Military Medal Group - POW Escapee - Cameron Highlanders.

Military Medal group to 2928356 L/Cpl. William Arthur Baird of the 2nd Btn. Queens Own Cameron Highlanders. Group consists of MM, 39-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence and War Medal, mounted as worn.
Baird was captured at Tobruk in June 1941 and was incarcerated at Berka Barracks in Benghazi where they were employed on the docks and in various stores. He had made an attempt to escape previously and had made it as far as Maddalena in the Gebel before being recaptured. Joining with two others, Sgt.Armstrong and Dvr.Murray, an attempted escape was betrayed and their route and food stores were discovered. Undaunted the three successfully escaped on 04/12/41 and headed S/W to Benina.
In an epic march of 240 miles across the desert the three displayed great courage and determination and were aided by their meeting of an Arab a week into their journey giving them directions and informing of enemy movements. Further good fortune came in the locating of a small ration store. They finally met up with troops of 7th Armoured Div South of Bomba where they were able to give valuable information and intelligence. All three were decorated with the MM.
Medals in good, clean condition, some contact wear with one edge knock to MM. Comes with an extensive file of research including citations etc.

Code: 8104