Escape of W/C G B Keily 1943

[alain charpentier]

Hello,

In his report of POW, W/C Gerald Barnard Keily 27256 said that " he escaped of Spittal (Austria) as French workman with Major Burt and Capt Harboard, and picked up 4hours later by NCO-civilian. Original intention to pick up promised contact for Yougoslavia, contact shot, forced to leave owing to approach of winter, distance from Swintzerland, no paper available, forced to walk."

W/C Keily was the C/O of 113 Sq and shot down over Lybia in September 1940, He was at Spittal from 17 september 1943 to 8 November 1943.
I think that the escape was in the beginning of November 43.

Could you help to identify Major Burt and Capt Harboard ?

Thank you !

Alain

[Leendert]

Alain,

Capt Harboard likely to be Paddy Harboard from (originally) Ireland. He was in the Buffs (Royal East Kent Reg't)
He also was captured in North Africa.

A reference is made to "Harbord" in this POW story which seems to point to your question.

Link: http://www.canadianletters.ca/letter...d=8506&docid=5

Regards,

Leendert