Award MiD Pte. R. O’Connell, 7 Green Howards Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila) Italy

brithm · Jan 20, 2022

Award Mentioned in Despatches Pte. R. O’Connell, 7 Green Howards (4390604/4394604) Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila) Italy

Captured at FUKA on 30th June 1942. Sent via MERSA MATRUH, TOBRUK, BENGHAZi, LUCCA and MACERATA to Camp 102 (AQUILA). While at LUCCA, O'CONNELL and another P/W dressed as Italian soldiers and walked out of camp with some civilian workmen; they were stopped at the last sentry box and sent back. After the Armistice P/W in Camp 102 were taken into the hills by the Italian guards and O'CONNELL slipped away in the dark with six other P/W. They made their way south and near BOMBA O'CONNELL was recaptured by Germans. He was put on a truck but the driver stopped and allowed him to escape. He made his way to Allied lines, which he joined at CASACALENDA
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ESCAPES FROM CAMP 102 (AQUILA) ITALY
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AWARDS
(1) After the Armistice with ITALY had been signed, the Italian Commandant opened the gates of the camp and marched the P/W out into the hills, as it was reported that Germans were approaching. A certain number of escapers were rounded up by German paratroops and taken back to camp, but the majority got safely away.

(2) I recommend the following other ranks for the awards shown, brief particulars being given in the enclosures stated opposite their names.

WO 373/95/139

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Award MiD Pte. R. O’Connell, 7 Green Howards Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila) Italy

brithm Senior Member

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Award MiD Pte. R. O’Connell, 7 Green Howards Escaped POW CAMP 102 (Aquila) Italy

brithm Senior Member

Attached Files:

GBM_WO417_049_0085.jpg

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