POW WW2 Escapees from Italy to Switzerland

[bevhen]

Hi.
I am trying to find out more about my Uncle Walter Smith of the Highland Light Infantry. He was reported a s a POW in Italy, Capua camp but by Jan 1943 had escaped to Switzerland to an internment camp. The family story is that he went over the Alps guided by Italian Partisans. I would love to know more about this.
How was it that a Lancashire lad from Bolton came to be with a Highland regiment?
Where was he captured?
Are there any records of his escape over the Alps?
I have his number as follows:
Private Walter Smith of Bolton: POW
Enemy radio sources. Reported in Bolton Evening News.
POW camp number 66, Capua Transit Camp, Capua, Italy, postal mark 3400.
Record number 16

letter from The Infantry Record Office dated 29th December 1943, which states:
3657134 Pte. W (Walter) Smith- Highland Light Infantry
....escaped enemy hands in Italy and arrived in Switzerland.
Mr W. Smith
Internee
Camp D'evades
Will St
Gallen
Switzerland.

I have been unable to track down any concrete facts so any help that anyone can give would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks Bev Hennefer

[Peter Goodey]

On Findmypast you'll find a database called "WWII Escapers and Evaders Transcription". Look up your man and you'll get a reference to National Archives piece WO 208/4270

https://discovery.nationalarchives.go...s?uri=C4413785

The catalogue explains what the series is all about. Pop along to the National Archives and enjoy!

[Brian S]

No need to take the trouble with a visit to Kew as I have the report you want.

What is on Findmypast was created by myself and is on a 10yr contract.

Brian

[Brian S]

Hope the Report answers all the questions Bev.

[bevhen]

Thank you so much for your help and for taking the trouble to collect this information.
Bev Hennefer

[Brian S]

Not a problem Bev.

Always pleased to help where I can.

The Camp he refers to as unknown, PG 146/V111, was in fact Garlasco. Where he made his Escape from.

Thank you so much for your help and for taking the trouble to collect this information.
Bev Hennefer

[Brian S]

Bev,
as you are quoting PG 66 as your Uncles Camp, I believe this information comes from the Grossly mis-described WO 392/21.
We know that in fact he was only in this camp until 21st December 1942.

Just another confirmation of my description of the "Sticky" regarding the File.

Hi.
I am trying to find out more about my Uncle Walter Smith of the Highland Light Infantry. He was reported a s a POW in Italy, Capua camp but by Jan 1943 had escaped to Switzerland to an internment camp. The family story is that he went over the Alps guided by Italian Partisans. I would love to know more about this.
How was it that a Lancashire lad from Bolton came to be with a Highland regiment?
Where was he captured?
Are there any records of his escape over the Alps?
I have his number as follows:
Private Walter Smith of Bolton: POW
Enemy radio sources. Reported in Bolton Evening News.
POW camp number 66, Capua Transit Camp, Capua, Italy, postal mark 3400.
Record number 16

letter from The Infantry Record Office dated 29th December 1943, which states:
3657134 Pte. W (Walter) Smith- Highland Light Infantry
....escaped enemy hands in Italy and arrived in Switzerland.
Mr W. Smith
Internee
Camp D'evades
Will St
Gallen
Switzerland.

I have been unable to track down any concrete facts so any help that anyone can give would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks Bev Hennefer

[cyderman]

My uncle Victor Kensett Styles who was a Cpl was captured in North Africa and escaped twice and joined the partisan under instructions from the SOE to do sorties. The contact to go to is a Malcom Tudor who is a fountain of knowledge SOE in Italy and could guide you with your search. Information are on the links below.

TUDOR Malcolm (WW2 Italian Partisans) ([email protected])

https://www.<br /> <br /> google.co....IYXW8Aeh5oGICQ

Vic Styles from Southampton

[Symons]

My uncle Victor Kensett Styles who was a Cpl was captured in North Africa and escaped twice and joined the partisan under instructions from the SOE to do sorties. The contact to go to is a Malcom Tudor who is a fountain of knowledge SOE in Italy and could guide you with your search. Information are on the links below.

TUDOR Malcolm (WW2 Italian Partisans) ([email protected])

https://www.<br /> <br /> google.co....IYXW8Aeh5oGICQ

Vic Styles from Southampton

Thanks for the contact.

[Brucie]

No need to take the trouble with a visit to Kew as I have the report you want.

What is on Findmypast was created by myself and is on a 10yr contract.

Brian

Hi Brian,

I'm looking for any details available for my father, Signalman Douglas Walter ALLUM (2585112)

He was captured in Libya on 29/12/1941.

He was in the following Italian POW Camps: PG 66 (02/02/1942 - 10/03/1942), PG 59 (11/03/1942 - 02/06/1943), PG 146/18 (03/06/1943 - 10/09/1943).

He escaped to Switzerland, crossing the border at Fornasette on 17/11/1943.

As he'd written an account of his service, capture, internment and escape I have a fair bit of information but I don't have a repatriation or interrogation report, assuming any existed.

Any information you can provide would be gratefully appreciated.

Kind regards,

Bruce