Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Private J. J. P. S. Breytenbach, 2nd Battalion, Transvaal Scottish, Union Defence Force, who was taken prisoner of war during the attempted break out from Tobruk in June 1942, and then subsequently escaped and evaded capture for 3 months in the hills near Rome

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, all officially impressed (97649 J. J. P. S. Breytenbach) generally very fine or better (4) £80-£120

Jacob Johannes Petrus Stephanus Breytenbach was born in Middelburg, Transvaal, South Africa in March 1912. He enlisted as an Air Gunner in the South African Air Force at Johannesburg in July 1940, but then transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Transvaal Scottish in December of the same year.

Breytenbach disembarked in Egypt in June 1941, and was with the Regiment when it attempted to break out of the Axis cordon surrounding Tobruk, 21 June 1942. He appears to have partially broken through, only to be taken prisoner of war 22 June 1942.

Captured by the Italians, Breytenbach was initially interned at Campo 77 (Campello), before moving to Campo 54 (near Rome). He escaped and attempted to evade capture, ‘when Italy packed in I spent 3 months in the hills near Tivoli and Rome and was recaptured by the Germans. Given away by the fascists for 20,000 lire. My pals as well.’ (POW debrief refers)

Breytenbach was subsequently transferred to Germany and interned firstly at Stalag VIII-B, Teschen, and then at Stalag IV-B, Mühlberg. He was repatriated in July 1945.

Sold with extensive copied research.