My Dad, Willard Douglas Andrews, was a radio Gunner assigned to B-24s with the 703 Bomb Sqdrn, 445th Bomb Group out of Tibenham, England. He arrived in Europe right at the end of hostilities and was subsequently assigned to an Air-Sea rescue Squadron. These were the B17s with the long boats attached to the bottom which were dropped to airmen stranded at sea.
Since there was no longer a need for a strategic airforce, Dad and many former crewmen like him were assigned to POW guard duty. In his case, first at Cherbourg and later in upstate New York, where he was finally discharged.
According to my Dad, who just passed away this May 27th. he was on gate duty at the Cherbourg POW compound when a German Panzer Corps Major arrived at the gate in full dress uniform with his orderly in tow!! The Major had two large suitcases and seemed prepared to spend a holiday at some resort, rather than a POW camp. While the other guards went for this Major's decorations, which he (rightly) strongly objected to, my Dad reached into a small valise at the Major's feet, which contained documents, the CZ pistol in a shoulder holster, a screw back Iron Cross, first class and a really nice SA Dagger.
We still posses the CZ pistol, the shoulder holster, (currently both in my brother's possesion), the Iron Cross, (which I'm told was for stepping out and not the issued award) and the dagger, along with bits of uniforms and other decorations.
I have the capture papers, which I'm holding onto while I negotiate obtaining the CZ from my brother, who cares nothing about the historical aspects.
I can fax a copy to you, if you like.
Regards,
DougA
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