Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

1st Battalion London Scottish, Middle East Commando, Combined Operations Headquarters, War Office, British Government

Awarded on:

November 9th, 1944

ALLARDICE was captured at TOBRUK on 14 Sep 42, and at the time of the Italian Armistice was imprisoned at Camp 70 (MONTURANO).
On 26 Sep 43, when the Germans were occupying the camp, he escaped wearing Italian military uniform. Gradually he reached SCARAFANO, and there awaited the arrival of the Allies, On 14 Jun 44 he reported to British troops at POPOLI."

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:-"