Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A South African Police Star for Merit group of seven awarded to 2nd Class Sergeant J. A. Nieman, 1st Battalion, South African Police, Union Defence Force, who was taken prisoner of war during the attempted break out from Tobruk in June 1942

South African Police Star for Merit (Sers. J. A. Nieman 16074 7.2.64); South African Police Star for Faithful Service (16071 Sers J. A. Nieman); South African Police Good Service Medal (16071(V) 2/Serst. Nieman, J. A.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, last four officially impressed (SAP196109 J. A. Nieman) mounted for display, generally very fine (7) £200-£300

Johannes Adam Nieman was born in Theunissen, Orange Free State, South Africa in November 1910. He was employed as a Constable in the South African Police in Johannesburg, and was mobilised to serve with the 1st Battalion, South African Police, which disembarked in Egypt in June 1941. Nieman 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 in North Africa. Nieman was subsequently interned at Campo 82 (Laterina), and then Campo 120 (Fattoria Biancheto) where he was detached to form part of a Work Party in a tobacco factory.

Nieman was subsequently transferred to Germany and interned at Stalag 4B (Muhlberg). He then went to Stalag 4F (Hartmansdorf Chemnitz), where he was detached to form part of a Work Party in a brick works.

Nieman was repatriated in May 1945, and returned to service with the Police in Johannesburg after the war. He advanced to 2nd Class Sergeant in November 1947, and retired to Pension in November 1965.

Sold with extensive copied research.