Huggett, Frank Arthur John

Date of birth:: February 10th, 1912
Service number:: 7889194
Nationality:: British

Biography

Frank Huggett worked as a storekeeper before the war. He enlisted into the British Army on 7th February 1938, and joined the Royal Tank Regiment, being posted to the 5th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment. With the outbreak of the Second World War his unit had seen service in France with the British Expeditionary Force, as part of the 2nd Armoured Brigade in the 1st Armoured Division, before being evacuated at Cherbourg.
He and his unit landed in Suez late December 1940 and saw extensive service during the Desert War.
The day following his actions for which he was awarded the Military Medal, the 23rd November 1941, he was taken prisoner of war at Sidi Rezegh in Libya, his tank was destroyed and he was captured suffering from shell shock. Huggett spent approximately 14 days in a German Field Hospital at Derna and was then evacuated by sea but was torpedoed 10th December 1941 off south coast of Greece. Huggett spent approximately 12 hours in the water and picked up and landed at Navarino in Greece. He then spent ‘approximately three months under intolerable conditions’
Moved to Tuturano in Italy where he arrived at Prison Camp 85 on 6th March 1942, Huggett was then moved to Prison Camp 65 at Gravina in Italy on 6th November 1942, followed by Prison Camp 73 at Capri in Italy on 29th June 1943.
With the Italian surrender, he attempted to join with Yugoslav Partisans after capitulation of Italy 1943. However he was recaptured by a German patrol east of Udine. Huggett was transported north by the Germans to Stalag 18A at Spittal in Austria on 28th September 1943, being then moved to a work camp at Saint Marein near Merzal in Austria from 17th December 1943, and was employed there with the administrative staff, and remained there till he was liberated on 14th April 1945.
Huggett remained with the British Army after the war, seeing service in Germany with the 5th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment.

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Military Medal (MM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)

Recommendation:
"On 22nd November at Sidi Rezegh Sergeant Huggett displayed conspicuous bravery throughout a difficult operation. During the day he cured a petrol stoppage under very heavy fire and returned to his Squadron, fighting his tank throughout the remainder of the action. Throughout the operation has has set an excellent example to the men of the Battalion. I consider that his personal bravery under conditions of great danger is worthy of an immediate award."

Orginally recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal.