BALE, John Henry

Known as: 
Jack
Rank: 
Private
Unit / Base: 
1 Commando
Prior Police Service: 
Newport Borough Police
Regiment/Corps: 
South Wales Borderers
Service: 
Army
Number: 
14241608
Born: 
Tuesday, December 5, 1916
Died: 
1985
Place died: 
Newport, Monmouthshire
Private John Bale was reported missing 2 December 1942 during operations in North Africa (Tunisia), later found to be a prisoner of war in Italy [1][1a].
1943 escaped from captivity to a neutral country [2][2a].
1944 repatriated back to the UK [3].
John Bale was a serving Police Officer who volunteered for the Commandos as part of the Police Intakes. In 1939 he was a Police Constable residing 60 Alexandra Road, Newport [4]. Rank on retirement - Police Sergeant [4a].
Post war member of the Commando Association residing Newport, Gwent [5].
 
Sources
[1] Casualty Lists / National Archives files WO417/55 and WO417/56.
[1a] Prisoners of War / National Archives file WO392/21.
[2] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/68. 
[2a] POW Escape Evasion reports via Switzerland / National Archives file WO208/4240.
[3] Casualty Lists / National Archives file WO417/85.
[4] The 1939 Register covering Newport.
[4a] Robert Woodman, via Tony Moore FRHistS.
[5] Obituaries in Commando Association newsletter 82 issued March 1986.
1985 Register of Deaths in Newport / Register Number 1085.
Newport Rugby Football Club War Years [view....].
 
Additional content: 

Ask Questions / Add Information / Add Photos

Use the Archive Forum for research enquiries, or to add information or photos. [register now]
Read some frequently asked questions here [FAQ's].
Contact the Archive via the [contact form].
 
All content is researched and administered by the Commando Veterans Archive.