The "Klim Orpheans" of Campo 54

This page is recording my research into the "Klim Orpheans" a band that was formed by the men held in Camp P.G. 54 in Passo Corese, near Rome. My research is based on some material once owned by a friend's father who was at the camp. Whilst I hope to develop a longer narrative, for now this page just records some of my notes.

If you think you know any of these people, please get in touch with me at jamesd@fettle.org.uk. I have more material to share but I'm looking to confirm a number of details before getting stuck in.

The band

• Benny Cox (unidentified)
• George Cameron Allison (1568082)
• William Reginald Carter (943490)
• Harold Farrington (3714328)
• James Robert Norfolk (T/78521)
• James John George Gibson (196278)
• ? (unidentified)
• Edward Harder Black (7911661)
• George Thomas Reynolds (22456)
• Douglas Osmand Hamilton Buyskes (108875)
• Martin John Desmond (SAP/75960)
• Jack R Duthie (9554)
• Ronald Cecil Haxell (917222)
• William Edward Archibald Downey (8915)
• Keith L Gillings (112929)

Others

These are not members of the bands, but people otherwise mentioned or connected to the material I'm studying.

• Hector Robert Ford (7895582)
• Brian William Milgate (7884470), Ford's fellow escapee
• "Hari" a unidentified and pseudonymous artist
• Ronald Butcher (90467)
• A. Cox. (unidentified)
• Frederick Leslie Ruxton (2937020)
• Thomas Pilkington (3713987), Farrington's fellow escapee
• Charles Joseph Styles (7924941), my friend's father

George Cameron Allison (1568082)

Rank: Gunner
Unit: Royal Artillery
Date of birth: 14/1/1912 [POW Questionnaire]
Died: 1989 [Scotland's People] Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

I don't have any information directly linking him to PG 54 but the NARA records show that he was in the area.
His address was 8 Foulis Street, Anniesland, Glasgow, W3[POW Questionnaire]
He was captured at Tobruk 21/6/1942[POW Questionnaire]
He escaped from Camp 54 but was recaptured 15/2/1944 near Valletri, about 50km south of the camp[POW Questionnaire] Allied Screening Commission claims: 294, 478, 1116 [NARA]
He was provided by food and assistance by CORIO, Mariano in Saracinesco 15/10/43 and left a chit [Claim 294]
He was provided with clothing and boots by ZAMBARDI, Aldo in Saracinesco 30/11/43. [Claim 478]
He was provided with food, lodging clothing by PETRUCCA, Amalia in Meta, Valle Roveto [Claim 1116] He appears to have married Beatrice Bickers in 1946 [Scotland's People].

William Reginald Carter (943490)

Rank: Gunner
Unit: 67th Medium Regiment, Royal Artillery
Date of birth: 22/11/1918 [POW Questionnaire]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

His address was 36 Margaret Street, Coalville [POW Questionnaire].
He was captured at Tobruk 21/6/1942 [POW Questionnaire].
He escaped from Camp 54 but was recaptured 22/9/1943 [POW Questionnaire].

Harold Farrington (3714328)

Rank: Private
Unit: 1st Battalion Worcester Regiment / Kings Own Royal Regiment Lancaster.
Date of birth: 30/10/1916 [POW Questionnaire]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | Newspapers

His address was 17 Claremont Road, Weld-Bank, Chorley [POW Questionnaire]
He was captured 20/6/1942 [POW Questionnaire]
He escaped with Pilkington but was recaptured after 10 months [Lancashire Evening Post of 2/3/1945]. There is no mention of this on his Questionnaire.
Allied Screening Commission claims: 73, 918, 993, 994, 1001 [NARA]
He was helped by IMPERI, Raffale in Montorio from 11/9/43 - 14/11/43 [Claim 73]
He was fed by FIORAVANTI, Gioacchina in Montorio from 12/9/43 - 19/11/43 [Claim 918]
He was supplied food by GIANLORENZO, Domenico in Montorio from 15/10/43 - 3/3/1944 [Claim 993]
He was supplied food by RONCETTE in Montorio, Maria from 12/1943 to 2/1945 [Claim 994]
He was supplied food by BORGIA, Giuseppe in Montorio from 12/1943 to 2/1945 and left a chit. [Claim 1001]

James Robert Norfolk (T/78521)

Rank: Lance Corporal
Unit: 49th Company Royal Army Service Corps
Date of birth: 20/7/1918 [POW Questionnaire]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

His address was 21 Galleywood Road, Chelmsford, Essex[POW Questionnaire]
He was captured at Tobruk 21/6/1942[POW Questionnaire]
He escaped but was recaptured 20/9/1943 in Monteflavio, about 15km South East of the camp along with Fantham (T/270388) and Swaysland (T/64250)[POW Questionnaire]

James John George Gibson (196278)

Rank: Sergeant
Unit: 1st South African Police, 6th Brigade
Date of birth: 8/2/1904 [POW Questionnaire]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | UDF Records

He was born in London [UDF]
His birth was registered in Marylebone, his mother's maiden name was Hart [FMP].
He previously served in the Middlesex Regiment for 9 years [UDF]
His wife was P Gibson. They married around 1930 [UDF]
His address was 581 Louise Street, Pretoria Gardens, Pretoria [UDF]
His address was 154 Vos Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, South Africa [POW Questionnaire]
He was captured at Tobruk 21/6/1942 [POW Questionnaire]

Edward Harder Black (7911661)

Rank: Trooper
Unit: 4th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment
Date of birth: 8/5/1915 [POW Questionnaire]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

His address was 45 Briarwood Avenue, Droylsden, Manchester [POW Questionnaire]
He was captured at Tobruk 21/6/1942 [POW Questionnaire].

George Thomas Reynolds (22456)

Rank: Signaller
Unit: 4th Brigade South African Corps of Signals, Union Defence Force
Date of birth: 20/5/14
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | UDF Records

His address was 227 Church Street, Kenilworth, Johannesburg, South Africa [POW Questionnaire] [UDF]
He was captured at El Adam 21/6/1942 [POW Questionnaire]
He made escape attempts in Tobruk and Italy [POW Questionnaire]
He enlisted 11/10/40 [UDF].
He arrived back in the UK 20/5/45 [UDF].
He was discharged 7/1/1946 [UDF].
His job pre-enlistment was paper marker at South Africa Pulp and Paper. [UDF].
His job on release was stated as diamond polisher. [UDF].
He previously served in the Witbank Rifles. [UDF].
His mother was Elizabeth Sarah Reynolds. [UDF].

Douglas Osmond Hamilton Buyskes (108875)

Rank: Bombardier
Unit: Cape Field Artillery, Union Defence Force
Date of birth: 29/3/1914 [UDF]
Died: 15/1/1991 [Grave]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | UDF Records | Grave

Notably Douglas is not his relation Duncan Buyskes who was also POW in Italy and assisted the Allied Screening Commission.
Allied Screening Commission claims: 1416
Was fed and helped with boot repairs by CICCOLEPRE, Guiseppe and his daughters in Collelongo (Aquilla). Left a letter. [Claim 1416] [UDF].
His address is given as Anandale, Galway Road, Heathfield, Capetown. [UDF].
He was born in Livingston, Hamilton, North Rhodesia. [UDF].
His profession is stated as Clerk. [UDF].
He served four years in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve. [UDF].
His mother was Irene Buyskes, 2 Sawkins Flats, Main Road, Rondebosch. [UDF].
He address is also given as Montserrat, Callyn Road, Kalk Bay, Cape [UDF].
He worked for South Africa Permanent Building Society, ?, Cape Town [UDF].
His address is given as 8 Edward Mansions, Main Road, Kalk Bay, CP. [UDF].
He enlisted 27/5/1940. [UDF].
He was taken prisoner 20/6/1942. [UDF].
He arrived back in the UK 15/5/1945. [UDF].
He was discharged 11/9/1945. [UDF].
He was buried in Sedgefield Cemetery, Western Cape [Grave].
He was married to Myfanwy Buyskes 23/2/1920 - 17/5/2011. [Grave].
They had children Gregg, Stephen and Jeremy. [Grave]

Martin John Desmond (SAP/75960)

Rank: Corporal
Unit: Pretoria Highlanders and 1st South African Police, Union Defence Force
Date of birth: 22/12/1910
Died: 12/11/1974 [GRAVE]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | UDF Records | Grave

His address is given as 131 Joubert Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria [UDF]
His address is given as 26c Voorhaut Street, Troyeville, Johannesburg [UDF]
His address is given as 15B, North Park Lane, New Doornfontain, Johannesburg [UDF]
His address is given as 225 Struben St, Pretoria [UDF]
His wife was Caroline E Desmond. [UDF]
Her address is given as 12 Bertha Street, Regents Park, Johannesburg. [UDF]
Her address is given as 24 Alice Street, Regents Park, Johannesburg. [UDF]
He enlisted 26/6/1940 [UDF]
He was injured in October 1941 after driving over a land mine [UDF]
He was captured 20/6/1942 [UDF]
He was released as a POW 26/4/1945 [UDF]
He was discharged 7/9/1945 [UDF]
He worked for African Oxygen and Acetylene, Pretoria (now AFROX) [UDF]
He is commemorated in Pretoria West Crematorium [Grave]
Caroline is commemorated in Pretoria West Crematorium 16/5/1917 - 25/6/1995 [Grave]

John Rex Duthie (9554)

Rank: Private
Unit: unknown unit, Union Defence Force
Date of birth: 6/3/1918 [Grave]
Died: 20/4/1977 [Grave]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | Grave

There is a memorial to John Rex (Jack) Duthie in Belvidere, Knysna which is likely a good match. [Grave]
Allied Screening Commision claims: 1416, 22637? [NARA]
Was fed and helped with boot repairs by CICCOLEPRE, Guiseppe and his daughter in Collelongo (Aquilla) from 29/10/43 - 9/12/43. [Claim 1416]

Ronald Cecil Haxell (917222) [POW Questionnaire]

Rank: Lance bombardier
Unit: 67th Medium Regiment. Royal Artillery
Date of birth: 21/2/1919
Role in band: Accordion
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | Newspapers

His address was 52 Dales View Road, Ipswich [POW Questionnaire]
He was captured 10/1/42 to 17/1/42, and again at 21/6/1942 [POW Questionnaire]
He made an escape attempt on 14/4/1945 but was recaptured the same day [POW Questionnaire]

William Edward Archibald Downey (8915)

Rank: Sergeant
Unit: Kaffrarian Rifles, Union Defence Force
Date of birth: 17/6/1902 [POW Questionnaire]
Died: 26/4/1982 [Grave]
Role in band: Sousaphone

William Downey's photo from his German POW Card (courtesey The National Archives: WO 416/101/328)

Sergeant Downey was the pioneer Sergeant of the Kaffrarian Rifles. He would have been responsible to the Batallion HQ for the combat engineering unit ("Pioneers") embedded within the Batallion. Pioneers would undertake construction and excavation tasks in combat conditions such as digging trenches and building fortifications. He was awarded the British Empire Medal for his service in North Africa before he was taken prisoner.

"This NCO was pioneer Sergt of the Kaffrarian Rifles from date of Mobilisation, and at all times showed great devotion to duty. His cheerful disposition, and capacity for hard work was always most marked, and he set a great example by his efficiency.

During the attack on Bardia on 31st Dec 1941, his work in transporting telephone cables on foot, under heavy fire, was outstanding.

In the construction of the defences at EL ALEMEIN in August/September 19419, and at SOLLUM in early 1942, when ordinary pick and shovel work was practically impossible owing to the nature of the ground, by this improvisation he set a great example to the men.

In preparation for the defence of TOBRUK this NCO, with his section, performed outstanding services, and in digging for Battalion Tac H.Q. although he came under heavy fire from Tanks, he carried on quite unconcernedly with his work."

Downey was taken Prisoner at Tobruk and held at PG 54 where he joined the Klim Orpheans and played the Sousaphone. He was transfered to Germany after the Italian Armistice and suffered several health issues during his time in captivity before he eventually returned to the UK in April 1945. He had volunteered in the Kaffrarian rifles prior to the war - which probably explains the senior role he held.

Downey lived in East London where he worked for many years in the Municipal Quarry, eventually becoming the Quarry Foreman. He married Dorothy Adelaid Downey (1903-1970), and they had four children - Brian Charles (1933-1942), Isabel Elidia, Arthur Edward (1927-1983), and Stella Dorothy. He is buried in Westbank Cemetary, East London.

Keith Lowe Gillings (112929)

Rank: Private
Unit: Kaffrarian Rifles, Union Defence Force
Date of birth: 8/5/1922 [UDF]
Died: 19/11/2000 [Grave]
Role in band: unknown
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | UDF Records | Grave

I have no information directly linking him to PG 54. This is the only K L Gillings WW2 POW I can find. He was held in Italy, and he is from East London.
His address was 15 Church Street, East London [UDF]
Another address was 15 Chiselhurst Road, East London [UDF]
His father was Thomas Lowe Gillings [UDF]
His mother was E. G. Gillings [UDF]
He enlisted 29/6/1940 [UDF]
He was captured 21/6/1942 [UDF]
He was released as a POW 13/5/1945 [UDF]
He was discharged 25/11/45 after 5 years and 150 days [UDF]
He worked for Baker, King and Co, a trading and export firm [UDF]
He was married to Corinne Dolores Gillings 26/7/1929 - 8/1/1986 [Grave]
They are buried with a Nik Juredin Gillings 6/2/1972 - 7/6/1993 [Grave]
They are buried in Stellawood Cemetery, Durban [Grave]

Hector Robert Ford (7895582)

Rank: Trooper
Unit: 42nd Royal Tank Regiment
Date of birth: 28/6/21
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

His address was Holly House, 9 Church Road, East Molesey. [POW Questionnaire]
He was captured at Tobruk 22/6/1942. [POW Questionnaire]

Ford was later moved to Stalag XVIIA, and work camps at St Marien and Buchberg in the Steiermark. He successfully escaped from the work party at the end of the with Milgate and was sheltered from the advancing soviet army by a family in a water mill in the village of Sankt Ilgen in Austria. [POW Questionnaire]

Ford appears to be the owner of some of the material that I'm studying. The oral history is that he won it in a raffle and then at some stage it was passed to Styles. Since Styles also had a bible from Milgate, it seems reasonable to assume that both were given to him at Stalag XVIIA.

Brian William Milgate

Rank: Lance Corporal
Unit: 42nd Royal Tank Regiment
Date of birth: 21/11/1916 [POW Questionnaire]
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

His address was "Maybank", Sheldwich, Faversham, Kent. [POW Questionnaire]
He was captured at Tobruk 22/6/1942. [POW Questionnaire]
He details a failed attempt by himself, Styles, and others, to tunnel out of Camp 54 in May 1943. [POW Questionnaire]
Milgate escaped alongside Ford. He gave a bible to Styles.

Ronald Butcher (90467)

Rank: Sergeant
Unit: 4th Light Field Brigade and 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment, Union Defence Force
Date of birth: 24/6/1904
Died: 1983

Worcester College Boat Club - Torpids 1925. Ronald Butcher is standing at the right of the back row. Image courtesey of The Provost and Fellows of Worcester College, Oxford

Ronald Butcher enlisted into the Union Defence Force in 1940. He Joined the the 4th Light Field Brigade and at the time of his capture he was attached to the 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment at Tobruk. The 2nd Anti-Tank Regiment was armed with QF 2 pounder anti-tank guns. After the fall of Tobruk the regiment retreated towards Mersa Matruh. Butcher was likely captured during the breakout from Matruh on the 28th of July.

Butcher was held in PG 54 and after the Italian armistice escaped into the countryside where he was sheltered by Italian families in the villages near the camp. He spent time in Montelibretti before spending an extended period in Collegiove until the allied lines reached this position in April 1944. He wrote an extensive account of his escape in "Gap in the wire" by John Brent Mills.

He was born in Lewisham, London to a South African Merchant but his family soon moved back to to Durban. He returned to the UK for his education, studying law at Worcester College from 1924-1927 and being called to the bar at Inner Temple in November 1927. He was a member of Worcester College Boat Club.

He married Anne Thelma Murray and they had two children, Altheae Anne and Walter Murray. He became an MP for Durban, representing the short lived anti-apartheid Progressive Party. Anne married a British man, and he appears to have died in the same area of the UK in 1983.

Frederick "Jock" Leslie Ruxton (2937020)

Rank: Sapper
Unit: Queens Own Cameron Highlanders
Date of birth: 5/2/1916
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

I cannot find any trace of him in Germany.
He appers to have been listed as no longer a POW on 9/8/1944 [WO 417/79]
I don't have any information directly linking him to PG 54 but the NARA records show that he was in the area.
Ruxton appears to have been born in South Wales and had connections with family in Corby, Northamptonshire. He later moved to Tywyn in North Wales where he died 20/3/2009 [Contact]
Allied Screening Commission claims: 73, 957, 962, 993, 994, 967 [NARA]
He was helped by IMPERI, Raffale in Montorio from 11/9/43 - 10/4/44. He left a letter. [Claim 73]
It's unclear why but there is a photo sent by his sister Stella Ruxton to Camp 54 in a claim. [Claim 957]
He was fed by DI ANGELIS, Gioacchino in Montorio from 12/9/1943 - 8/3/1944. [Claim 962] He was supplied food by GIANLORENZO, Domenico in Montorio from 18/9/43 - 8/3/1944 [Claim 993]
He was supplied food by RONCETTE, Maria in Montorio from 5/10/1943 to 3/3/1944 [Claim 994]

Thomas Pilkington (3713987)

Rank: Corporal
Unit: Worcester Regiment
Date of birth: 14/7/1917 [1939 Register]
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA | Newspapers

I don't have any information directly linking him to PG 54 but the NARA records show that he was in the area.
His address was 39 Wigan Lane, Coppull [1939 Register]
Pilkington was from Copull in Lancashire and escaped from Camp 54 with Farrington. His escape was successful [Lancashire Evening Post of 2/3/1945].
Allied Screening Commission claims: 73, 918, 967, 993, 994, 1001 [NARA]
He was helped by IMPERI, Raffale in Montorio from 11/9/43 - 14/11/43 [Claim 73]
He was fed by FIORAVANTI, Gioacchina in Montorio from 12/9/43 - 19/11/43 [Claim 918]
He was supplied food by GIANLORENZO, Domenico in Montorio from 15/10/43 - 3/3/1944 [Claim 993]
He was supplied food by RONCETTE in Montorio, Maria from 12/1943 to 2/1945 [Claim 994]
He was fed by DEPAOLIS, Francesco in Montorio from 2/10/43 - 28/12/1943 [Claim 967]
He was supplied food by BORGIA, Giuseppe in Montorio from 12/1943 to 2/1945 and left a chit. [Claim 1001]

Charles Joseph Styles (7924941)

Rank: Trooper
Unit: 42nd Royal Tank Regiment
Date of birth: 29/06/1916
TRACER | POW Questionnaire | POW Card | NARA

My friend's father.