| Place | Europe: France |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | MSS1648 |
| Collection type | Manuscript |
| Measurement | 1 item (1cm) |
| Object type | Memoir |
| Maker |
Roberts, Alexander Cyffin |
| Date made | 1941-1993 |
| Access | Open |
| Related File This file can be copied or viewed via the Memorial’s Reading Room. | AWM371 96/0765 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Copyright restrictions apply. Only personal, non-commercial, research and study use permitted. Permission of copyright holder required for any commercial use and/or reproduction. |
Roberts, Alexander Cyffin (Flight Lieutenant, b:1916)
Description
Typescript memoir by Flight Lieutenant Alex Roberts MID, NO.452 Spitfire Squadron RAAF (UK) entitled "One...that got away". Describes how F/Lt Roberts parachuted into German held territory in July 1941 and consistently escaped capture through the help of the French Underground. Captured in Lyons, France he was eventually sent to a German concentration camp from which he escaped. The escape was organised by Albert-Maria Edmond Guerisse who operated under the name of Patrick Albert O'Leary. The memoir includes an obituary to O'Leary and outline of his Underground work during WWII - including reference to the "Pat" line or PAO network. Following his escape across the Pyrenees into Spain F/Lt Roberts rejoined NO. 258 Squadron. He later served in Ceylon and Burma where he was attached to NO.146 Squadron and later 77 Bge, Long Range Penetration Group (LRPG), Burma Special Force, before being discharged in July 1945. Includes photographs.