Expert: Sidney Allinson - 4/27/2005

Question
I would like to request your assistance in obtaining more information about James Arthur Cryderman formerly of the SaskatoonLight Infantry (MG) in WWII. Mr. Cryderman was taken prisoner by the Germans in Italy in 1943 and showed up in the ranks of the British Free corps that collaborated with the Nazi's.Here he took on the alias of James Tillbury.
How can find out how he was treated by the Canadian military when he returned?

Answer
Cryderman was one of two Canadians among the approx. 30 soldiers of British Commonwealth prisoners-of-war who joined the British Free Corps during WWII. The unit was primarily recruited for propaganda purposes, as none of its members ever served in combat in German service.
Upon capture at war's end, the BFC members received only brief terms of imprisonment -- remarkably gentle penalties, considering they had committed the serious crime of treason in time of war.
I have not been able learn what period of jail-time Cryderman served. There does not seem to be any official records available.
- Sidney.