Corporal Ronald Edward Mouland
National Archives catalogue reference - WO 208/3325/58
Name: 5671749 Cpl. Mouland, Ronald Edward.
Unit: 2nd Battalion The Wiltshire Regiment, 5th Division.
Captured: Sicily, 27th July 1943.
Escaped: From train bound for Germany, 21st November 1943.
Left: Naples, 13th October 1944.
Arrived: Liverpool, 23rd October 1944.
Date of Birth: 19th September 1920.
Army Service: Since 23rd August 1939.
Peacetime Profession: Factory hand.
Private Address: 7 The Borough, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
1. Capture:
I was captured in SICILY on 27 Jul 43.
2. Camps in which imprisoned:
Campo 66 (CAPUA) 1 Aug - 1 Sep 43.
3 Sep - 8 Sep 43.
Campo 122 (ROME) 1 - 3 Sep 43.
3. Attempted Escapes:
Nil.
4. Journey from Campo 66 (CAPUA). (ITALY 1:250,000, Sheet 35, [H?] 1778).
I was at Campo 66 on 8 Sep 43 when the Armistice was signed. The sentries opened the gates and let us out. About sixteen of us decided to make our way to ROME in small parties. We arrived near ROME on 15 Sep after an uneventful journey, and spent that night in the hills.
The next day whilst going into the city to try to obtain civilian clothing, I was captured by the Germans. I was taken by lorry to VIGNA DI VALLE (ITALY 1:100,000, Sheet 143, 5387) near the lake of BEAERLANO which was used as a seaplane base. The Germans used VIGNA DI VALLE as an assembly place for re-captured P/W and while we were here we were forced to work on servicing aircraft.
I was working on a seaplane one day when I noticed a small box on the floor. I opened it and found that it was a transmitter set. I took it back with me to my quarters where several of my room-mates, who had a knowledge of radio, showed me how to use it.
On 21 Nov we were put on the train for GERMANY. We were not searched, so I wrapped the transmitter in a blanket and took it with me. Together with 30 other men, I was put into a cattle truck, without a guard. After travelling all day, the train stopped at a station, just as it was getting dark. When it started again and was going slowly, one of the men produced a hack-saw and forced open the door. We all jumped for it and managed to get away. I decided to separate from the others, and made by way South. I reached TREVIGNANO (ITALY 1:250,000, Sheet 27, F 59) two days later. From here I returned to VIGNA DI VALLE where I contacted an Italian (name unknown) who had previously promised to help me. This man was ostensibly working for the Germans, but was actually very pro-British. He provided me with the extra gear I needed for the transmitter and put me in touch with an Italian family who gave me civilian clothes and food.
On 25 Nov I fixed up the transmitter in an old shack where I lived in the hills nearby. The Italian family regularly provided me with food. I had no knowledge of morse but whenever I saw an Allied aircraft I used to send out verbal messages concerning troop movements, location of enemy vehicles etc., which I hoped would be picked up by them.
The Germans were continually searching the area in which I lived and on one occasion I was discovered by two German soldiers. While one went to fetch a lorry, the other stayed behind with me. As he was offering me a cigarette I knocked him out and got away.
I remained living in the hills until 6 Jun 44 when I made contact with American troops in the area. I was sent to ROME and then NAPLES, where I entered hospital. I left for the U.K. on 13 Oct.