208994 Gnr. Ronald Arthur Wilcox South African Army 3rd Field A Batallion S.A.A. Transvaal Horse Artillery from:Johannesburg, South Africa My father, Ronald Arthur Wilcox, was captured at Sidi Rezegh 23 November 1941. He was a POW until his release in 28 May 1945. His POW number was 279927.
He escaped with Albert Richards, his cousin. The story goes that they were fed by some Italians who lived nearby. On one occasion the little girl carrying their food was asked by some soldiers if they had seen some soldiers which had escaped. My father and Albert were in the marshes close enough to hear the guard asking her. She said they had gone in the opposite direction a day or so earlier. This she did with a straight face showing no fear. The exact date of escape I am not sure about as well as how long they were out of the POW camp. They were recaptured just before they were released from the POW camp.
The commaradarie was amazing in the camp. My dad broke his denture and the men kept back teaspoons and melted them to make a plate so he could wear his denture until it was fixed after release. I still have it and it is amazing the repair they did. If anyone knew my father I would love to hear from you. If you have any stories that related to him or Albert Richards please contact me.
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