Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A South African Police Star for Merit group of seven awarded to Adjutant Officer G. J. Nel, 1st Battalion, South African Police, Union Defence Force, who was taken prisoner of war during the attempted break out from Tobruk in June 1942

South African Police Star for Merit (16205 Sers. G. J. Nel. 15.5.64); South African Police Medal Faithful Service Medal (16205 A/Off. G. J. Nel 15.5.67); South African Police Good Service Medal (16205(B) 2/Serst. G. J. Nel); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, last four officially impressed (SAP198145 G. J. Nel) mounted for display, generally very fine (7) £200-£300

Gert Johannes Nel was born in Willowmore, Cape Province, South Africa in May 1912. He was employed as a Lance Sergeant in the South African Police, Cape Western Division, and was mobilised to serve with the 1st Battalion, South African Police, which disembarked in Egypt in June 1941. Nel was with the Battalion when it attempted to break out of the Axis cordon surrounding Tobruk, 21 June 1942, ultimately leading to the Garrison’s mass surrender on that date. He was taken prisoner of war by the Italians, and was initially interned in Benghazi. Nel was subsequently interned at Campo 82 (Laterina), and then transferred to Germany and interned at Stalag 4B (Muhlberg). He then went to Stalag 4D (Annaburg), where he was detached to form part of a Work Party in a sugar factory and then a saw mill.

Nel escaped, 24 April 1945, during the chaos caused by the advancing American troops. He, and several others, met a patrol of the latter at Falkenberg, leading to his repatriation in June 1945.

Nel returned to service with the Police after the war, and advanced to Adjutant Officer. He retired to Pension in May 1967.

Sold with extensive copied research.