Hello, My grandfather was captured at Tobruk and was taken to Italy (he is listed as being in Camp 54 near Rome) and then was sent back to South Africa via Egypt. I have been given his service records and would like it if someone could give me the specifics. There are a lot of codes? that may mean something or nothing? I am surprised that the actual camp name is not listed on the army record? also how he made his way to Egypt? Thank you in advance for any help offered. kind regards J Hounsom View attachment Hounsom D.O.1.pdf
Hi Josey I hope Admin will pick this up and add some tags to the title, eg Torbruk, Egypt, Italy, POW - I would, but do not know how to, this will allow other members to pick up this thread as they use the tags to highlight areas of interest. I am sure there are members on the site who will have relevant information for you regarding both his records and the complexity of abbreviations and also where he was etc TD
Is S.A.P. South African Police? Cant help im afraid, but I assume he was taken prisoner at the fall of Tobruk.
We need authoritive input from a contributor with a greater knowledge of South Africa than I, but I believe the Transvaal Scottish and 1st and 2nd Battalions South African Police comprised the Infantry component of 6th Infantry Brigade of 2nd South African Infantry Division who were captured at Tobruk. I believe there was a very small paramilitary component of the prewar South African Police who could be expanded in the event of mobilisation and were enhanced by the volunteer Citizens' Militia units such as the Transvaal Scottish and other famous names.
