| Citation: | Military Medal Citation.Escape and evasion ItalySAWYER was captured near TOBRUK on 14 Sep 42 together with other survivors of a small raiding force. At the time of the Italian Armistice he was at MONTURANO (Camp 70) and after leaving without difficulty on 15 Sep 43 he went to SAN VITTORIA. A month later he was caught by Fascists as he was returning from an unsuccessful attempt to reach Allied hands by sea. On 15 Dec 43, SAWYER and an American cut the wire over his window and escaped from MACERATA (Camp 53).Reaching TOLENTINO, SAWYER remained in that area until he accompanied a partisan band to MONASTERO. Although he was recaptured by Fascists, he managed to slip away while awaiting transport and went to SAN GINESIO. Early in May 44 he traveled North in the hope of reaching YUGOSLAVIA but gave up the attempt at MONTE MARCIANO. After being guided over the GRAN SASSO, SAWYER and two officers were betrayed to the enemy. On this occasion SAWYER was sent to LATERINA and on 17 Jun 44 he escaped during the evacuation of the camp.SAWYER hid near TRAMUSCANO until he met British forces on 24 Aug 444.Recommended for the award of the Military Medal. National Archive 373/64. |
