Monday 15 November 2021

Stephen James Cody in Oflag XIIB, Hadamar

 I heard from Sebastian who sent the following email to me.  If anyone can help, please get in touch:

Lieutenant Stephen James Cody

Born 3 April 1923, in Hythe, Kent, died 5 January 1990 in London.

At school – Dover Grammar School for Boys – with R.Harman (see below).

Regiment: Second Household Cavalry (Sabre Squadron B, Troop Leader, 1 Troop)

Date and place of capture: 15 August 1944, in the area of the villages Flers, Tinchebray and Chanu near Conde-sur-Noireau, Normandy, France.

As prisoner number 267978 Cody was taken first to Front Stalag 194, on 30 August transferred to Oflag XIIB, Hadamar.

Release: Unclear but on 26 March 1945 (?) the camp was liberated by the US Army.

Cody arrived home in Britain 8 June 1945.

“The Old Pharosians News-Letter” (the magazine of the old boys of Dover Grammar School) from June 1945 has:

R. Harman and S. Cody arrived home after their long captivity in Germany. So far, I have only heard Harman’s story but his description of a 700 mile march is enough for the strongest stomach! We hope some day to publish a bowdlerised version of his epic tramp and subsequent rescue by the Americans. Even now he weighs only seven stone – and for Harman that speaks volumes.”