POW WW2 - cannot find details of grandfather can anyone help?

[Susie Sue]

Hi, my grandfather was a pow in WW2, I am not 100% sure if it was the Italians, Japanese of Germans.  But two facts that may help, he was in the buffs and was recognised for saving the life of New Zealand's double VC hero Capt Charles Uppham and was mentioned in dispatches (which I missed unfortunately).

My grandfather's full name is Percy Leslie Louvaine August, born 21 August 1916 in Old Dover Rd, Canterbury and died 2 November 1997.

I hope you can help, I am new to this so hopefully I am doing this right.

[ADM199]

Hi Susie,
               I am afraid he is not listed as a P.O.W. in Italy as of August 1943 or Germany 1944 or 1945.

There is the possibility that he Escaped Captivity prior to August 1943, or from Germany prior to September 1944.

A copy of his Service Record would hold the answer.

Brian

[Susie Sue]

Thank you Brian for taking the time to reply.  I cannot get access to his service records because I am not his next of kin and the person who is, I am not in contact with.  What a shame.    I was hoping that the bit about Captain Uppham might of helped.  Thank you anyway.  Susie

[ADM199]

Susie,
          is he still with us or has he passed away.

[Susie Sue]

My grandfather has passed away and his next of kin is still alive but not in contact.

[ADM199]

Susie,
         you will find on the Forum details regarding requests for Service Records of Deceased ex Service Personnel by other than N.O.K.
Not sure how myself but it is explained.

Brian

[Susie Sue]

Thank you for that Brian, I will take a look. 

[Susie Sue]

The story of my grandfather being with NZ Capt Upton would mean he was either taken Prisoner in Crete during 1941 or at El Alemaine(Egypt) in which case he would have probably started his time as a POW in Italy and then been moved up to Germany. I am wondering if all POW's were debriefed when they were repatriated to England and the records are available to see somewhere?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ADM199]

The P.O.W. Liberation Reports are at Kew in the series WO 344. Not all ex P.O.W. made such a Report.

As he is not listed as a P.O.W. he wouldn't have made one. Perhaps an escapers report if he did escape.

There were many on the run in Greece and Crete after evacuation and some managed to get back to Allied Lines by various routes. Few of these seemed to make a written Report that can be found in the Archives.