CROXTON, Michael John
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Rank:
Bombardier (later Major)
Unit / Base:
6 Commando
Regiment/Corps:
Royal Artillery
North Staffordshire Regiment
Service:
Army
Number:
917046
334592
P.O.W. camps:
Honours & Awards:
Died :
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Place died:
Lavenham, Suffolk
Age:
94
Bombardier Michael Croxton, No.6 Commando 5 Troop, received a Mention in Despatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during his escape from captivity whilst a prisoner of war. He had been captured during the Battle of Steamroller Farm on 26 February 1943. He was aged 22 at the time and from Tittensor, Staffordshire.
Recommendation
"Croxton was captured at Guabelat Plain, Tunisia, on 26 Feb 43. He was first at Camp 66 and then Caserta Hospital. He remained in the hospital after he was fit by bribing one of the Italian M.Os. The Germans put a guard around the camp and earmarked certain fit men to be transported to Germany, among whom was Croxton. On 2 Oct. there was an air raid and Croxton with a Frenchman got past the guards in the confusion and escaped. He was at large for three days before making contact with British troops at Maddaloni. He received food and shelter from Italian civilians during this time."
- 11 November 1944 commissioned Second Lieutenant, North Staffordshire Regiment.20 April 1945 promoted Lieutenant, Royal Artillery.
- 1946/47 (T/Captain) serving in a Commando Training team attached to the French Commando School in Algiers*.
- 1948 awarded the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star by the French Government *.
- 20 October 1949 promoted Captain, Royal Artillery.
Sources
MiD - London Gazette 36563, page 2855.
MiD - National Archives file WO373/95/249.
Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/60.
List of respondents to a letter from the Commandos' Benevolent Fund.
Commando Association newsletter 80 issued March 1985.
London Gazette 36881, page 262; London Gazette 38191, page 728; London Gazette 38740, page 5009.
Report of his escape in the Stafford Newsletter published 13 November 1943.
* Award Recommendations French to British / National Archives file WO373/186/87.
* Account about the Algiers Commando School in the book 'A Plain Russett - Coated Captain", author Capt John Eddy Day RM.
[Image] Staffordshire Evening Sentinel published 3 May 1945.
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