Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A South African Police Good Service Medal group of five awarded to Private D. P. J. Mulder, 2nd Battalion, South African Police, Union Defence Force, who was taken prisoner of war during the attempted break out from Tobruk in June 1942, and was present on the forced ‘Long March’ across Germany, January - April 1945

South African Police Good Service Medal (18949(V) Konst. D. P. J. Mulder 20.1.57) suspension slack; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal, last four officially impressed (SAP196639 D. P. J. Mulder) generally very fine, unless otherwise stated (5) £80-£100

Dirk Petrus Johannes Mulder was born in South Africa in August 1912. He was employed as a Constable in the South African Police in Krugersdorp, and was mobilised to serve with the 2nd Battalion, South African Police, which disembarked in Egypt in June 1941. Mulder 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 interned at Campo 85 (Tuturano).

Mulder was subsequently transferred to Germany and interned at Stalag 344 (Lamsdorf). He then took part in the forced ‘Long March’ across Germany January - April 1945. The severe weather, malnutrition and exposure led to high casualties amongst the POWs - Mulder spent several months recuperating in hospital after he returned to Allied lines. He was eventually discharged from the Union Defence Force in August 1946, and returned to service with the Police in South Africa after the war.

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