Award Military Medal Cpl. R.V. South, 1st Bn Royal Norfolk Regiment (Escaper & Evader Normandy 1944)

brithm · Sep 22, 2024

Cpl. Ronald Vincent South, 1st Bn Royal Norfolk Regiment., 185th Brigade
Service No.: 5959947
Award: Military Medal

SOUTH was taken prisoner near BENY BOCAGE on 4th August 1944. After several interrogations he was put into a truck with thirteen other prisoners for transfer to GERMANY. The prisoners overcame their four guards and the driver, enabling all the prisoners to escape. The party separated almost immediately and SOUTH discovered that he was near METZ. Wearing an old German jacket and trousers he had found, he gathered as much military information as possible; in this he was helped by two Frenchmen. To return to Allied lines SOUTH displayed exceptional courage and tenacity; he crossed the first river by a raft made from cut timber lashed together with ivy; the second in small boat containing eight Germans. A large part of the journey was accomplished in an enemy lorry and SOUTH’s food consisted of blackberries and apples. Whilst still wearing the German uniform he crossed the American lines and having acquired first civilian and later British clothing he continued until he reached British rear lines on 23rd August 1944. He was then able to deliver the information he had collected.

The interrogating officer has remarked upon the unassuming manner in which SOUTH related his experiences and considered that he showed qualities of courage, endurance and devotion to duty of the highest degree.
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WO 373/64/626

Captured: 666375 France, 4 August 1944.
Escaped or Liberated from: Near Metz, date not specified.
Other names mentioned: Eugene and John (1 American Army); Jones (Staffordshitre Yeomanry).
WO 208/5430/11

WO 208/3350/1028

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Award Military Medal Cpl. R.V. South, 1st Bn Royal Norfolk Regiment (Escaper & Evader Normandy 1944)

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Award Military Medal Cpl. R.V. South, 1st Bn Royal Norfolk Regiment (Escaper & Evader Normandy 1944)

brithm Senior Member

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