On the 3rd October 1941 the Battalion moved to the area of the Siwa oasis and later moved was to Giarubub.
In mid-December 1941 the Battalion moved by train to Mena, in Egypt. The move was completed on the 24th December. After the Christmas festivities, which were postponed until the 26th December, Private Edwards was able to enjoy the delights of Cairo for a few days.
In January 1942, he marched with the 1st Battalion some 400 miles to an area within 30 miles of Tobruk.
On the 14th February the Battalion was given the task of the Southern defence of Tobruk. By May 1942 the Battalion was at the extreme southern end of the British defences running through Agheila, guarding the left flank which was held by the French Foreign Legion.
Private Reginald John Edwards M.M.
By June 1942 the situation
in the desert was critical, Rommel's panzers were now advancing fast. The
British army were withdrawing to Tobruk and the 1st Battalion
Worcestershire Regiment were ordered to establish a box defence at Point
187, some 6 miles south of Acroma, arriving there at 1800 hours on the 8th
June 1942 they took up position.
After some heavy fighting throughout June, Private R. J. Edwards and most
of the men of the 1st Battalion were captured at Tobruk on the 21st June 1942.
He was eventually transported to a POW camp in Italy (Camp 70). He was
later transported by rail cattle truck to Chemnitz in Germany and finally
ended up at Stalag 4A .
Private R. J. Edwards was later awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field,
it is believed for his actions in battle Eritrea (London Gazette
21st February 1946).
At the end of the war he returned to England and was posted to the 8th
Battalion Worcestershire Regiment
who were at Glanusk Park Camp at Crickowell, in Breconshire. The 8th Battalion had been there since September 1944 and remained
there until the 8th Battalion was disbanded in February 1946.
Private R. J. Edwards was released on
the 6th February 1946.
Reginald John Edwards
In Arab dress (Cairo 1942)
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment men and NCO's who were captured
at Tobruk in 1942
Private R. J. Edwards is seen standing on the back row (indicated)
Interesting story while he was at the POW camp in Italy. The Pope issued four Vatican medals to these prisoners and they were awarded by drawing army numbers from a home made drum
Private R. J. Edwards number 3714070 was the first to be drawn. Unfortunately it was stolen from him within the first
24hrs!
CLICK
HERE FOR AN ENLARGE COPY OF THE POE GROUP PHOTO
Private R. J. Edwards is seen standing on the back
Private R. J. Edwards Military Medal and letter from King George VI
Private R. J. Edwards release paper (6th Feb. 1946)
The above photos courtesy of Stuart
Edwards (his son)