Private Laurence Arthur Coe DCM: dental technician to prisoner of war escapee

Private Coe of the Army Dental Corps is thought to be the first soldier in the British Army to escape captivity in the Second World War and achieve the 'home run' back to the UK. He was captured near Dunkirk on 30 May 1940 by the German Army and was transported to camp Stalag XXA (Thorn) in Poland. He successfully escaped from the prisoner of war camp and made his way back to the United Kingdom. King George VI thought the escape a fine performance on the part of Private Coe and awarded him the Distinguished Conduct Medal.