaluable as the net only lists it as being at Novara. Richardson made it into Switzerland but I wasnt sure if he would have filled out a report on arrival rather than have to wait until he reached the UK. As it sounds that he probably didnt I guess that finding the report of John 'Tam' Pratt, LRDG, might be the way ahead in case he describes Richardson's escape. Is there any way I can narrow the search for this rather than trawl through all of the 3343-45 files at TNA?
The index only tells you what the Research Guide and Catalogue on TNA Website show you. Why someone has bothered to duplicate the information is surprising. It seems to have sent you to the wrong group of Files. The Forum is the place to ask for this kind of information. Brian Yes - can second that; been very impressed by this forum. Thanks very much for al the responses. Just found a very useful website listing MI9 reports in their respective WO 208 files: Index to TNA WO208 - Escape and Evasion Reports
Skip, Simply for interests sake! Here are the entries for the name Pratt. There is one J. Pratt from the Scot's Guards, might be a candidate?
Brian and Steve - many thanks for the replies and the very useful info. I am back at the TNA, touch wood, on Monday and will follow up those files. Thanks Brian for locatimng Pratt. Steve - I will try and copy all of WO 392/21 so that you dont keep having to come to my rescue! All the best, Skip
Skip, It's no problem for me, if you want the small amount of detail from these files in regard to any other POW, then just ask. Good luck on monday. Steve.
Not a problem Skip, I have every list in WO 392 from 1 to 26. Copied them myself in black and white. Also have the three Published Volumes. Brian
Cheers Steve, Others that I am looking for are: Alexander Westwater 1 SAS [876932] later KIA with 26FRA Sgt Robinson 2 SAS Sgt Stoke 2 SAS Pte Leonard William Curtis [6025725] Essex Regt + 2 SAS. Arrived Canadian lines in Italy 30/10/43 with Sgt Robinson, Sgt Stoke having been left at a farm to recover. Curtis later killed when his aircraft crashed in France during Operation Rupert Sorry for lack of numbers of Stokes and Robinson but not known. All the best Skip