News & Letters
Mementoes from one of the most incredible heroes of World War Two whose entire squadron of tanks was lost in one action have been donated to the Tank Museum. Lt Col Jack Prichard DSO MC had an astonishing war and now some of his most personal possessions will remain at the Dorset attraction.
Jack’s Popeye mascot, which was attached to the front of his tank, his swagger stick, sweetheart brooch, fake identity papers plus photos and other documents have been donated by his daughter.
The Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) hero joined up in the 1930s and served in India before being sent to North Africa after war was declared.
There he fought fiercely especially at the Siege of Tobruk for which he was decorated with the Military Cross.
He lost 17 tanks and the whole regiment was captured, but luckily for Jack, the German officer in charge had been a drinking buddy of his in Maidenhead before the war and ensured he and the men had food and water. Jack was held in an Italian camp and, after Italy’s surrender in September 1943, broke out with almost everyone else. While his comrades were captured, he hid and moved around Italy for months.
Jack met with sympathetic Italians, had false docum…
