Award MiD Sgt. N.J. Benn, 27th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, (Escape & Evasion, Italy 1943)

brithm · Jan 27, 2023

Award Mentioned in Despatches Sgt. Norman James Benn, 27th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery (1549952)

BENN was captured by E boats on 21st June 1942 after having escaped from TOBRUK by Tank landing Craft the previous night. At the time of the Italian Armistice he was in Camp 73 (CAPRI).

On 11th September 1943 BENN took part in a tunnel scheme but P/W were moved before this could be completed. Camp 73 was taken over by Germans shortly after the Armistice and P/W were held until they were entrained for GERMANY on 25th September 1943. That night, when the train was just North of MANTUA, BENN and others climbed out through the ventilator and jumped from the train. After being given civilian clothes at a nearby farm, BENN started walking towards the Alps. He was given food and shelter at SONVIXO BRESCIA and remained there for two and a half months until searches by Fascists made it advisable for him to leave the district. With the aid of guides BENN finally reached SWITZERLAND on 23rd December 1943.
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WO 373/64/560

Leicester Daily Mercury 15th January 1944

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Award MiD Sgt. N.J. Benn, 27th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, (Escape & Evasion, Italy 1943)

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Award MiD Sgt. N.J. Benn, 27th Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, (Escape & Evasion, Italy 1943)

brithm Senior Member

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