This is a shot in the dark but hopefully someone can help. I recently heard the story of an American (possibly a pilot) who went by the surname of Jackson. He asked from a prisoner of war camp in Les Hogues, Eure, Normandy. No one locally can tell me any more than that and I want to find out as much as I can. All I know is that he escaped in 1944. The POW camp in Les Hogue was also the scene where five members of the allied forces were executed after refusing to fix a German truck that had broken down. They now lay in the local graveyard. Any help in identifying this American would be much appreciated. I have enquired at the local town hall and they have confirmed the story as apparently being true but they don't any documents on the incident. Any informaton that I learn will be passed on to the council for their archives. Cheers for now, Alex.
You may be aware of this from ;- Spitfire LFIX RCAF 412Sqn VZ-K Ketterson MJ306 England 1944 It doesnt tell you who `jackson` is but the author may know more? Kyle
Doesn't appear to have been any man named Jackson, unless he is one of the two unknown "English artillerymen". Grim story indeed. Dave
Have a look through this list of Jacksons that were 'shot down' in France and see if you can put your finger on one of them Recherche crash avion 39-45 - France-Crashes 39-45 TD Hmm when I try the link it doesnt do what I thought it would - however if you type in the name Jackson then the list will appear
Kyle, this is fascinating! Where did you find this? It appears that the known story around here, Lyons La Forêt and Les Hogues, about the death of the five is wrong!!! If you can let me know where this document comes from I will then pas on this info to the mayor of Les Hogues.
Tricky, I have had a look at that site, there is a POW escapade Evade report WO 208/3320/16. I can't view it without paying for a copy, can anyone access a copy at all?
Does anyone have access to the WO docs from the National archives without paying. It would be interesting to look through all of them. May be I was given duff info about the person being American..
Hello Alex, The information came from a post on the link I posted which was working yesterday but appears down today for some reason? Another link with details about young mentions an American pilot who retold the story to the authorities in Paris (perhaps your Jackson) Murdered pilot's life well documented | Military History Forum The National Archives files you need are at Les Hogues: murder of five soldiers | The National Archives The document reference is TS 26/334 Kyle
As I will be in the UK in a few weeks time I think I might have to visit the Archives as I have a reading card with them. Can I just say that if ever anyone wants any info concerning this area to let me know and I will speak to local historians. I also want to thank everyone on this site. Every time I have a question I get fast results along with info that has long been forgotten here. Kyle, the report you found is amazing reading,I was happy when you said you were having probs as I thought I was being thick.... I now want to learn all about the five that were executed. What they did before capture etc. Does anyone know where young crashed at all? Cheers, Alex.
Alex, On reading Dave (Alien Eyes) excellent document he was kind enough to post it appears your `American named Jackson` was indeed 757899 2 Lt George M Mikels (P.M Miekle in Daves report 2nd page ?) who escaped the camp . In Daves document he tells how he lay un-noticed amongst some Arab prisoners ? This corresponds with a news report in Canada reporting that the story of Griffin Youngs death was based on testimony of `One of the Americans who was of dark complexion who managed to pass himself off as a negro and got away` The news report is below but Its not easy to read. Sorry. The original link is working again this morning?? Kyle
Attached should help. That as well as the report I posted in Reply #3 comes from Young's abbreviated service file, on Ancestry. File also contained a clearer copy of the news clipping posted above by Kyle. Dave
