POW escapes from Stalag VIII B, looked after on a Czech farm
The contributor's father-in-law, James Henry Miller, was born 13 October 1910, in Sunderland. He served in the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry (DLI). Before the Second World War James served in Bombay, India and left the army, but rejoined on recall to the Colours on the outbreak of WWII.
He married Marion Fellowes, born 8th September 1921. During the War he served In D Company, led by Capt Richard W Annand, then as Second Lieutenant was awarded the first VC of the Second World War in Ypres on 15-16th May 1940.
James was taken prisoner in Belgium as part of the BEF 1940, and remained a POW until he escaped from Stalag 8B Lamsdorf (Poland).
His escape story varied, but the contributor believed that James took the opportunity to run when on potato packing duty. He eventually crossed the border into Czechoslovakia where he was sheltered on a farm. The 16-year-old daughter on that farm gave him a bracelet, which he kept all his life.
History
Item list and details
Presentation box of medals Box contd: Negatives/photos; The bugle; Silver bugle; "For you Tommy the war is over"; Images of Wearside"; Newspaper cutting El Alamein reunion; "In search of Tom"; "Sojourn in Silesia"; The Victor; Photo album from India; 3x VHS tapes various memoirs; Cd recordings of James Henry Miller; Certificates of medals; Box of various memorabilia; Letters; Postcards; ID card; Rent book: 53 Lichfield Road, Sunderland; Ration book 1941: Brian Miller, 18 Leamore Lane, Leamore; Clothing book 1943-1944: William Fellowes, 18 Leamore Lane, Leamore, Walsall, Bangle (given by Czech girl);Person the story/items relate to
James Henry MillerPerson who shared the story/items
Linda MillerRelationship between the subject of the story and its contributor
Father-in-lawType of submission
Shared at National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire on 17 February 2024.Record ID
115899 | NMA024Usage metrics
