6286507 J P R MILTON 1st Bn The Buffs: captured 15/12/41, escaped via Switzerland

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by DAVE MARTIN, Oct 26, 2022.

  1. DAVE MARTIN

    DAVE MARTIN Active Member

    Hello members,
    I own the GSM Palestine/WW2 medal group to 6286507 P R R Milton of the 1st Battalion the Buffs, who was captured in the Western Desert on 15th December 1941, escaped from Italy to Switzerland and possibly made it to Alied lines. Unusually Findmypast lists the references for his escapee report, so does this mean that he made it to Allied lines via Switzerland? I was wondering if anyone can recommend a researcher to find the report at The National Archives? Willing to pay the going rate. These a great story here, waiting to be told!! He was born in 1920, so the report should be available.
    I've also found a nice article about his life and escape to Switzerland, attached.
    Thanks very much to anyone who can help.
    Here is what is on FindMyPast

    First name J
    Country Great Britain
    Last name Milton
    Series WO 208
    Year 1941
    Series name POW - Escape via Switzerland - report
    Rank Private
    Piece number 4262
    Service number 6286507
    Archive reference WO 208/4262
    Regiment 1st Btn The Buffs
    Archive The National Archives
    Unit or regiment 1st Btn The Buffs
    Record set Prisoners Of War 1715-1945
    Date of capture 1941-12-15
    Category Military, armed forces & conflict
    Interviewed in Switzerland 1943-09-19
    Subcategory Regimental & Service Records
    Conflict World War 2
    Collections from Great Britain, UK None

    mis-typed
    There is a great story here, waiting to be told!!
     

    Attached Files:

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  2. Andreas

    Andreas Working on two books

    He was captured at Gazala, when the Buffs were overrun by the D.A.K. and Ariete. Some info, although not on the particular event, here.

    First Taste of Gazala – 10-13 Dec 41

    All the best

    Andreas
     
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  3. DAVE MARTIN

    DAVE MARTIN Active Member

    Thanks for that Andreas
     
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  4. Andreas

    Andreas Working on two books

    Sorry, just remembered, if you can get a hold of this book it has some detail on the fighting on 15 December, I think:

    Owen Roberts ' 31 Field Regiment - A Record',

    All the best

    Andreas
     
  5. bear.cub

    bear.cub Active Member

     
  6. DAVE MARTIN

    DAVE MARTIN Active Member

    Hello members, I managed to find a researcher who photographed Milton's escapee Report from the National Archives. Some interesting reading and it seems like a fairly straight forward escape to Switzerland. The ecape from interment to Allied Lines is not listed course, and I don't think there is a record of these.
     

    Attached Files:

  7. DAVE MARTIN

    DAVE MARTIN Active Member

    The escape from internment to Allied Lines is not listed of course
     

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