O'SHEA, James Andrew
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Rank:
Sergeant
Unit / Base:
8 Commando
Prior Police Service:
Cornwall Constabulary
Regiment/Corps:
Irish Guards
Service:
Army
Number:
2717197
P.O.W. number:
39187
P.O.W. camps:
Born:
Wednesday, January 17, 1912
Died:
1987
Place died:
Truro, Cornwall
Sergeant James O'Shea was reported missing 21 June 1942 during operations in Cyrenaica, later found to be a prisoner of war.
James was a Cornwall Constabulary Police Constable and Army Reservist. He joined the Police on 1 August 1933 as Constable 127. In 1939 he was stationed at the Police Station, Quarry Hill, Falmouth. Re-called to the Irish Guards. Volunteered for the Commandos and attached to No.8 Commando which became part of Layforce. Embarked for operations in the Middle East.
After the war he returned to the Police. Served at Fowey, Helston, Camborne, Helston again, Falmouth, Truro, Mawgan-in-Meneage, Mullion, Pendeen, Falmouth again, Mullion again and Torpoint (final posting). Retired on pension on 31 August 1963 rank Constable.
Member of the Commando Association (Truro).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/46, WO417/50 and WO417/94
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 (Stalag 317), WO392/11 (Stalag 3A) , WO392/21 (Camp 65).
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/278/3731 (Stalag 18C).
Sources
Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/46, WO417/50 and WO417/94
Prisoners of War / National Archives files WO3921/1 (Stalag 317), WO392/11 (Stalag 3A) , WO392/21 (Camp 65).
German Record Cards of British PoW's / National Archives file WO416/278/3731 (Stalag 18C).
The 1939 Register covering Falmouth (page includes regt and s/n).
Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 85 (1987).
Registers of Deaths in Truro, Cornwall 1987.
Newspaper reports on his capture in the West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser 16 July 1942 (below) and 17 September 1942.
'One and All' by Ken Searle (a transcript of the Cornwall Constabulary nominal roll), p. 127 (Police service only, military service not mentioned).
Notes
Casualty Lists shows unit as Special Service Bn. CA Obituary shows No.8 Commando. The newspaper report below indicates he had left the Commandos at the time of capture and was serving with the Guards. Several men from the now disbanded Layforce moved to other specialist units. Unit when captured requires official verification.
Notes
Casualty Lists shows unit as Special Service Bn. CA Obituary shows No.8 Commando. The newspaper report below indicates he had left the Commandos at the time of capture and was serving with the Guards. Several men from the now disbanded Layforce moved to other specialist units. Unit when captured requires official verification.
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