226434 Gnr. Alfred Thomas Martindale MiD.British Army Light Anti-Aircraft Royal Artillary from:Liverpool I am the half sister of Tom Martindale, but I knew nothing of his existence until starting to delve into family history. We met for the first time just over twenty years ago, and just in time for he died shortly afterwards. I have since discovered how brave my big brother was. His name is on The London Omnibus List for gallant and distinguished services in the field, and he is "mentioned in despatches".
He was captured at Mechilion on the 8th of April 1941 and sent via Gapua, Bolzano, Sulmona and Aquila to Campo 78 in Sulmona. During his short time in Bolzano he and several other POW's had escaped from guards while out walking. He made his way towards Switzerland travelling mostly at night, but was recaptured and sent back to camp. He then escaped from campo 78, after the armistice was organised by the senior British officer, and walked South with another escapee meeting British troops at Termoli on 3rd of October 1943.
I am in possession of his war medals and ribbons and also of his prisoner tags and a signet ring on a piece of string. My half sister (his sister too) who is now 100 years of age has been able to give me most of this information.
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