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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 621

Five: Lance Corporal E. E. V. Regnier, South African Engineer Corps, late Durban Light Infantry who was taken Prisoner of War at the Fall of Tobruk on 21 June 1942 and twice escaped from captivity, only to be recaptured

1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45; Africa Service Medal 1939-45, all named '2368 E. E. V. Regnier'; Efficiency Medal, Union of South Africa, G.VI.R. (L/Cpl. E. E. V. Regnier S.A.E.C.), very fine (5)

Edwin Edmond Victor Regnier was born on 18 January 1906 and was living at 34 Canterbury Grove, Durban, Natal, South Africa when he enlisted in November 1939. He listed his occupation as Wood Working Machinist and Musician and presumably it was the former career which affected his decision to attest for the South African Engineer Corps.

Posted to North Africa Regnier was stationed with the 10th Field Company during the second defence of Tobruk in June 1942. They were centred first at Pilastrino and later as the lines contracted on the seaward side of the Derna Road. Overrun they surrendered with the rest of the South African Forces on 21 June 1942, with Regnier remaining in a camp at Tahona until November when he was sent to Italy. Here he attempted his first escape on 8 September 1943, making it 16 days before recapture by two German officers dressed in 'Civvies'.

By the end of 1943 Italy was no longer considered safe for prisoners and Regnier was taken to Germany being put to work at Marburg as a Farm Labourer. He was again transferred in later 1944, this time to Wolfsberg, Austria when he continued to work. Regnier noted in his prisoner's questionnaire that while he was in Austria the farmer treated him well and ensured that he and the other prisoners were well fed.

Despite this he made another effort to escape on 2 April and lasted 14 days hiding in farm barns in Austria, however he was again recaptured and held until the end of the war. Regnier somewhat glibly noted on his questionnaire that his only opportunity to sabotage the German war effort had been to damage fences and trample crops; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£150

Starting price
£100