CLIFTON Brigadier George Herbert
(1898-1970) Escapee.
Born Green Meadows near Hastings NZ. Son of US plumber. After high school attended commercial college, passing his junior Civil Service exam.

When 16 entered Royal Military College of Australia at Duntroon as staff cadet. Graduated in 1918 and returned to NZ. Posted as instructor in musketry at Trentham. Later became aide-de-camp to general commander. Towards end of 1918 Lieutenant Clifton attached to India Army where he saw active service winning Military Cross. Returned NZ 1921. Went to England for further training then attached to War Office in London. 1935 returned to NZ. Soon after outbreak of war in 1939 promoted from captain to major. Became commander of Royal Engineers Sept 1940 as lieutenant-colonel. Next year became chief engineer with Middle East Forces. Awarded DSO in Dec 1941 for distinguished services in Greece and bar next February. Promoted to brigadier 1942, given command of 6th Infantry Brigade. Following Sept reported missing then captured. But soon began a new career in escaping. Escaped 9 times - 3 times in desert, 4 in Italy, twice in Germany. First time in July 1942, recaptured and taken before Rommel who asked him why NZ was fighting. Second time Rommel told him he'd be shot if tried to get away again and sent to Italy where he escaped 4 times - once got as far as Swiss border. In Germany held in "hell camp" for officers with escape records. When he escaped from there he made his way to the advancing American forces. Arrived back in NZ in April 1945. Second bar to DSO in 1945.

In March 1946 was appointed brigadier on general staff of British Occupation Force in Japan. Then commandant at Army School of Instruction at Trentham. 1952 pub'd escape stories in 'The Happy Hunted'. Retired from Army 1953. Moved to Taupo in 1966 becoming borough councillor.

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