Award MiD L/Cpl. W. Matthews, 4th Green Howards (Escaper & Evader, Italy 1944)

brithm · Feb 8, 2023

Award Mentioned in Despatches L/Cpl. William Matthews 4th Green Howards, 150 Brigade, 50th Division, 8th Army (4392356)

Following his capture at GAZALA on 1st June 1942 MATTHEWS was sent to BENGHAZI, TARHUNA, CAPUA and CAPRI (Camp 73).

On 25th September 1943 he escaped from the column of prisoners being marched to the station for transfer to GERMANY. He went into the mountains but was caught on 26th December 1943 and sent to AQUILA. At the beginning of February 1944 other P/W carried him out of the camp hidden under rubbish. A month later he was again arrested and having served 21 days in the cells at AQUILA, he was sent to LATERINA. Although he helped to dig several tunnels it was not until the camp was evacuated on 17th June 1944 and the prisoners marched North that he succeeded in regaining his freedom. With three companions who also had eluded the guards MATTHEWS hid for five weeks before reporting to a British unit at AREZZO.
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WO 373/64/563

vitellino · Feb 27, 2024

More people escaped from the column Laterina- station than I had previously thought.

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Award MiD L/Cpl. W. Matthews, 4th Green Howards (Escaper & Evader, Italy 1944)

brithm Senior Member

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Award MiD L/Cpl. W. Matthews, 4th Green Howards (Escaper & Evader, Italy 1944)

brithm Senior Member

Attached Files:

upload_2023-2-8_1-23-20.png

upload_2023-2-8_1-23-49.png

vitellino Senior Member

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