Hello, I'm new to this forum but was wondering if anyone might be able to help me. I'm trying to research my grandfather's World War II story. His name was Percy Harris (no middle name) and he was a South African, member of the South African Land Forces, who was initially deployed to North Africa (not sure exactly where). He was captured and taken prisoner of war, held initially in Italy and then later in Poland. The information I have been able to find lists his camp as Stalag 357 located in Kopernikus, Poland. His army number was 89820 and his POW number 76604. I'd like to try and find out where he was deployed initially, when and where he was taken POW, when he was transferred to Italy and when he was transferred to Poland. He survived the war and came home, though before that the Red Cross/BBC did read out his army number as deceased--this turned out to be an error though, however my grandmother only found out about this after they had had his funeral. Anyway, if anyone has access to any information or databases that might provide some further information about him, I'd be so so so grateful if you could share it. Thanks so much!
HI and Welcome! A couple of avenues for you to pursue - Liberation reports - on file at KEW (National Archives), not all returning POW's completed one but worth looking to see if he did, if he did and was detailed enough it may list capture date, place, camps, and more. Several chaps on the forum go there regularly and can look to see if he completed one - not sure if South African soldiers did, or if they did whether they were kept on file at KEW or sent to SA - worth a look though Service records - see link in my signature - "research tips..." has info on applying for South African servicemen's soldier records. International Red Cross - has records on POW's - takes 6-12 months to get but they are free. The link in my signature "research tips..." has the info on applying for service records and IRC records. Forum members Drew5233 and Psywar.org can be PM'd regarding looking for his liberation report. Regards, Wayne
Hi Wayne, thanks so much for your reply and all the very useful information! Your website is so helpful. Thanks also for letting me know about the various reports that I can request--I will definitely start that process, as well as be in touch with the forum members you mentioned regarding searching for his liberation report at Kew. Thanks again so much! Jo-Anne
Wayne I can confirm that there are numerous SA POW Liberation reports amongst the WO 344 files. If he completed one it will be in WO 344/134/2. John
You can also send an email to sandfdoc@mweb.co.za - South African National Defence Force - they have copies of war records. It takes some time for them to locate the files and then they will mail them to you. You can also make an appointment to visit them to peruse the files at Dept.of Defence Archives in Pretoria or appoint a researcher. Tel. 012 322 6350
Thanks so much, Pendray56! I will definitely be getting in touch with them. My relatives are all in Durban and CT but will look into appointing a researcher if they are unable to help from a distance. Thanks again!!
Hi, You may be aware of this but it appears he may have been captured in the Desert as he features in WO21 listed as 89820 Bombadier Harris.P. Campo 65 .Campo (P.G) 65 I am told was at Gravina-Altamura (Bari). The file relates to those captured prior (early) 1943 its not known for its 100% accuracy but at some time he was in Italian captivity there was an agreement with the Germans that prisoners captured in the Western Desert were passed on to the Italians. As the invasions of Sicily and Italy were in 43 its a pretty good bet he was captured in the desert. Best Kyle
Hi Kyle, Thanks so much! That is really helpful! From what we know (based on the very little he told his family before he died), he was captured in North Africa. My aunt is born in August 1943, so we assume he left for the war sometime between November 1942 and August 1943 when he appears on the list of Italian POWs being held in Camp 65 (Gravina). Can you let me know what WO21 is? As far as I know, his army number was 89820, so I think this is definitely him. If you can let me know any further information that is provided in WO21, that would be great (or where I can find it to look through?). In particular, is there any information about the date he was captured other than early 1943, and does it say which country he was captured in? We have a photograph of him in front of a building with the words "Ridotta Marcucci" on it, and on the back of the photo he wrote "main entrance Jerabub Fort". I've looked this up and it appears to be taken in Libya. Thanks so much for any further information you can share! Best, Jo-Anne
Jo-Anne, here is the POW record for your Grandfather from the Italian Lists in WO392/21. Rank shows Bombardier so I'm assuming he was with the Artillery gang. columns go: Camp - Name and Initials - Rank - Regt. Number Added 2nd image, first was quite small Wayne
Jo-Anne, Some more information about Gravina here: http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/50673-campo-65-gravina-report/
