The Wartime Memories Project - The Second War

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254784 Able Sea. Peter Atherton Royal Navy HMS Saunders from:16 Boscow Crescent, St Helens, Lancashire (d.8th June 1944) Uncle Peter Atherton was taken prisoner of war at Tobruk 1942. The exact date I cannot ascertain but from the documents in my possession it is evident that he was on a vessel of 13 crew delivering supplies at the port. A subsequent document confirms they had been captured before they could get up enough steam to get beyond the boom. At first he was reported as missing but as two officers aboard that vessel where known to be prisoners of war the signs were hopeful. So it proved to be and it was reported that Peter was indeed a prisoner of war. Sometime later, again sorry to be unable to provide a date, on the initiative of the Italians an exchange of prisoners took place. From documents I understand that the Italians wanted certain prisoners held in Saudi Arabia and as it turned out Britain got some fit men in return. After being repatriated Peter went back into service and became an Able Seaman. Peter died on the 8th of June 1944 and is buried at Newhaven Cemetery. He was awarded the 1939-45 War Medals and Africa Star. Peter Atherton Add to this record.  Related Content: Siege of Tobruk Can you help us to add to our records? Add a record to our website. The names and stories on this website have been submitted by their relatives and friends. If your relations are not listed please add their names so that others can read about them Did you or your relatives live through the Second World War? Do you have any photos, newspaper clippings, postcards or letters from that period? Have you researched the names on your local or war memorial? Were you or your relative evacuated? Did an air raid affect your area? If so please let us know. Help us to build a database of information on those who served both at home and abroad so that future generations may learn of their sacrifice. Contact us. Celebrate your own Family History Celebrate by honouring members of your family who served in the Secomd World War both in the forces and at home. We love to hear about the soldiers, but also remember the many who served in support roles, nurses, doctors, land army, muntions workers etc. Please use our Family History resources to find out more about your relatives. Then please send in a short article, with a photo if possible, so that they can be remembered on these pages.

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