Gunner Alexander Humphreys NX26881 enlisted at Paddington in June 1940. Alexander was born at Temora in October 1912, son of John and Lucy, and married to Ivy (nee Featherstone) at the time. Gunner and Driver Colin Booth NX60337 enlisted in July at Goulburn. On 26 July 1942 at Ruin Ridge, El Alamein, Colin and Alexander were captured by Germans, handed over to Italians, and transported to Italy. Alexander was captive in Campo 85 and a hospital in southern Italy. Colin was transported to infamous Campo 57, reknown for collective punishment and food rations. Colin worked on farms between Turin and Milan.   In September 1943, when Italy signed an Armistice with the Allies, Alexander and Colin escaped. Colin trekked to Switzerland via the Alps. Alexander reached Allied Lines in southern Italy according to a 7 February 1944 entry on his Army file. Coincidentally, it was Colin’s 26th birthday. Both men were discharged from the Army in mid-1945. Alexander died at Concord Repatriation Hospital, 1983.

In 1951 a land ballot was held at Young by the War Service Land Settlement Board. Col and wife Evelyn received ‘Crescent Hill’ at Young’s Highbank Estate. Col’s soldier settler neighbours were Jimmy Hazell, Laurie Quinn and S.Bailey. Col’s sons Peter and Brian, born 1946 and 1949, attended Young High and played footy. Katrina was adopted in 1959 and went to Young Infants.

Col and Evelyn were regular bowlers at Young’s Bowling Club. In 1966, when Peter and Brian left Young, Col sold the farm and moved into Willawong Street before moving to Shoal Bay. Col died in 1989.

Katrina Kittel is a historian researching Australian escaped POW in Italy in WW2, and is completing a book. Did you know Col? Katrina’s email is katrinakittel@yahoo.com.au .