Lt Col John St John Balguy (9269) Sherwood Forresters Pow Camp 42 Commandant

Hi all - I wonder if any forum members might be able to help me with this...

I'm trying to put a little 'meat on the bones' regarding the Commandants of POW Camp 42 (Exhibition Field, Holsworthy), and would love to be able to locate a photograph of the individual to illustrate the work. I have yet to contact the Sherwood Foresters Museum, in the hope that I might be able to complete my quest through the power of the forum.

Here is what I have already (extracted from various online sources etc) -

Born 28 February 1899

Joined 1/6th Btn on 3rd July 1918, transferred to 9th Btn on 23rd July 1918. Later went to Egypt with 2nd Btn and later to the Gold Coast. Early in 1927 he joined 1st Btn at Londonderry and by the end of the year was in Karachi as adjutant to the Karachi Volunteer Force. Rejoined 1st Btn at Shorncliffe in August 1932.

Appointed Commandant of Camp 42 c.July 1946 and remained in command until closure of the camp in 1948.

OBE June 1959.

Died Bournemouth, September 1992.

Can anyone add anything further - particularly regarding his earlier WWII service? Or, does anyone have a photograph of J St J B (there is a group photo online but the quality is poor).

I would be truly grateful for any additional information and thank you all in anticipation for your help.

I have started a similar thread regarding J St J B's predecessor John Vincent Cheslyn Hall.

 

Not a great deal of help, but have you checked the London Gazette? https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices

Searching for his surname during the period 1930 - 1950 shows his re-appointment in 1932 and a couple of promotions in the pre-war years. He was placed on the employed list in 1945 and age-retired in 1949

 

Thanks Dave

Yes, found a number of mentions of him in the London Gazette, and also - on another site - an interesting article regarding his interwar service. I think I've exhausted all online sources now, but have still been unable to get a good picture of his wartime service.

Thanks for your help.

Shawn

 

Hello

5 years late but - The well laid table has quite a bit about him. The group photo is quite good quality as well.

Malcolm