A Well Documented WW2 Medal Group to Private A. J. Abbott, 2/5th Battalion, Essex Regiment who was taken Prisoner of War at the First Battle of Alamein

James Albert Abbott was born on 2 April 1940, a native of London and enlisted on 2 April 1940 with the Essex Regiment. A telegraph notes him as part of the 1st Line Reinforcement, 1/5th Battalion in the Middle East. He appears to have been posted to 2/5th Battalion in Iraq where they formed part of the 18th Indian Infantry Brigade and here he was lectured on how to behave if captured.

After the disastrous Battle of Gazala and the frantic allied retreat to Alamein the Brigade was rushed to the front their to try and slow the enemy advance. Their engagement took place on the First Day of the First Battle of Alamein, 1 July 1942, and saw the Brigade drawn up before the Ruweisat Ridge. They were overwhelmed by the German armour and Abbott was taken prisoner of war however their stand did allow the Allies more time to prepare their defences.

Taken initially to PG70 in Italy, he remained there from August 1942 - September 1943 when the Italian surrender necessitated the transfer of prisoners to Germany. There Abbott was held at Stalag IVB, Mulburg from September - October 1943 and finally transferred to Stalag IVC, Teplitz for the rest of the war. He worked there as a Laundryman, his pre-war profession before being repatriated in May 1945, his medal card confirms that his entitlement was sent to his address in Highbury in 1949; sold together with copied research and an archive of original material comprising:

i) Two Soldier's Service and Pay Books
ii) Two Telegrams from the recipient (one torn in half but still legible).
iii) A photograph of the recipient in uniform.
iv) Medal slip of issue.
v) A War Office letter informing the recipient's father that his son is believed a prisoner.
vi) A Red Cross letter to the recipient's father confirming his capture and four POW cards from the recipient to his father from PG70 in Italy.

The medals are mounted for display, sold with some copied research, a selection or original named items as listed above, and are as follows –

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, sold together with an archive of original documents including soldier's service and pay books, medal slip of issue and POW letters

Condition, good very fine