A fine escaper’s D.C.M. group of four awarded to Acting Sergeant George “Paddy” Devlin, 1st Royal Tank Regiment, captured at Tobruk


Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.VI.R. (7887993 A.Sjt., R. Tank R.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal, light contact marks and small edge bruise to the first, otherwise very fine (4) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the Royal Tank Regiment from the Collection of Bill Green.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 15 June 1944.

“Captured at Tobruk on 21 Jan 42. Sent via Benghazi to Munich for interrogation, then returned to Italy and sent via Tuturano, Altamura and Capri to Campo 78 (Sulmona). While here he attempted in Feb 43 to escape through the main camp gate, dressed as a workman. He was discovered and awarded 30 days cells. In Mar 43 he was concerned in a tunnelling scheme which was discovered when the intending escapers were already dressed for the break-out. They were awarded 30 days cells. A few months later he and another Sergeant were in a tunnelling scheme with some officers. The tunnel was discovered when a donkey put its foot through the entrance, and Devlin received 18 days cells, and was threatened with a military tribunal. After the Armistice Prisoners of War in Campo 78 were liberated, and after staying about five weeks in the hills, Devlin met three officer escapers from Campo 21, who were organising the escape of P/W and organising their billets, until the three officers were betrayed by a Fascist and had to move to Rome. During December 43 Devlin made three return journeys from Sulmona to Rome conducting parties of P/W. This work was extremely hazardous. Then he stayed in the Sulmona area until 1 Feb 44 when he joined a party of P/W who were guided by an Italian to the British lines, where they arrived on 4 Feb 44.”