VEASEY, Arthur Francis Sherrard

Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit / Base: 
3 Commando
4 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Worcestershire Regiment
Service: 
Army
Number: 
149347
Honours & Awards: 
Lieutenant Arthur Veasey, No.3 Commando, received a mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in the Field. [1][1a][1b].
Recommendation
Lieut. Veasey was captured at Lentini, Sicily, on 14 July 1943 and at the time of Italian Armistice was at Camp 19 (Bologna). 
While imprisoned in Camp 66 (Capua) Lieut. Veasey took part in a tunnel scheme during July and August 1943; the camp was moved before this could be completed.
Camp 19 was taken over by Germans after the Armistice and prisoners of war were taken to Modena and entrained for Germany.
On 13 September 1943 Lieut. Veasey and his companions took up the floorboards of the truck and Lieut. Veasey, who was first to leave, jumped when the train was travelling about 45mph about 2 kms South of Trento. He headed South for three nights and then met an Italian Alpine soldier with whom he stayed for four weeks. Accompanied by the Italian he headed North again and finally reached Switzerland on 17 October 1943 [1b].
  • 19 August 1942 served with No.4 Commando at Dieppe, France [2].
  • Post war member of the Commando Association from Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa [3].
Sources
[1] London Gazette 37274, page 4685.
[1a] Escape and Evasion Reports / National Archives file WO208/4274.
[1b] Award Recommendations / National Archives file WO373/ 64/340.
[2] Partial nominal roll for Dieppe (see Linked Content below).
[3] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 112 issued March 2001.
 

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