Hi, my late father, Private 4390449 Thomas Anthony Johnston served in the Green Howards 5th Battalion and, although he did not speak much of his time served, i am aware that he was captured at Gazala and was Prisoner of War in Stalag V11A for some time. I would be interested in learning more about his past and any help would be greatly appreciated.
My late father, Private 4390449 Thomas Anthony Johnston served with the 5th Battalion Green Howards. He spoke very little about his time serving his country, although i am aware that he was captured at Gazala and spent time as a Prisoner of War in Stalag 7a, Moosburg. Any further information would be greatly appreciated as i would love to learn more about his past. Thankyou
My late father, Private 4390449 Thomas Anthony Johnston served with the 5th Battalion Green Howards. He spoke very little about his time serving his country, although i am aware that he was captured at Gazala and spent time as a Prisoner of War in Stalag 7a, Moosburg. Any further information would be greatly appreciated as i would love to learn more about his past. Thankyou Do you know the date he was captured?
My late father, Private 4390449 Thomas Anthony Johnston served with the 5th Battalion Green Howards. He spoke very little about his time serving his country, although i am aware that he was captured at Gazala and spent time as a Prisoner of War in Stalag 7a, Moosburg. Any further information would be greatly appreciated as i would love to learn more about his past. Thankyou Welcome to the forum Maddren. I don't know how much you know about the 5th Bn Green Howards, so please forgive any of the basic information I now provide that you are already aware of... The 5th Bn Green Howards were brigaded with the 4th Bn Green Howards and the 4th Bn East Yorkshire Regiment in the 150th Infantry Brigade, 50th (Northumbrian) Division. The 150th Infantry Brigade saw service with the BEF in Flanders in 1940 and in the Western Desert. The 150th Infantry Brigade were overrun at Gazala on 1 June 1942 and those not killed were taken POW; few escaped. This is probably the date your father was captured, or a nearby date. It is unlikley that War Diaries will provide you with much information about this time, indeed I will be surprised if there are contempraneous War Diaries; but you never know. There is an excellent book that covers the 150th Infantry Brigade's actions at Gazala '150th Infantry Brigade (50th (Northumbrian) Division) in the Middle East June 1941 - June 1942', written in August 1944 by officers of the brigade that had been taken prisoner. It contains only 48 pages and it will cost circa £60, but it is well worth it. It is a really excellent book. If you decide to acquire this book but are having difficulty finding it - it is rare - send me a PM (Private Message) and I'll see what I can do to help. You should also acquire your father's service records. If you need information on how to obtain these let me/this forum know and someone will be along to assist you! Best, Steve.
