Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Corporal

Unit:

2 Cheshire Regiment, 50 Division

Awarded on:

November 9th, 1944

Stanson was captured at QUASSABA Aerodrome on 1 Jul 42 and at the time of the Armistice was imprisoned at MONTURANO (Camp 70).

Trying to escaoe by climbing over the wall on 15 Sep 43, STANSON and another P/W were discovered by an Italian guard, but were allowed to proceed after bribing him with a bar of Red Cross soap.
After staying on a farm at MONTELPARO for 3,5 months, Stanson left to try to reach Allied hands. Near TORTORETTO he and an Air Force evader attempted a sea evacuation and left in a MOSCONE, but had to return after four hours as their craft was not sea-worthy. They were sheltered by a patriot, who eventually secured a sailing boat and crew for them. Escorting three Austrian deserters, they reached British hands at ESONIA on 13 Jun 44."

This citation was one of a batch which was preceded by the following text:
(1) After the Armistice with Italy, the Senior British Officer forbade escapes by P/W and posted armed British pickets to support the Italian guards. He stated that if the Germans approached the camp, P/W would be marched out and dispersed in parties of 50, while the Italians held up the Germans.

On 15 and 16 Sep 43 the Italian guards deserted and the situation in the camp became somewhat confused. A number of P/W escaped, having been told by the Senior British Officer that it was no longer a court-martial offence to get away, but a large majority remained and were captured by jumping from trains in which they were being transported to Germany by the Germans.

(2) I recommend the following other ranks for the awards shown, brief particulars being given in the enclosures stated opposite their names:-"