A WW2 P.O.W. ‘Escaper’ Group of 5 awarded to Private John Langan, 12th Lancers (Royal Armoured Corps), who was taken prisoner at ‘Knightsbridge’ in North Africa on 6 June 1942, sent into captivity in Italy, but later escaped to Switzerland, comprising: 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, with clasp ‘8th Army’ upon ribbon; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, 1939-45; And: Defence and War Medals, 1939-45 (attributed to his wife); First group crudely mounted as worn, with cab badge, pair swing mounted as worn, also with cap badge and two items of insignia, very fine (11) Private John Richard Langan, of Liverpool, Lancashire, enlisted for WW2 service on 13 June 1940 with the 12th Royal Lancers in North Africa and was take captive as a prisoner of war on 6 June 1942 at ‘Knightsbridge’ in Libya. Records show that when his truck broke down and was waiting for assistance, he was captured by a German Artillery column. He was interned briefly in North Africa before being sent to Italian ‘P.O.W.’ camps in Capua (August to October 1942), Macerata (October 1942 to June 1943) and Monticello (June 1943 to September 1943), from which camp he was able to escape with help of local partisans across the Swiss border at Agno on 30 September 1943. This lot offered with the partial remains of an ‘emergency certificate’, most likely issued in Switzerland, stating his name, place of birth, and showing his photo, soldier’s release book and other research.Corporal Ethel Marsland, understood to be the wife of the above, served with the A.T.S with ‘C’ Company, Manchester S/D Group.

Estimate: GBP 150 - 200