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Private Victor Moore

Victor Moore with Tex Banwell and Ray Sherriff

At Oosterbeek, where Victor Moore's ashes were laid to rest

Private Frederick Victor Moore

 

Unit : No.9 Platoon, "T" Company, 1st Parachute Battalion

Army No. : 14422713

Awards : Mentioned in Despatches

 

During transfer to Germany on 27th September 1944 Moore decided to escape. In his compartment only six men were sufficiently fit to make the attempt; of these only two in addition to Moore thought the effort worthwhile. Moore and one companion were helped through a small ventilator, but the third man was too large.

 

After jumping from the train, Moore and his companion evaded recapture for about 48 hours before they were offered assistance. In deference to the wishes of their helpers they then remained in hiding until an organised evacuation was arranged. When Germans were encountered the party dispersed; Moore and a few others, struggling on towards Otterloo, were hidden in a dug-out at Roekel. After three days spent in great discomfort Moore returned alone to Barneveld. Towards the end of November he was taken to Scherpenzeel where he was joined by another escaper. In spite of their host's reluctance the two men decided to try to reach Allied lines, and, carrying a dinghy, they travelled South-West. Although they were accompanied in the initial stages of their journey, their guide soon left them to proceed alone. Eventually, exhausted from wading through floods and crossing the Rhine, they took refuge in a deserted house. The following day, 8th December 1944, they were discovered by a British patrol.

 

Victor Moore escaped in the company of Private Leslie Davison, whose account describes the events in more detail.

 

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