4463683 Pte David MALIA, Durham Light Infantry: POW

Discussion in 'Durham Light Infantry' started by Lotty30, May 8, 2020.

  1. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    Hi, I’m looking for my great grand-father’s details who served in the Durham Light Infantry, I’m new to this website also, sorry if I don’t add enough details haha.
    Name: David Malia
    Rank : Private
    Army No. : 4463683
    Regiment : Durham Light Infantry
    POW no. : 251739
    Camp Type : Stalag
    Camp no. : 1V-C or IV-C (I’m not too sure)
    Camp Location : Bystrice, Czech Republic
    Birth Date : 12th July 1919
    I don’t know much about him but I’m hoping the army number and POW number helps. If anyone has even a little bit of information it would help a lot.
    Many thanks,

    Abby
     
  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Hi,

    It might be best to have started a new topic to attract DLI experts.

    You need to apply for his army service record from UK MOD via this link -

    Requests for personal data and service records: a detailed guide

    You ought to apply to Swiss Red Cross on 25th May for his POW records via this link -

    Requests for information about people held during Spanish Civil War or Second World War: Quarterly limit reached

    Check the site 8am for the online application form. If it’s not visible check every 30 minutes until you see it and the quickly complete and submit it as the window usually closes by mid morning. It’s a free service and in normal times you get a reply not less than 4 months later.

    Good Luck

    Steve
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2020
  3. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    Thank you! Much appreciated I will try that, I was just hoping to get some information on how he ended up in Stalag IV-C with his battalion, I’m not too sure how to find out which battalion he was in either. I have very little to work with as I unfortunately don’t have many records with me.
    Thank you very much,

    Abby
     
  4. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    I’m also not too sure how to even start a new topic haha, I’ve only been on here for a few hours, apologise
     
  5. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    The answer to those questions will be in his records - plus I’m sure DLI experts will see this topic and may be able to provide some information from DLI records held in Durham County Records office.

    Steve
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2020
  6. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Abby the new topic has been started for you by one of the Mods here. I have asked your question elsewhere

    Details from DLI 1920-46

    4463683 Pte David Malia captured in the Western Desert held for a time by the Italians Campo PG 70 (PG ;- Prigioniero di Guerra (Prison of War) Monteurano ,Near Fermo Ascoli Piceno) Captured with the 8th Bn The Durham Light Infantry initially posted missing at Gazala 29th June 1942 confirmed as PoW.
    Spent time at Stalag IVC (Wistritz bei Teplitz) PoW No 251739 Liberated 1945.
    In 1958 (Shields Daily News 30 June 1958) The Mayor of Lidice visited Willington Quay Working Mens Club as part of his official visit to the North East of England here he was introduced to former PoW David Malia who had worked as a Prisoner of War in the Coalmines Malchove ,Czech(?)
    Prior to enlisting he lived at 47 Charlotte Street Walsend with his Father Martin and Mother Eleanor (and brother Arthur born 13 Nov 1921 possibly another brother Joseph?) Malia.



    Thats about it

    Kyle
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2020
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  7. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    Thank you, I’ve also got a question if you don’t mind helping me with. If someone’s army no. Is close to someone else’s, for example (4463683 and 4463679) does this mean they would be in the same battalion or group, etc?

    Abby
     
  8. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    Than
    Thank you so so much genuinely I really appreciate that a lot!


    Abby
     
  9. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Not necessarily......men could be moved where the army needed them. Some were moved from initial regiment on enlistment to another one.

    Steve
     
  10. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad


    No, agree with Steve. If you are referring to 4463679 Pte M Loan he was 16th Durham Light Infantry he was wounded in 1943 (Source as previous DLI 1920-46)

    Kyle
     
  11. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    Thank you very much, genuinely I’m speechless. I’ve been wanting to find this information out for years for my mother who was unfortunately 7 years old when he sadly passed due to Alzheimer’s. She’s been wanting to find out more ever since then as they were very close. So thank you so so much for giving me this information xx

    Abby
    P.s she is now very very emotional haha tysm
     
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  12. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Hello Abby

    No problems glad to help but the information isnt mine I just knew who to ask . Credit where credit is due (DLI 1920-46 Website) :)

    Kyle
     
  13. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    Is there a specific section of the website where you found the information may I ask? I’m so curious about his journey and is there any related photos?

    Abby
     
  14. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Hello Abby,

    I know the man who runs it I dropped him an email and received the info by return. He hasnt got the information on his website as you can imagine it would be impossible to add everyone (as much as he would probably like too) at once . He has no photographs of these soldiers, at least none he has identified but he said the actions in the desert can be found on the section
    151 BRIGADE NORTH AFRICA (6TH/8TH/9TH DLI)
    and the PoW trail /stories can be found at
    BEHIND THE WIRE
    He has said he will add David Malia but has no time frame he can adhere too at present.

    PS When I spoke with him he said he had a vague email during the week enquiring re information on a PoW without any details attached and no signature which he replied too but received nothing back? Have you attempted contact with the website this week Abby?

    Kyle
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2020
  15. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    Hi and thank you for that information, and no I haven’t contacted him ever before, thank you though for this information and to your dear friend on the website, he is a very generous person.
    Thank you!

    Abby
     
  16. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    I forgot to add, I also do have a photo of him somewhere which I could provide right now?
     
  17. Mr Jinks

    Mr Jinks Bit of a Cad

    Hello Abby,

    Must be a coincidence theres a lot of people making enquiries at this time. Abby if you have a wartime photo of him I could send it on to him and maybe it would speed up his inclusion on his website ? (I am assuming here :) )

    Kyle
     
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  18. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    View attachment 268080 H
     
  19. Lotty30

    Lotty30 Member

    D39944CD-268D-4287-8ABA-A6729BEDFC41.jpeg
    Sorry that was a mistake haha, I do have quite a lot of documents with me, the original birth certificate from 1912, although it is extremely fragile too
     
  20. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    :)
     
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