Military Cross Lt. C.F. Williams 2nd Royal Lancers, Indian Army Escape & Evasion (Italy)

brithm · Feb 1, 2026

IA786 Lt. Chester Fleetwood Williams, 2 Royal Lancers
Award: Military Cross

Captain Williams was captured in the action of 3rd Indian Motor Brigade at Mechille, North Africa in April 1941, and was taken as a prisoner of war to North Italy. He twice escaped from captivity but was recaptured a few days afterwards. On a fourth occasion he got away from a prison in Germany only to be recaptured again. Owing to his intransigent attitude while in captivity and to his continued attempts to escape, he was on several occasions placed in special punishment camps in Italy and Germany.

At the end of April 1944, he made a fifth and successful attempt to escape, getting away from the camp at Lamdsdorf in Eastern Germany; he made his way across Germany and reached occupied France on 17th May 1944. Here he joined up with the French Forces of the Interior.

In the TOUL area he fought with them until the arrival of 2nd American Cavalry Division of 3rd American Army. By reason of his contacts with the F.F.I. and his knowledge of local conditions he was able to afford much valuable information to the American Commanders. He was then despatched to Paris where he reported to Brigadier Carthew Yorstoun. Because of the fact that he possessed important information with regard to possible bombing targets he was flown to England so that the information might be available to R.A.F. Bomber Command.

This officer showed courage and perseverance of the highest orders in during more than three years of captivity, during which he made five attempts to escape which were finally crowned with success. During this trying period he never lost courage and his one object was to make his escape so that he might again take part in the war. Good condition. Small spot of corrosion to war medal.
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WO 373/64/52

davidbfpo · Jan 31, 2026

From a 2022 auction site: Catherine Southon

He had not previously appeared here before.

There are numerous threads which refer to the brigade being mauled in April 1941 @ Mechili, not the last time this happened to them. This is specifically about them: 3rd indian motorissed brigade

His regiment as mauled again, after his capture.

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Military Cross Lt. C.F. Williams 2nd Royal Lancers, Indian Army Escape & Evasion (Italy)

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Military Cross Lt. C.F. Williams 2nd Royal Lancers, Indian Army Escape & Evasion (Italy)

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