My great great uncle, RSM Andrew Samuel taken in early…
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My great great uncle, RSM Andrew Samuel taken in early 1940s at the Stalag IVB POW Camp in Germany.
Andrew was one of the oldest POWs at the camp as he was in his 40s here, he would direct the instruction and orientation for new British and English speaking prisoners (and try to help them in any way he could), he was also the last man to leave the camp after if was liberated, making sure everyone was accounted for. Before being transferred to Stalag IVB, he was held in an Italian camp after being captured at the Battle of Mersa Metruh.
Andrew also saved the life of a young German soldier who was terrified and crying for his mother. Andy gave him fake papers and a fake name (or rather a notice saying his papers were lost and Andrew stamped and signed it), he gave him a British uniform and told him to hide his accent. The German soldier was able to make it back home to his mother because of this (he went on to marry and become a teacher).
I didn't get to meet Andrew, but my mum said despite looking so stern he was very gentle and kind, but he never really spoke of the War except small bits and pieces relayed to my Nanna. Unfortunately his war medals were stolen in the 70s.
#history
source
Andrew was one of the oldest POWs at the camp as he was in his 40s here, he would direct the instruction and orientation for new British and English speaking prisoners (and try to help them in any way he could), he was also the last man to leave the camp after if was liberated, making sure everyone was accounted for. Before being transferred to Stalag IVB, he was held in an Italian camp after being captured at the Battle of Mersa Metruh.
Andrew also saved the life of a young German soldier who was terrified and crying for his mother. Andy gave him fake papers and a fake name (or rather a notice saying his papers were lost and Andrew stamped and signed it), he gave him a British uniform and told him to hide his accent. The German soldier was able to make it back home to his mother because of this (he went on to marry and become a teacher).
I didn't get to meet Andrew, but my mum said despite looking so stern he was very gentle and kind, but he never really spoke of the War except small bits and pieces relayed to my Nanna. Unfortunately his war medals were stolen in the 70s.
#history
source
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