Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Guardsman

Unit:

2nd Battalion Scots Guards, 201st Guards Brigade, 56th (London) Infantry Division, British Army

Awarded on:

March 1st, 1945

Recommendation:
"Captured in ITALY near SALERNO on 12 September 1943, McSORLEY was imprisoned at GORLITZ (Stalag VIII A) and LAMSDORF (Stalag VIII B ).
With the idea of escape in mind, he volunteered for work and was sent to ARBEITSKOMMANDO 768 at KUMAU. Three other P/W also were determined to regain their freedom, and a fortnight was spent in perfecting plans.
On 28 June 1944 they gained access to the Red Cross stores by removing a panel from one door, securing a key to another, and climbing over a third. Previously they had removed bricks from the outer wall, merely leaving a thin layer of plaster; breaking through this aperture, they reached the outside of the camp.
For eight days they walked towards HUNGARY before a farmer gave them civilian clothes and promised a guided to YUGOSLAVIA. When several weeks later the guide had not appeared, McSORLEY and another member of the party proceeded alone, were betrayed by a civilian, and handed over to the local police. There were interned at GRENAVA and immediately explored the possibilities of escape. Before their arrangements were perfected, however, they were released on the approach of the Germans.
McSORLEY, accompanied by an AMERICAN airman, walked to ROZINDOL, from where their journey was arranged. On 18 September 1944 they were evacuated to ITALY."