Award Military Medal Pte. J. Anderson 1st Bn King's Own Regiment Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila)

brithm · Oct 11, 2021

Pte. James Anderson, (3710886) 1st Bn King's Own Regiment Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila) awarded Military Medal

Although ANDERSON tried to break through when surrounded by Germans near MERSA MATRUH, he was apprehended on 28-29th June 1942. In September 1943 he was imprisoned at AQUILA (Camp 102) and when the P/W were evacuated he left with two companions.
Two days later they were arrested by Alpine troops and kept in TERANO Hospital until the Germans entered the town, when they were released. ANDERSON spent five weeks at FARINDOLA before he was taken prisoner by Germans whilst participating in an unsuccessful sea evacuation scheme. With several others he was imprisoned in a convent but escaped through a window by means of a blanket rope. Again whilst trying to cross the SANGRO River on 26th November 1943 he was arrested but jumped from the truck in which he was being conveyed to CHIETI camp. On 23rd December 1943, having reached ORTONA in an attempt to cross the lines, he was wounded by Allied mortar fire. Although he gave himself up to the Germans in order to secure treatment, upon recovery he regained his freedom once more by jumping off the truck in which he was being conveyed to AQUILA Camp. Until the arrival of Allied troops he hid nearby.
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WO 373/63/127

ESCAPES FROM CAMP 102 (AQUILA) ITALY

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AWARDS

(1) After the Armistice with ITALY had been signed, the Italian Commandant opened the gates of the camp and marched the P/W out into the hills, as it was reported that Germans were approaching. A certain number of escapers were rounded up by German paratroops and taken back to camp, but the majority got safely away.

(2) I recommend the following other ranks for the awards shown, brief particulars being given in the enclosures stated opposite their names

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Award Military Medal Pte. J. Anderson 1st Bn King's Own Regiment Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila)

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Award Military Medal Pte. J. Anderson 1st Bn King's Own Regiment Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila)

brithm Senior Member

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