Four: Private N. Terblanche, 2nd Battalion, South African Police, Union Defence Force, who was taken prisoner of war during the attempted break out from Tobruk in June 1942

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially impressed (SAP196644 N. Terblanche) very fine (4) £80-£100

Nicolaas Terblanche was born in July 1918, and was employed as a Constable in the South African Police from November 1938. He was mobilised to serve with the 2nd Battalion, South African Police and disembarked in Egypt in June 1941. Terblanche was with the Battalion when it attempted to break out of the Axis cordon surrounding Tobruk, 21 June 1942, ultimately leading to the Garrison’s mass surrender on that date. He was taken prisoner of war by the Italians, and was initially interned at Campo 65 (Gravina). Terblanche was subsequently transferred to Germany and interned at Stalag 4F - Hartmansdorf Chemnitz (a camp at which it was alleged ill treatment of the POW’s took place).

Terblanche was repatriated in June 1945, and returned to service with the Police in Newlands, Johannesburg after the war.

Sold with extensive copied research.