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Soldiers – Freeman A. & R. – Veterans Of Desert War – Brothers Back Home

September 1943

South Yorkshire Times, September 18th 1943

Veterans Of Desert War

Mexborough Brothers Back Home

Back in this country after being in the thick of the fighting in North Africa are two Mexborough brothers, L/Bdr. A. Freeman (26), and Dvr. R. Freeman (28), sons of Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Freeman of 19, Lower Dolcliffe Road.  They have been together since they joined the Royal Artillery on January 3rd.  1936.

They went together to North Africa in March 1937 and when the battle flared up in the desert in 1940, they were at Sidi Barrani. Both fought against the Italians in East Africa and Eritrea and helped to clear them out of the Sudan. They came back into the desert when the Germans were advancing, were at Benghazi and took part in the advance to Tunis.  They helped to relieve Tobruk.

Both brothers have had some exciting experiences.  On one occasion they were cut off at Benghazi and it was announced on the wireless that their Division had been captured. They fought their way out in four days.

They have been in the 4th Indian Division since the war started.  L/Bdr. Freeman met a Mexborough man named Spaven in North Africa and Spaven was later taken prisoner.  They both attended Schofield Street School and before volunteering worked underground at Manvers Main.  They have won cups for boxing and darts.

Dvr. R. Freeman is married and his wife and child live at 14, Cowood Street, Mexborough.