THRIFT, Francis Walter

Known as: 
Frank
Rank: 
Lance Corporal
Unit / Base: 
2 Commando
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Fusiliers
Service: 
Army
Service Number: 
6459241
P.O.W. number: 
18681
Born: 
Wednesday, January 15, 1913
Birthplace: 
Lambeth, London
Died: 
2000
Place died or last resided: 
Eastbourne, Sussex
LCpl. Francis Walter Thrift, No.2 Commando
Lance Corporal Frank Thrift, 3 Troop, was one of the commando contingent embarked on HMS Campbeltown for Operation Chariot, the raid at St. Nazaire 28 March 1942. Reported missing after the raid, later confirmed prisoner of war. 
Francis Walter Thrift from London was employed as a cinema attendant before enlisting. For almost 3 years of his captivity he was used as forced labour in a Work Camp (Wood Factory) at Sternberg. 
 
Sources
Dir. of Mil. Int.: Liberated Prisoner of War Interrogation Questionnaire 1945/6 / National Archives file WO344/318/2.
St. Nazaire Society.
CVA Gallery image of 3 Troop & 2Cdo Boxing team.
Casualty Lists 1939-45 / National Archives file WO417/43.
Prisoners of War 1715-1945 / National Archives file WO392/1.
 

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