219196 Leonard Arthur Sutton British Army 12th Royal Lancers from:Plumstead My Uncle Leonard Arthur Sutton, was a driver to a Major Palmer (A member of the Huntley & Palmer biscuit family) and served with the Twelfth Royal Lancers in the Libyan desert.
Whilst on a scouting mission, Major Palmer ordered my Uncle to stop and investigate what was on the other side of a ridge they were behind.
As my Uncle approached the top, the Afrika Korps were waiting for him!
As he turned to run, Major Palmer drove off! and left him to the Germans!
Needless to say, us Suttons don't eat Huntley & Palmer Biscuits!
He was treated very well by the Afrika Korps and given Chocolate & Cigarettes, before being transported to first Italy, and then onto Stalag 7A Concentration camp.
After 2 unsuccessful escape attempts, and being threatened with being shot if he tried again, he finally escaped and after many months on the run, made it to Switzerland and to freedom.
He suffered many illnesses whilst escaping, from which he never really recovered.
He passed away aged 43 in 1965.
A true Hero in my eyes.
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