Date: 27/08/2014
Views: 3614
Owner: Pete Rogers (Admin)
The German Smock that Fred Gamester (No.3 Cdo) used to escape captivity
Frederick Walter Gamester was a Metropolitan Police Constable in 1939 residing in Perth Road, Newham. 1n 1942 he volunteered for the Commandos and attended a Police Intake to the Commando Depot (Commando Basic Training Centre), Achnacarry. On completion of his training he was attached to No.3 Commando and served in 2 Troop which was the Heavy Weapons Troop.
Taken prisoner 14 July 1943 along with several others during the fighting at the Malati Bridge, Sicily. Quickly escaped by taking and wearing a German Paratroopers smock and walking past guards making his way back to the Commando. Active service included Sicily, Italy, France and Germany. Discharged from military service 23 January 1946 rank Lance Corporal and re-joined the Metropolitan Police. Member of the Commando Association last known residing East Ham, London. Police Service
October 1938 joined the Metropolitan Police posted 'H' Division warrant number 127261. Re-joined the Metropolitan Police 19 February 1946. 14 March 1947 received a Commissioners Commendation in relation to the arrest of two persistent housebreakers. Retired 1965.
Frederick Walter Gamester
b. 31.01.1918
d. 19.01.1994.
Recent comments
Smock now at the IWM
His son Fred advises that the Smock is now in the National Collection with the Imperial War Museum.
Posted by Pete Rogers (Admin) on Sun 22 Jun 2025 10:06:15 EDT