Please forgive me if this topic has been dealt with before. I'm a new member and have had a quick search but have found nothing on the subject. I'm researching the history of my stepfather, now deceased, who was called Arthur J. Bushell. He was born in Battersea in 1922 and he joined the East Surrey Regiment in 1941 as Pte.6150659, becoming a mechanic. He din't talk much about the War except to say that he was captured in Italy and later escaped to Switzerland. It is this aspect that I'm interested in. Can anyone tell me about the East Surrey's campaign in Italy and does anyone know anything about prisoners being taken ? Arthur was demobbed at Bodmin Moor on the 30th October 1946. Unfortunately he died in 2002, taking all of his wartime secrets with him.
Mike, If you can edit the title of your thread to include POW, that might attract some experts on that aspect. If your stepfather escaped, there could be documentation available from his debriefing. Here's an introduction to the East Surreys in Italy. Be warned that it covers the East Surreys and the Queen's (Royal West Surreys) so you may have to pick out the relevant bits. Off the top of my head, I don't know if there was more than one battalion of East Surreys there.
Mike - the 1st Batt East Surrey Regt was a member of the 11th Bde of 78th Division - so all you need is the book called the Battleaxe Division by Ken Ford - although the exerpt from Idler pertains mainly to the WEST Surrey's aka The Queen over in 56th Division ..they did their share ! Cheers
Mike This from Ken Ford's Battleaxe Division showing the 78th Div Order of Battle. I'm always pleased to see my old mob mentioned under Royal Artillery. Ron
Mike, He is listed as a POW in Italy in 1943 but no Camp Given. He definately Escaped but can't find his Report in the main Files but will look further.
... the exerpt from Idler pertains mainly to the WEST Surrey's aka The Queen over in 56th Division .. And in 7th Armoured! There were two full brigades - six battalions - of the Queen's out there: 131 and 169 Brigades. It's not favouritism on the part of the museum, just sheer weight of numbers! Getting back on topic, as well as 1st East Surreys in 78 Div, 1/6th East Surreys fought with 4 Div. Any idea which one he was with?
Found him Mike, Pte A J Bushell 1st Btn East Surrey Rgt. captured 4th December 1942? Interrogated Switzerland 3rd March 1944. From the date given he wouldn't have been Captured in Italy.
More info about actions of 1st Battalion between 27th November and 4th December 1942 you have here: Algiers To Tunis
As Owen presumed; Captured Tebourba. Tunis 4/12/42 to 7/12/42 PG 66 7/12/42 to 27/2/43 PG 59 28/2/43 to 31/5/43 PG 146/24 1/6/43 to 10/9/43 This was a Work Detail at S.Angelo di Lomellina based on PG 146 and was Farm Work.
As Owen presumed; Captured Tebourba. Tunis 4/12/42 to 7/12/42 PG 66 7/12/42 to 27/2/43 PG 59 28/2/43 to 31/5/43 PG 146/24 1/6/43 to 10/9/43 This was a Work Detail at S.Angelo di Lomellina based on PG 146 and was Farm Work. Thanks for this, ADM, but could you explain the PG references to me please ? Can I infer that he was captured in Teboura, Tunis and then taken to work on a prison farm in Italy ? Many thanks, Mike
The names and dates refer to capture and different Camps he was held in. If you would like a copy of the originals send an Email address in a P.M.
