Private David Watson Philp
National Archives catalogue reference - WO 208/3324/196
Name: 2756436 Pte. Philp, David Watson.
Unit: 1st Battalion The Black Watch, 51st Highland Division.
Captured: St. Valery ex Caux, 11th June 1940.
Left: France, 26th September 1944.
Arrived: U.K., 27th September 1944.
Date of Birth: 4th February 1919.
Army Service: Since 10th July 1939.
Peacetime Profession: Slater.
Private Address: 235 South Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, 19.
I was taken prisoner at ST. VALERY-EN-CAUX (N.W. EUROPE, 1:250,000, Sheet 4, L 96) on 11 Jun 40 while on a fighting patrol, with my company, under Capt. CAMPBELL (who I think was repatriated two years ago). He gave orders for surrender when we were surrounded by S.S. troops and tanks. There were about 22 of us left at the time.
We were disarmed and marched to ST. POL (Sheet 2, H 11) which took about five days. Here we were put in a quarry.
With Pte. CLARK, Black Watch (S/P.G.(F)655) I climbed over a hut at the entrance to the quarry and escaped. I travelled South by night, feeding myself by stealing and begging. The French I met were kind to me.
On 19 Aug 40 I was recaptured somewhere South of PARIS while I was staying on a farm. I was taken to the civil prison at FRESNES. I stayed here 14 days and then went to ST. DENIS.
Most of the inhabitants of ST. DENIS were British internees. There were about 30 Service personnel who were used for domestic duties. Major HOSFORD, R.A.M.C. was i/c these personnel for about two years. Mr. HADKINSON was i/c the whole camp.
I was always trying to escape and was finally sent to a similar camp at GIROMAGNY, FRANCE (GERMANY, 1:250,000, Sheet K 48, K 3815) in Mar 44. From here I escaped on 14 Aug 44 and hid in the hills where I was helped by the French. I made contact with the F.F.I. of LOMONT (K 2100) and gave instruction in the use of the Bren gun and 2" Mortar. I also took part in raids on German convoys.
Eventually I met an American Artillery Officer who gave me transport to the British lines where I contacted troops of the 2nd S.A.S. They were on the point of returning to the U.K. and the Captain i/c brought me back to SOUTHAMPTON with them.