- Contributed by听
- regworrow
- Location of story:听
- Austria
- Background to story:听
- Army
- Article ID:听
- A5687328
- Contributed on:听
- 11 September 2005
After the end of hostilities in Italy in early May 1945,the regiment moved through the Alps into Austria,the first troops of the 8th army to do so.The armourers workshop 3-ton truck amongst all the confusion of refugees etc,got ahead of the rest of the column and encountered the advance party of a German SS division.
Our regiment had been told in advance that any German units heading south towards Italy would be allowed to keep thier arms until actually in British captivity because of roaming Yugoslav partisans.
A young SS officer leading the column who spoke perfect English asked for the nearest P.O.W.camp and was told there was one being hastily constructed about 5 miles further on.When it was pointed out to him that they were in danger of roaming Yugoslav partisans Who were on the look out for German troops.His reply was "Have no fears,the safety of my men is of paramount importance and if those bandits open fire they will be dealt with".With that cryptic comment they went on their way.
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