Incredibly rare WW2 Colditz hero Brigadier Hamilton-Baillie MC Army Uniform
Incredibly rare WW2 Colditz hero Brigadier Hamilton-Baillie MC Army Uniform
This is the actual British Army uniform of the famous World War 2 prison camp escaper who devised and took part in some of the classic WW2 prisoner of war escapes before finally ending up with the dubious honour of being sent to the infamous Colditz Castle.
“Jock” Hamilton-Baillie MC was born on March 1, 1919 and died on April 16, 2003, aged 84. As a new young subaltern in the Royal Engineers, he was amongst the first British troops sent to France at the outbreak of World War 2. Following the collapse of the allied armies in mainland Europe in 1940 he was wounded in the legs while trying to get back to England from Normandy and taken prisoner by the Germans. During his time as a POW he made at least 5 successful breakouts before being recaptured each time. These included 2 famous mass breakouts where he was credited with the designs of both an elaborate tunnel and an ingenious system of scaling the double barbed fences around the prisoners compound which became known as the “Warburg Wire Job” Forty-one prisoners escaped and three of them made a home run. Following his part in a tunnel mass escape in June 1943 in which 65 prisoners escaped he was sent to Colditz where despite various attempts he never managed to escape before being liberated in 1945. He was heavily involved in the day to day activities in Colditz and a couple of his items including a home made sewing machine he constructed are now included in the Colditz Museum !!
For all of his persistent and brave escape attempts and example to others he was awarded the Military Cross. The medal ribbons for this and his other 2 service medals are on the tunic. After the War he remained in the Army eventually rising to the rank of Brigadier.
There is a great deal of information about him on the Internet including in depth obituaries for him at:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article859894.ece
and
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1430972/Brigadier-Jock-Hamilton-Baillie.html
There is even an 80 minute DVD about Brigadier Hamilton-Baillie's experiences during World War II.
http://www.applecart.co.uk/ls.asp?urx=pid:Colditz;rtn:video/index
This particular uniform consists of Brigadier J R E Hamilton-Baillie's Service Dress Jacket and trousers. Made by J Daniels & Co Ltd, in 1938 and named to the officer, with labels in the tunic and the trousers. Very well made, little service wear, fitted with Royal Engineer staybrite buttons and RE collar dogs. Three medal ribbons, including his Military Cross. Good condition, trousers possibly worn more than the tunic and a slight difference in colour. There are no rank badges.
It is very rare that such an opportunity arises to buy such a historic authentic uniform that belonged to such a distinguished and famous wartime hero – this really is an important bit of history.
E-mail me on Robert@birmingham101.com if you need any more information, or if you want me to send some hi resolution pictures.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the weight I can only do standard delivery to the UK. If you want it delivered outside the UK please contact me for a quote.
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