Spr. Roger Collinson
British Army 86th Chemical Warfare Coy. Royal Engineers
from:Poulton le Fylde
Roger Collinson served with 86th Chemical Warfare Company, Royal Engineers. In February 1943 he was in Tunisia
21st Feb - 04.30hrs - Moved from Bivvy area to front line between Kasserine and Thala. I went with OC as batman, runner, fighter, clerk together with HQ personnel, Bill Ford, Clark, Armitage and Tubby Bastard. Section 1 and 2 set up mortar positions, dug in and prepared to support boys of Leicesters. Tanks still retreating from Kasserine towards Thala Road. Stuck in mud - dug slit trench. Dug hole for rations and comoflaged them. We prepared for night vigil. Reported Germans approaching. 1st army tanks still retreating in valley in front of us. 19.50hrs Tried to contact brigade Headquarters (HQ) over wireless - No Contact. HQ informed that German tanks approaching about 200 yards away. No action taken. German voices on hill beyond road firing over us. Germans speaking English "Come out boys". Took most of section 1 and 2 prisoners including Ernie, Dave, Bill, O.C. Bill , Jerry and I about 21.00hrs. Left all rations. Germans anxious to get Tommy gun and ammo. Most anxious moment when I was ordered to proceed to the road with hands up expecting a bullet, but Germans proved likeable men or at least soldiers. Congregated on the road and marched about 2 miles with other troops to a compound and stayed the night. Learned we had been captured by Rommel's Africa Korps in the battle of Kasserine Pass.
Caught as POW on the 21st Feb 1943 in Tunisia
17th March - Arrived at Campo Concentramento P.G. 66
16th June - Travelling - Supposed to have travelled through Rome - Arrived at Campo Concentramento
22nd Sept 1943- Arrives at Stalag 7a
2, 3 & 4 Nov - Cold and damp Moved from Stalag VIIA (Moosburg)
Arrived Stalag XVIIA - 3.11.43 Wilflingdorf (Kaisersteinbruck) 5th Nov - Paraded for identification received first POW Number 154111.
