Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Officer

Unit:

No. 104 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

June 14th, 1945

Citation:
"This officer was a member of the crew of an aircraft which was shot down near El Alamein. Flying Officer Ellis evaded capture for two days but was then taken prisoner by some Germans and sent to Camp 19 at Bologna. On the 8th September 1943, the Italians released the prisoners at this camp but only a few succeeded in escaping owing to a guard placed around the camp by the Germans. Whilst the Germans were removing prisoners to another camp, Flying Officer Ellis and three companions concealed themselves and gained their freedom. After journeying together for three weeks the party separated and Flying Officer Ellis journeyed on to Rapino. Then, with the assistance of the British-born wife of an Italian, he reached British lines on 9th December 1943."

Published in the London Gazette dated 14th June 1945.
Citation in Public Record Office Air 2/9230, referring to Interrogation Report P/W/REP/Italy/310.