VI COMMANDO

Sgt. J.H. Connolly served with No.6 Commando from, at least, 13^th October 1942.

On 15^th December 1942, whilst out on an intelligence gathering patrol North from Sedjenane (Tunisia) he was captured. He was transported via Tunis and Palermo to Campo 70 (at Monturano, Italy).

On 12^th July 1943, Sgt. J.H. Connolly and another NCO escaped from Campo 70 whilst their guards enjoyed a mid-day meal. The two escapees travelled north on foot for 120 miles before being recaptured on 22^nd July 1943 and returned to Campo 70 where they were promptly punished with a severe beating.   

With the Italian armistice all inmates of Campo 70 were ordered not to escape unless the camps were retaken by German forces. Sgt. J.H. Connolly was posted, with three other NCOs on picket duty by a road leading to the camp but disobeyed orders and fled south towards the Allied lines.  The three escapees met another five escapees along the way, being assisted by Italian civilians as they went, before rejoining the Allied lines on 22^nd December 1943 near Villa St. Maria. For this daring feat of escape he was recommended for a Military Medal.