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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 717

The 'Escaper' M.M. group of five awarded to Private J. Smith, Princess of Wales' Own Yorkshire Regiment

Military Medal G.VI.R. (3658454 Pte. J. Smith. Green Howards.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, light contact marks, very fine overall (5)

M.M. London Gazette 1 March 1945, the original recommendation states:

'Captured in N. Africa on 28 Jun 42, Smith was, at the time of the Italian Armistice, at Marsciano (Camp 115).

Released on 13 Sep 43, Smith went towards Isernia but was recaptured by Germans and sent to Sulmona. Escaping though the wire, he was again apprehended and taken to Aquila Camp. Once more he regained his freedom when a member of a wood carrying party.

For the third time he was arrested by the Germans near Terni, and made to accompany them on their retreat. Realising that British forces could not be far away, Smith broke away from the column as it was passing through a village. For a few more days he lived on the Mountain side, returning to Terni to report to Allied forces on their arrival.'

John Smith listed his address as 7 Mayfield Avenue, Moss Estate, Macclesfield, Cheshire. Joining 7th Battalion, Green Howards on the outbreak of the Second World War Smith joined them in the North African campaign.

Surviving the Battle of Gazala Smith was one of the British force which attempted to halt the inexorable Axis advance at the Battle of Mersa Matruh. The action was a disaster for the British who had a real change to deal the Germans a heavy blow however instead some 6,000 British troops were taken prisoner, including Smith.

While in Italy he made regular attempts to escape, finally succeeding and making it back to Britain, a newspaper article provides further detail stating:

'Escaped From Germans

Home on leave after escaping from a German prison camp in Italy is Private John Smith, aged 29, son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Smith, 7, Mayfield Avenue, Moss Estate, Macclesfield.

This was Private Smith's fourth attempt at escape, and on each of the previous occasions he had been recaptured.

Private Smith has been in the Services for four years, and was captured at El Alamein [SIC] in 1942. He was formerly employed by Messrs. Wimpey, contractors.'

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Sold for
£2,200

Starting price
£950