Sun Nov 10 00:58:12 UTC 2024: ## War Veteran’s Chance Encounter Uncovers Cousin’s POW Story
**LONDON -** On Remembrance Sunday, the family of World War II veteran Percy Chafer hopes to inspire others to share their stories of the conflict, after uncovering the remarkable journey of his cousin, Fred Stredder, as a prisoner of war.
Percy, a former gunner who landed on Sword Beach with the 7th Armoured Division, shared his wartime experiences with his cousin’s daughter, Jacqueline. This sparked her curiosity about her own father, who she knew only as a prisoner of war who escaped before being recaptured.
Together, they delved into The National Archives, where they discovered a wealth of information about Fred’s time as a POW.
The family’s investigation began with a legendary photograph of Percy and Fred posing together in Cairo, captured during a chance meeting in a cafe. This encounter, which Percy vividly recalled, took place thousands of miles from home while both cousins were serving in the war.
After reuniting in Egypt, their paths diverged. Percy was called back to the front lines while Fred’s fate took a darker turn: He was captured and held as a prisoner of war.
Records at The National Archives revealed Fred’s imprisonment in Stalag 8b, a German prisoner of war camp, and later in Camp 70 in Italy.
A thumbprint found in the archives led Jacqueline to a Facebook group for relatives of POWs. There, she learned of her father’s daring escape from Camp 70 with a friend named Stephen. The two disguised themselves as Italian fishermen and even had their ears pierced to blend in. However, Fred was eventually recaptured.
Further research suggests that Fred may have taken part in the brutal Long March at the end of the war, a harrowing journey across war-torn Europe during a harsh winter.
The family discovered that Fred returned home a changed man, physically and mentally scarred by his experiences. Percy noted how his cousin became quieter and more introspective after his time as a POW.
Through the discovery of Fred’s POW records, Jacqueline gained a deeper understanding of her father’s struggles and his quiet demeanor. She also felt immense pride in his bravery and resilience.
Percy’s passing on October 16th, weeks before his 105th birthday, leaves behind a legacy of shared stories and a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering those who fought in the war. His family hopes that their journey will encourage others to preserve their own family histories and ensure that the memories of those who served are never forgotten.
First Piper 