Edwards, Thomas James (Jim)

Sergeant Thomas James (Jim) Edwards

Family/Last name:
Edwards
Forename(s) and initial(s):
Thomas James (Jim)
Place of birth:
Southampton
Date of birth:
2/2/1916
Nationality:
British
Service number:
918604
Military Unit:
Royal Air Force
Rank when captured:
Sergeant
Place of capture:
Bay of Biscay
Date of capture:
15/9/1942
POW number:
27199
Camp
Stalag VIIIB Lamsdorf / Stalag 344
Data sources
The National Archives (UK)Other Sources (WO416 records transcribed by and held at the UK National Archives. Data processed and prepared by Rick Catt and Brian Cooper + Relative's report.)
View a commemorative certificate for this prisoner

From Stuart Gillam 21/08/2024

Thomas James Edwards, known as ‘Jim,’ was born on February 2, 1916, in the Bevois area of Southampton, UK. When war broke out, Jim enlisted and chose to serve in the RAF. He underwent training in Lincolnshire as a wireless operator and tail-gunner. Subsequently, he joined the RAF’s 502 Squadron (coastal) stationed at St Eval in Cornwall. His operational flights included anti-submarine missions in the Atlantic and propaganda leaflet dropping in occupied France. On Boxing Day 1941, Jim married and was expecting his first child. However, in September 1942, his plane was shot down over the Bay of Biscay, and he became a prisoner of war at Stalag VIII-B. Jim kept a diary during his captivity. At the camp, he joined a choir group and eventually became involved in the camp theatre, performing in numerous shows. In January 1945, Jim was marched out of the camp during the long march. He was repatriated to England on April 10, 1945, although he had to spend some time in hospital. After the war, Jim assisted in running the family news agency until retirement in 1985. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 85.

Thomas James Edwards was my grandfather. He passed away in 2001, but we still have a box containing some of his wartime belongings, including diaries he wrote during his stay at Stalag VIIIB, as well as photos, official letters, and medals. Recently, I transcribed his diary and scanned some photos and documents. I shared them on the Stalag VIIIB Facebook group and received a message suggesting that I submit his diary to this website – an opportunity I am happily taking. Our knowledge about my grandfather comes from the contents of his war box and the stories he shared with my uncle, my mother (both of whom are Jim’s children), and myself. I have compiled his diary, additional information, and photos into a booklet.

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