Blackburn Prisoners of War WW2

Repatriated Prisoners of War Blackburn

Introduction
A rather unprepossessing looking book resting in Blackburn Central Library’s Community History Collection does not prepare the reader for a glimpse into the lives of the men (and some women) who endured captivity as a Prisoner of War in various theatres of conflict during the Second World War.

It is not entirely certain when the book was first used to record the comments of repatriated Prisoners of War, however, in 1945, Elswick House in Mellor played host to 140 local ex-prisoners of war and the event was hosted Mr. and Mrs. Heyworth. Mrs Heyworth was the secretary of the Prisoner of War Comforts Committee, (1).

The book, which had been specially made, was signed and comments were recorded by those ex-prisoners of war who attended.

The volume which consists of 330 pages (not all of which are used) with an index at the back, is approximately 27.5cm by 22cm and covered in black leather. Printed on the front, in gold lettering is the title;

REPATRIATED

PRISONERS OF WAR

BLACKBURN

In total there are some 302 names in the book. The book must have been available to the men and women who were not able to attend the function, to sign at a later date.

Interestingly, only 11 people seem to have written the date when they signed the book; the earliest is May 1945, two men signed in August 1945, five on the 30th October 1945, one on the 2nd November 1945, one on the 26th March 1946 and one on the 2nd April 1946.

Nearly all the entries are written by men but there are three women who signed, Louise Steward, page 11, Margaret Trim, page 12 and Margaret Walton, page 127.

The Mellor event does not appear to have been reported in the newspaper, however, an event which took place on the 1st of March 1946 was reported in ‘The Blackburn Times’, (2). It was held in the Lecture Hall (King Georges Hall) when a luncheon and concert was given for the returned Prisoners of War by the Comforts Committee. 65 ex-POW attended, each was given a wallet containing £12 from the comfort committee and a box of cigarettes given by the Blackburn Times Cigarette Fund. The event was attended by Mrs. Heyworth, the Mayor John Charnley and Mayoress [Mrs Charnley] with various other officials attending. It is perhaps worthy to quote that ‘After paying tribute to the very fine work which the Mayoress’s committee was just concluding over a period of 6 ½ years in the distribution of more than 17,000 parcels to men of the Forces everywhere, exclusive of those sent to prisoners, the Mayor pointed out that the additional gift of £10 above the £2 & wallet received by prisoners in other theatres was in place of parcels which could not be sent to men in Japanese hands.

Mrs E. L. Heyworth, secretary of the prisoners of war section of the committee, thanking the mayor for presiding, said there were four more occasions on Tuesday afternoons on which ex-Prisoners who had not signed the records that evening could do so’ (2).

Some of the comments recorded within this fascinating volume are short and to the point; ‘Pretty bad’ notes L/Cpl Albert Taylor of his time in Singapore.

Blackburn’s William (Bill) Griffith’s entry was written by R. Griffiths, his Uncle: ‘Captured 8 March 1942 till 18 Sept 1945. I was ordered by the Japs to remove some grenades which were booby trap and was blown up and since then I have been Blind and have no Hands’.

Diary Entry for William (Bill) Griffith Page 115

How the book has been transcribed for publication on Cotton Town

The alphabetical index of names is located at the back of the book, but, for ease of use on the website, has been placed first. As in the book, the names under each letter are not in alphabetical order. The page number at the side of each name is linked to the appropriate page. The text is more or less how it was written in the original book with only one or two minor exceptions. The spelling remains as it was written by each man. Where it was felt that it might help the reader, explanations as to the meanings of some abbreviations and the location or name of a Prisoner of War Camp has been inserted in square brackets and in italics.

Images
There are no images in the book but wherever possible an image has been inserted.

Please contact: library@blackburn.gov.uk if you are able to supply a photograph for inclusion with this resource.

Sources

(1) “The History of Mellor in Lancashire”, (1999) Summersgill, Neil, p.65,

(2) The Blackburn Times, Friday March 8th 1946

Acknowledgement
With grateful thanks to Community History Volunteers, Janet Burke and Stephen Smith.

Published 19th July 2023.

A	Page	A	Page
Alfred Alberts	15	Edward Atkinson	15
Thomas Astley	17	E. Ainsworth	23
George Almond	26	John Almond	21
F. Arkwright	36	James Ashcroft	47
Kenneth Ainsworth	48	James Ainsworth	50
S. R. Ashton	60	J. Aspin	70
J. Aspin	114	R. Ashburn	117
A. Abel	77	J. Armstrong	124
B	Page	B	Page
Ronald Bolton	1	Thomas Ball	4
Stewart Barnett	5	J. J. Blockley	7
John M. Barnett	7	Fred Bruce	12
Thomas Breckle	16	Frank Baron	24
William Barron	24	Bernard Brennon	30
N. Barton	35	Robert Ball	39
J. Bleasdale	43	Wm A. Boyle	49
J. Bell	52	E. Barnes	55
R. Bradley	56	J. W. Blackwood	57
E. Barrett	58	T. Burton	61
Fred Briggs	68	David Barrett	68
Kenneth H. Brown	71	Joseph Boardman	73
James E. Boyle	75	H. Barnes	102
Fred Barnes	103	J. M. Bolton	104
N. Brassington	113	P. Bunyon	114
E. Barlow	117	T. Blezard	122
D. H. Batten	123	H. Buck	124
C	Page	C	Page
Carter-Derbyshire	1	Ernest Crankshaw	8
David Charnley	12	Wm Cain	14
Alfred Curran	16	Bert H. Cave	27
Thomas Charnley	25	Henry Caton	25
S. Cook	29	Jack Clough	37
James Carus	42	Tom Clayton	47
Arthur Colbert	66	E. M. Corless	76
R. Connell	123 and 104	W. Crankshaw	75 and 108
J.E. Cartmell	110	H. Chippendale	113
L.D. Collier	115	H. Collins	124
J. W. Calver	125	L.W. Carr	126
D	Page	D	Page
John P. Duffy	4	Henry B. Duckworth	8
Harry Duerden	13	Stanley Dickinson	13
Norman Donnelly	31	John De La Rue	32
William Davis	35	C. A. Dugdale	46
P. Dermody	61	Robert H. Dawson	65
W. N. Davis	100	R. Ditchfield	106
Albert Dillon	112	H. Davis	112
W. Dixon	116	C. A. Davidson	120
E	Page	E	Page
Percy Eccles	33	R. Eaves	57
F. B. Edwards	63	J. Earnshaw	100
J. J. Elliot	104
F	Page	F	Page
Albert Fizgerald	18	J. Flynn	57
Wilfred Farrington	100	J. Foster	111
F. W. Furness	121
G	Page	G	Page
Harry Green	18	Henry Grundy	24
J. J. Grogan	26	F. Greaves	46
H. Greaves	46	W. Griffiths	58
E. Goode	59	W. Goodbier	62
E. Genn	66	James Garrity	69
Neville Gray	73	Ernest Gibbons	74
W. Griffiths	115	L. Gorsuch	126
H	Page	H	Page
Frank Haworth	2	Alfred Haslam	2
William Hargreaves	5	William Herrity	5
Mc G. F. Haptie	8	F. Higginbottom	9
W. S. Holden	19	Herbert Hacking	17
A. E. Hood	29	J. Hesketh	18
Alfred Hunt	32	S. Holden	36
Wm Howarth	49	Ronald Hurst	51
J. Haworth	56	J. Holgate	61
J. Harrison	66	A. Howard	67
Frank Hibbert	69	Harry Holden	75
Henry Howard	101	H. Hacking	102
Fred Hacking	102	Harold Holden	109
H. Henson	112	J. H. Harrop	120
John Halliwell	120	C. Helliwell	121
A. W. Holden	121	F. Hacking	123
I	Page	I	Page
Thomas S. Instone	25	James Ingham	41
Leslie Irwin	41	Michael Ivory	69
G. W. Isherwood	106
J	Page	J	Page
Robert Johnson	19	E. Jopson	27
H. Jones	42	R. V. Johnson	43
F. Jackson	53	E. I. Johnson	64
J. H. Jones	65	N. Jopson	70
John Jackson	72	J. Johnson	114
K	Page	K	Page
W. E. Kay	2	Alfred Kelly	13
Norman Kay	19	John Kelly	26
F. Kelpin	44	A. Knott	56
H. Kenyon	59	Wm Kinder	70
W. Kay	108	C. E. Kenyon	120
L	Page	L	Page
Douglas Longman	6	W. Lawson	23
Walter Loftus	30	R. Livesey	39
J. Logan	62
M	Page	M	Page
William McGlachan	9	James Edward Miller	15
John McTighe	20	Henry Mercer	20
J. McMahon	29	John Martin	22
Frank Miller	31	E. I. Moulden	36
N. S. Macdonald	42	James Marsden	45
Russell Margerison	50	A. J. Morris	53
J. H. Maden	66	R. J. Murray	69
Thomas W. Minski	71	A. S. Miller	113
C. Maguire	116	K. McDuff	119
N	Page	N	Page
Richard Nowell	22	J. Neville	54
H. Neville	58	William Nowell	64
C. Newton	101	A. C. Newson	124
O	Page	O	Page
Thomas Oddie	6	William Orrell	14
James O'Donnell	36	P. Ormerod	67
P	Page	P	Page
Thomas Page	20	Edwin Pye	60
A. Partington	28	Harry Pickup	34
George Pitts	47 and 40	Edward Parkinson	40
Alexander Parkinson	72	John Perkins	74
J. C. Parkinson	76	J. Peel	101
William S. Parkinson	107
R	Page	R	Page
John Richardson	9	Harold K. Robinson	14
C. Riley	27	Edward Rowe	38
Wm Roberts	40	Alan Rowe	48
S. Rogerson	54	E. Roland	59
C. Rawcliffe	60	H. Rishton	62
W. Roberts	67	John Rawcliffe	71
D. H. Riley	73	R. Rimmer	116
J. Ridge	119	R. Riley	77
J. Robinson	122	K. Rees	125
S	Page	S	Page
John Smith	1	Hartley Sandbach	3
William Smith	6	F. Sharples	10
Harold Smethurst	10	Albert Smith	10
George G. Smythe	11	Louise Steward	11
Gordon Smith	15	Wm A. Shaw	28
Wm Sowerbutts	37	Albert Starkie	37
R. W. Strong	38	Joseph Spencer	40
G. Scott	44	L. Sharples	57
Frank Stokes	66	John Small	72
Ronald Stratford	107	R. Sawyer	108
J. Swindlehurst	110	W. J. Starbuck	111
R. W. Scarlett	118	J. Sharples	118
T. S. Simpson	119
T	Page	T	Page
James E. Threlfall	3	Kenneth Thorpe	3
Edward Tomlinson	7	Margaret Trim	12
Frank Tomlinson	32	W. Talbot	44
J. Thompson	52	David Thomas	55
J. Tattersall	74	G. Tate	103
F. Tiplady	103	J. Thunder	105
J. Thomas	75 and 105	Albert Taylor	110
T. Timcke	121	M. Thompson	122
W	Page	W	Page
Arthur Wilcox	4	Thomas Wakeley	11
J. R. Wareing	16	Joseph Walmsley	33
H. C. Weller	21	George Walker	23
W. Wilding	28	H. Wilson	30
Anthony Wingfield	31	J. Whittle	34
Harry Walsh	34	John Walkden	35
R. Wilson	43	W. F. Walker	45
Walter Woods	45	H. Wilkinson	51
J. Walsh	57	S. Weaver	57
G. Wroot	63	Richard Worthington	68
Frank Whitehead	73	H. V. Wolstenholme	76
John Wignall	106	Albert Whittaker	109
William Whittaker	109	Thomas Wareing	111
R. E. Webb	117	E. Wood	119
J. C. Walton	122	H. Wilson	127
M. Walton	127	Clifford A. Warden	120

There are spaces for these signatures

Name	Address	Page
Thomas Astley	80, Addison Street	17
J. M. Barnettnow	Truro	7
Stewart Barnett	20, Pickup Street	5
G. Carter Derbyshire	171, Redlam
Stanley Dickinson	10, Sevenhouses, Knuzden	13
Harry Duerden	59, Craig Street	13
John P. Duffy	Langho	4
Albert Fitzgerald	26, Meadow Lane	18
Harry Green	5, Cumpstey Street	18
William Hargreaves	34, Clerkhill Street	5
Alfred Haslam	16, Beresford Road	2
Frank Haworth	29, Taylor Street	2
William Herrity	Mount Pleasant	5
F. Higginbottom	73, High-field Road	9
W. E. Kaynow	High Wycombe	2
Wm. McGlashan	Brockhall	9
Thomas Oddie	8, Coldstream Place	6
Thomas Page	3, Troop Street	20
John Richardson	188, Whalley Old Road	9
Albert Smith	17, Hamilton Street	10
John Smith	13, Norman Street	1
G. G. Smythe	Balderstone Vicarage	11
Louise Steward	167, Preston New Road	11
James Threlfall	75, Shear Brow	3
Margaret Trim	Clayton-le-Dale	12
Edward Tomlinson	46, Mary Street	7
Thomas Wakeley	Havelock Street	11
Arthur Wilcox	49, Earl Street	4

It appears the above people were not present at the event

Page 1

John Smith

Repatriated: June 1943.

13, Norman Street.

Ronald Bolton

6347045, R.A.O.C. [Royal Army Ordnance Corps].

Repatriated: October 1943.

Cyril Carter Derbyshire

171, Redlam.

Page 2

Frank Haworth
Haworth, Frank 003_jpg.jpg

28, Taylor Street.

Alfred Haslam (died)

16, Beresford Road.

W. E, Kay

now at High Wycombe.

Page 3

Hartley H. Sandbach

R.A.M.C 7383031 [Royal Army Medical Corps].

James E. Threlfall

75, Shear Brow.

Escaped December 1943.

Kenneth Thorpe

7945053 R.T.R.

Page 4

Arthur Wilcox

49, Earl Street.

Repatriated: June 1944.

John P. Duffy

Langho.

Escaped July – October.

Thomas S. Ball

“I am very thankful for all the help given by the British Red Cross and the Mayoress's
Comforts Committee.”

Page 5

Stewart Barnet

20, Pickup Street.

William Hargreaves

34, Clerkhill Street.

William Herrity

Mount Pleasant.

Page 6

Douglas Longman

863420, R.A. [Royal Artillary].

Thomas Oddie

8, Coldstream Place.

William Smith

3381926, R.A.C. [The Royal Armoured Corps].

Page 7

Edward Tomlinson

46, Mary Street.

Repatriated: September 1944.

Cpl. J.J. Blockley

Captured 30th May 1942, Western Desert.

John M. Barnett

(now Truro).

Page 8

Ernest Crankshaw

Captured 27th July 1940, I.W.G.C. [unsure what I.W.G.C. is].

Gnr. Henry B. Duckworth

934942, Royal Artillery.

"God is our Refuge and Strength - a very present help in trouble."

Captain G. E. Haptie M.C [Military Cross].

1st. Btn. The South Lancashire Reg.

“Grateful thanks to citizens of Blackburn for all that was done for me when in Germany.”

Page 9

F. Higginbottom

73, Highfield Road.

William McGlashan

Brockhall.

John Richardson

188, Whalley Old Road.

Page 10

F. Sharples

Pastor, Assemblies of God.

(Geween te Gods) [looks like].

Den Haaf Holland.

Harold Smethurst

6769 Lcpl [Lance Corporal] X1 Hussars.

DCM 1914 Star.

Albert Smith

17, Hamilton Street.

Page 11

G. Smythe

Balderstone Grange.

Thomas Wakeley

Havelock Street.

Repatriated: October 1944.

Louise Steward

167, Preston New Road.

Page 12

Margaret Trim

Clayton-le-Dale

Escaped to Switzerland - Repatriated Oct. 1944

Fred Bruce

7914046.

12th. Royal Lancers.

Driver David Charnley

Escaped from Italy Sept. 1943 to Switzerland, Repatriated Oct. 1944.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross on their excellent work.”

Page 13

Stanley Dickinson

Repatriated February 1945.

10, Seven Houses Knuzden.

Harry Duerden

39, Craig Street.

Alfred Kelly

321171, S. R. I. D. Gds.

Repatriated February 1945.

Page 14

Harold K. Robinson

Stalag XV111A [Wolfsberg, Austria].

Released Jun 26.19.45.

Gnr. William Orrell

Stalag XXA [Thor, Poland].

Captured 30/5/1940
Repatriated 31/3/1945.

Released 23/1/45 Home 1/4/45.

Gdsmn. William Cain
Cain, William_jpg.jpg

Stalag 11A [Neubrandenburg, Germany].

Captured 29/11/1942.

Released 11/4/1945.

Page 15

Gordon Smith

Captured June 1st. 1941.

Captured Crete June 1st 1941.

Released 2nd. April 1945.

“I thank the Red Cross for all they have done for me.”

Edward Atkinson

Captured 23rd June 1942 at Gambut Libia.

Released 30th March 1945, by American 3rd Army at Ziegenheim nr Cassell. Germany.
Arrived home 8th April [19]45.

Alfred Alberts

Captured Sept 1944 on the Arnhem operation.

Released Easter Monday by the American 3rd Army in Bad Orb. [Stalag IX-B, Germany].

Arrived home 10th April 1945.

James Edward Miller

Captured Nov. 17 1943 on the island of Leros [Greece].

Escaped April 5th contact made with American 9th Army April 8th in Hildenheim [Germany].

Arrived home 10th April 1945.

Page 16

J. R. Waring

(22, Hutchinson St).

12 June 1940 3711802.

Alfred Curran

12th June 1940. 889384.

Captured at St Valery [France], 51st DVI. [Highland Division].

Arrived England 10th 4 1945 Swindon.

Thomas Breckle

29th May 1940 No. 3388037.

Captured 29th May 1940 Belgium.

Page 17

Thomas Astley
Astley, Thomas _ 20_4_45_ pg 3.jpg

80 Addison St.

Pte Edward Dickinson

Stalag 20A Poland [Torun].

Captured in Dunkirk - France 29th of May 1940.

Repatriated April the 12th from Nuemburg, [Nuremberg] Germany.

“I wish to Thank, for all the kindness shown by the Red Cross and also the Mayoress Fund and all others.”

L/Sgt H. Hacking

Captured Boulogne 25/5/40.

Home again 23/4/45.

“With all my gratitude to all who assisted in keeping our Spirits going.”

Page 18

Pte. J. Hesketh

Stalag 344 Germany [Lamsdorf in Silesia].

Captured Tobruk 20th June 1942.

Retaken [Released] by Americans at Pilsen 15th. May 1945.

“I wish to thank all people concerned for kindness shown to us. The Red Cross and the Mayoress Fund who kept us going with parcels etc.”

Dvr. A Fitzgerald

Stalag 20 B Germany [Marienburg Poland].

Captured Lille [France] 31st May 1940.

Liberated 12th April 1945.

“Many thanks for all the kindness and gifts received.”

Albert Fitzgerald.

26, Meadows Lane.

Harry Green

5, Cumpstey St.

Page 19

Capt. W.S. Holding

RAMC [Royal Army Medical Corps].

May [19]40 - April [19]45.

“Through the dark years we had to grope.

Yet, lo! through the gloom there shone a hope.

The helping hand of the Red Cross.”

R. Johnson

Captured March 1943.

Released by Americans April 1943.

N. Kay

June [19]40 - April [19]45.

Page 20

John Mc Tighe

Captured 30th May 1940 Crombecke Belgium.

Released by Russians 22nd Jan 1945 at Standorf Ober Silesky [looks like].

A.B. Henry Mercer
Mercer, Harry page 20_jpg.jpg

Royal Navy.

Rescued at sea June 15th 1942 by Italian Red Cross.

Liberated April 15 1945. Repatriated from Hildesh [Perhaps Hildesheim Germany].

“Most grateful thanks to the Red Cross for carrying on the Walter Raleigh tradition. Your cigarettes were wonderful.”

Thomas Page

3, Troup Street.

Page 21

Fus. John Almond
Almond, John_jpg.jpg

Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.

Captured Gazala, Libya June 6th 1942.

Repatriated VE day 1945 [8th May].

“My grateful thanks to YMCA and Red Cross, without whom I should not be able to write these lines.”

Sig. H.C.H. Weller

Royal Signals.

Capt Gazala, Libya Dec. 15th 1945.

Escaped 22/1/45.

“Many grateful thanks for the wonderful way in which the Mayoress fund helped to comfort
the P.O.W.s in our camp,the cigs and other comforts where really appreciated.”

Page 22

Gnr. Barnes James

820874

Captured Argus [sic] April 28th 1941.

Stalag 18A Wolfsberg. Austria.

Arrived home May 24th 1945.

Pte. 35 John Martin

East Lancs. Regt.

Captured Dunkirk 1940.

Werknig [looks like] Camp 12701.H [this could be his POW number].

Arrived home May 18.1945.

Sgt. Mr R. Nowell

3714562.

Captured Nov 17th [19]43 Leros [Greece].

Released April 9th [1945] Arrived England 13th April [1945].

Page 23

GDSM. G. Walker

Captured Anzio [Italy] 8/2/44.

Liberated 9/4/45.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross & Mayoress's fund for their great help.”

L/Sgt. W. Lawson

Captured Tunis [Tunisia] 25/12/42.

Liberated 16/4/45.

“All my thanks for the kindness shown me by the Red Cross & Mayoress's Fund.”

Pte. E. Ainsworth

Captured Arnheim [Arnhem Netherland].

Escaped 12/4/45.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross & Mayoress' Fund for the kindness.”

Page 24

Gnr Henry Grundy

1463590.

Captured Crete 1941.

Liberated 16th April 41.

“I wish to thank for all the kindness shown by the Red Cross & Mayoress Fund.”

Gnr F. Baron

Captured Crete 1941.

Liberated 17th April 1945.

“I wish to thank for all the kindness shown by the Red Cross & Mayoress Fund.”

Fus Barrow

Captured Tunis [Tunisia] 1942.

Liberated 11/4/45.

“I wish to thank all the kindness shown by Red Cross & Mayoress Fund.”

Page 25

Sgt. Instone T.S.

3021416.

Captured near Dortmund [Germany] 21/2/45.

Liberated 30/4/45.

Repatriated 11/5/45. Arrived home 13/5/45.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross and the Mayoress's Committee for the kindness they have shown.”

Thomas Charnley

H. Caton

Captured 1940 20th May.

Liberated April 26th 1945.

Page 26

G. C. Almond

Captured 29/6/42 Mersa Matruh [Egypt].

Liberated Germany 18/4/45 Germany. [sic]

J.J. Grogan

Captured 13/6/42 At Bur-El-Rigal [Egypt].

Liberated 29/4/45.

John Kelly

South of Tobruk [Libya] 27th Nov 1941.

Page 27

F/Sgt Cave, B.H.

1676840.

Captured in Germany 12/13th August 1944.

Liberated by the Americans 12-00 hrs Sunday the 29th April.

"GOOD SHOW"

L/Sgt Riley C.

R.A. [Royal Artillery].

3381710.

Captured, Calais 26/5/40.

Released by 9th US Army on 12/4/45.

Pte Jepson, E.

4465921. D.L.I. [Durham Light Infantry]

Captured by Dodecanese, [Greece] 3/10/43.

released by 3rd.US on 17/4/45.

Page 28

Pte W. SHAW

6139891, East Surrey Rgt.

Captured in Tunisia 26th Feb 1942.

Liberated by Americans 24th April 1945.

Fus. A. Partington

4133435 4th RNF [Royal Northumberland Fusiliers] Regt.

Captured in Libia [Libya] 27th May 1942

Liberated by Americans 29th April 1945

“Many thanks to the Red Cross which made the days brighter.”

Dvr. W. Wilding

T/50924, RASC [Royal Army Service Corps].

Captured in Libia [Libya] 8th April 1941.

Liberated by Americans in Germany April 20th 1945.

Page 29

A.E. Hood

NX15167 2/3Bn. A.I.F. [Australian Imperial Force].

P.O.W. 10190 [His POW number].

Captured Crete 1st June 1941.

Recaptured [Repatriated] by Americans 28th April 1945.

S. Cook
10132

NX29782 2/3 Bn. A.I.F [Australian Imperial Force].

Captured Crete 1st June 1941.

Recaptured [Repatriated] by Americans 28th. April 1945.

Pte. J. McMahon

3387833 1st Batt. East Lancs Regt.

Captured Dunkirk May 29th 1940.

Recaptured [Repatriated] by Americans April 24th 1945.

Page 30

B. Brennan

33875194 Batt. East Lancs,

POW 10612 [his POW number].

Captured 29th May 1940. Liberated by Americans 2nd May 1945

Cpl H. Wilson

3446401 2nd Batt Lan Fus.

POW 12471 [his POW number].

Captured 22/5/40.

Liberated by Americans 1/5/45.

(Cpl.) Walter Loftus

3713320 Kings Own Royal Reg.

POW 6111 [his POW number].

Captured 9/6/1940 Liberated by Americans 22/4/45.

“God Bless the British Red Cross Society without whose their help we should not be here and a special word of
thanks to Erik Berg of the Swedish YMCA God Bless him.”

Page 31

Gnr Frank Miller
Miller, Frank page 31_jpg.jpg

R.A. [Royal Artillery] 22-5-45 [?]

Captured In Libiya [Libya] June 12th [19]42.

Arrived from Germany later to my home 13/5/45.

Warrant Officer Donnelly N.P.

Captured in Libya June 1940.

“Thanking all for the appreciation shown whilst a POW in Italy and Germany.”

Pte. Anthony Wingfield

(Sherwood Foresters).

Captured in Italy Oct 13th 1942.

“Many thanks to all.”

Page 32

L/BDR. Hunt Alfred

1526676 RA [Royal Artillery].

Captured In Libiya [Libya] 31st Aug [19]42.

Arrived from Germany 2nd May arrived home 19th May [19]45.

Pte. John De-La-Rue

Green Howards.

Capt. June 1st 1942.

Arrived home Thurs May 18th 1945.

Gunner Tomlinson Frank

G[?] Calais 1940 (May 26th).

Arrived home May 18th 1945.

Page 33

Drv. P. Eccles

[Captured] Dunkirk France 1940.

Escaped 14 May 1945.

Cpl. J. H. Walmsley

[Captured] June1st [19]41 Crete.

Released Jany. 22nd [19]45 by Marshall Konev 1st. Ukrainian Army.

“With special thanks for giving me & thousands of others, Hope, and essential material sustenance.

Thanks to all concerned.

& God Bless You.”

JHW.

Page 34

Dr. Jack Whittle

3392029.

Captured Tobruk - 21st. June 42.

Released 15th. May [19]45.

“My Deepest Gratitude to all those people who have devoted their time through the Red Cross in aid of
myself and other Prisoners of War, I salute you all.”

Pte. Harry Walsh

1st .Bn. KORR [King’s Own Royal Rifles].

Captured 29/6/42 Mersa Matruh [Eygpt].

Released 15/5/45.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross for all they have done for me and other Prisoners.”

H.I. Pickup

156/52nd LT AR Regt. RA [Royal Artillery].

Captured Crete 1/6/42 Liberated 29th April 1945.

“I do appreciate the kindness and good work of yourself and your committee and thanks a lot for everything.”

H. I. Pickup 29/5/45

Page 35

N. Barton

[Captured] Kulumata Greece 1941.

“Sincere thanks to the Red Cross for their great work under very difficult circumstances.”

W. Davis

[Captured] Italy 16th Feb 1943.

“Only for the Red Cross doing a splendid job of work we would not have had much chance.”

John Walkden

[Captured] France 1940 Dunkirk.

Released by the Russians May 1945 April 26th 1945.

Page 36

S. Holden
Holden, Stanley_jpg.jpg

“We owe everything to the Red Cross for our fitness and health.”

E. Moulden

“All thanks to the Red Cross.”

J. O'Donnell

“Many thanks for all the kindness you have done for us.”

F. Arkwright

“My wholehearted thanks to the Red Cross and the staff of the Blackburn Branch for their kindness
and thoughts during my captivity in Germany.”

Page 37

William Sourbutts
Sowerbutts, William_jpg.jpg

“I am pleased to come today to tender my thanks for all that has been done for us boys while away.

Once again I thank you one and all for everything.”

Albert Starkie

I was taken prisoner on the 28th [no month given] 1941 in Greece and Liberated on the 10th. March 1945 by the Yanks.

“I would like to thank you for the work you have done and we do appreciate it. I can only thank you again.”

Jack Clough

Released by the Russians 8th May 1945.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross for their splendid work.”

Page 38

Robert William Strong

Taken prisoner on 23rd May 1941 & released by the Russians on the 22nd April 1945.

“Words cannot express my gratitude for the wonderful parcels and gifts that you sent.
I only wish you might have seen the boy's pleasure when "parcels up" was the call.
Thank you so very much for all you have done.”

Edward Rowe

Taken prisoner 22nd June 1942 released by Americans 18th April 1945, after escape from Camp.

“I would like to thank everyone for the parcels and kindness and the wonderful work you have
shown during these very trying years thanking you once again."

Edward Rowe.

Page 39

R. Livesey

[Captured] 23rd November 1940 Tourbruk [Libya].

Released on 30th April 1945.

“Thanks to the Red Cross”

Robert Ball

Taken [prisoner] 28th June [19]42.

Released 9th May 1945 by Russians.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross a marvelous organisation. Only for them many of us wouldn't be here to tell the tale.
Gratefully yours

R. Ball”

Page 40

Joseph Spencer

Captured May [19]40.

Released April [19]45.

“With God's good grace.”

William Roberts

Captured 31/5/1940.

Released May 8th 1945 by the Russians.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross for all they have done.”

Edward Parkinson

Captured 21st June 1942.

“Many thanks to our kind friends of the "Red Cross" that help us along during the dark day.”

Page 41

James C. Ingham

RAOC [Royal Army Ordnance Corps].

Captured Kalamata (Greece) 1941.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross for all the gifts which I received in captivity.”

L. Irwin

Grenadier Guards.

Captured Tournai Belgium, 1940.

Liberated May 1945.

“The gifts from the Red Cross were greatly appreciated.”

A. Knott

The Manchester Regt.

Captured Merville France 27th May 1940.

Liberated May 1945 Czech.

“I thank the Red Cross from the Bottom of my heart.”

Page 42

A. S. Macdonald

Captured Crete 1st June 1941.

Released Moosburg [Germany] 29 April 1945.

Springhill, Waifawa.

Hawkes Bay.

New Zealand.

N.Z.E.F [New Zealand Expeditionary Force].

Pte. A. Jones

E-LAN-R [East Lancs Regiment]

“Many Thanks to all”

James W. Carus

Captured Corinth Greece 26/4/41.

Released Southern Austria 11/5/45.

“Birthday present by British 8th Army.”

“ Would like to thank all Red Cross members and YMCA for great service rendered. Thanks to them we got through.”

Page 43

Cpl. R. V. Johnson

8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars.

Captured at Mersa Matruh [Egypt] 29/6/42.

“And after being kept allive alive by the Red Cross wish to thank all who gave their services to help us lads.
We cannot thank them enough.”

I was released by the Russians on the 9th May 1945.

Fus. J. Bleasdale

Royal Irish Fusiliers.

Captured Leros [Greece] 17/11/43.

Liberated by Russians on 23/4/45.

“Red Cross is the best thing they ever thought of. Parcels eagerly awaited for every week.”

R. Wilson
RASC [Royal Army Service Corps].

Captured (Kalamata) Greece 1941.

Repatd. V.E. [VE Day 8th May] by American 1st Army.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross for the grand efforts.”

Page 44

W. Talbot

R.A. [Royal Artillery].

Captured Greto[?] May 27th 1941.

Liberated by 3rd Army on April 30th 1945.

“Hartiest thanks to the British Red cross and the work they have done for us whilst in captivaty.”

G. Scott

Welch Ret.

Captured Benghasi [Benghazi, Libya] Jan 31st [19]42.

Liberated by Russians April 23rd [19]45

“Very many thanks to the British Red Cross and Order of St John for their help not only to me but to my wife.”

G. Scott.

F. Kelpin

R.A.M.C. [Royal Army Medical Corps]

Captured Tobruk [Libya] 21/6/42. Worked in Camp Hospital at camps 75 & 70. Transferred to Germany in October 1943.
Worked in hospital at Stalag IVB [Mühlberg, Germany] until released by Russians on 23/4/45.

“As prisoners in both countries lived largely on food supplied by B.R.C.S. and
carried on work only through the unlimited generosity & efficiency of this organisation."

F. Kelpin.

Page 45

Pte. W. F. Walker
R.A.M.C [Royal Army Medical Corps]

Captured Leros [Greece] 16th Nov [19]43.

Liberated by Russians 4th April [19]45.

“Many thanks to Red Cross who greatly helped to keep our spirits up.”

James Marsden

Shot down in the English Channel July 8th 1941

Liberated April 16th at Falinbostel [Fallingbostel, Germany, Stalag XI B] by the British Army.

“I thank all for Ciggs and Books so kindly given.”

Walter Woods

Captured in Greece in 1941, Kalamata

Released on May 8th by the American 8th Army in Macht, Pongo Austria [looks like].

Page 46

Dvr. C. A. Dugdale

R.A.S.C. [Royal Army Sevice Corps]

Captured Boulange [France] 23rd May 1942.

Liberated by the Americans 11th April 1945.

“Many thanks to Red Cross and all Comforts found in the great work.”

F. Greaves

East Lancs

Captured Dunkirk 29/5/40

Liberated by Americans 29/4/45.

“They have done good work and many thanks, and may their good work carry one.”

H. Greaves
Greaves, Harold 002_jpg.jpg

Manchester

Captured in Italy 23/5/44.

Liberated by the Russians and reached the American lines on the 17th May 45.

“The Russians treated me and my comrades very well indeed and also the Americans, and last of all thanks to the Red Cross.”

H. Greaves.

Page 47

G. S. Pitts.

3528866

Captured in France 31/5/40.

Liberated 8th May 1945 by the Russians.

James Ashcroft

Capt. in France 29/5/40

and liberated 4/5/45 by the Americans and my thanks for the good work they all have done.

T. Clayton

Capt. in Greece at Argos 28/4/1941 in Greece

and Liberated by Americans, who cared for us and by kindness restored many to health.

Page 48

Sap. H. Rowe

3392176

Captured in Tunis [Tunisia] 30/11/42.

Liberated 18th April by Americans

S.Q.M.S. [Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant] Kenneth Ainsworth

341.

Captured June 1st 1941 at Sphakia Crete.

Liberated May 1st 1945 at Kirchburg Bavaria by the Americans.

Pte. Terence A. Harvey
5573. 2nd.N.Z.E.F. [New Zealand Expeditionary Force].

Captured 1st June 1941 at Crete.

Liberated at the Frontier of Czechoslovakia on 9th May 1945, by Czechish partisans.

New address 28, Rakan Rd. Hataitai, Wellington N.Z.

Page 49

L/C. William Howarth

Captured Dunkirk May 31st 1940. Released May 2nd [19]45.

Gnr. H. Yates

Captured Creat [Crete] June 1st 1941.

Released June May[sic].

Gnr. Boyle W A.

Captured 1st June 1941 Crete.

Released by Marshall Petrov.

Page 50

Flt/Sgt Russell Margerison

Shot down 21/22nd May 1944 Over Antwerp, Belgium.

Was in the underground for over two months until finally turned over to the Gestapo by traitors.

Released by Russians 22nd April 1945.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross without whose aid we would not have survived.”

Cpl. James Ainsworth

Taken prisoner in Leros [Greece] on the 17th Nov 1943.

was released by the Americans on May 2nd [1945?].

“May I thank the Red Cross for all they did for all the boys.”

Page 51

L/Bdr. Ronald Hurst

Captured on June 6th 1942 in the Gazala [Libya] area and was held prisoner until the capitulation of Germany,
when I made my own way to the American lines, arrived back in England on Friday,
and was home on leave within a week of the war being finished.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross and the Mayoress fund for all their kind gifts & thoughts to me whilst a POW. R. Hurst”

Pte. H. Wilkinson

Captured on May 23rd 1944 at Pene-Peidimonte (Italy) [Pennapiedimonte] and out working in Munich
until May 1st 1945 when released by the Americans.

“Best thanks to the Red Cross also the Mayoress' Fund and all willing workers for their good work whilst I was held prisoner. H. Wilkinson”

Page 52

Fus. J. Bell

2nd. Royal Irish Fusiliers

Captured Leros [Greece] 17/11/43.

Liberated by Russians on 23/4/45.

Sigmn. J. Thompson

Captured Mersa Matruh [Egypt] June 24th 1942. Held prisoner by the Italians until their capitulation on Sept 8th 1943.
Escaped and was free for three days before being recaptured & brought to Germany.
Was held prisoner by the Germans in Wekelsdorf, Sudetenland until May 7th 1945
when we were all set free & we made our way to the Americans at Pilsen [Germany].

“Many thanks to the Red Cross & all helpers to the Mayoress' Fund for all they have done for us prisoners of war.”

Page 53

Pte. F. Jackson

Captured 24 Sept.1944 at Arnhem Holland.

Handed over to the Americans on the 24 April [19]45. Many thanks for Red Cross and funds. Held prisoner at Stalag IV D, [Torgau] Germany.

AB/A. J. Morris

R.N. [Royal Navy]

Captured July 18th 1941 in the South Atlantic. Recaptured [should read repatriated] by the Americans April 29th 1945 from Stalag VII A [Moonsburg, Germany].

“Many thanks for the parcels received from the Mayoress and the Red Cross.”

Page 54

Gnr. S. Rogerson

Captured 20th June 1942, at Tobruk [Libya].

Handed over to the Americans May 4th 1945.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross.”

Gnr. J. Neville

Captured 20th. June 1942 at Tobruk, [Libya].

Released by the Americans on May 4th. 1945.

“Many thanks to the red Cross.”

Gnr. Grundy H.

Captured 1st June 1941 Crete.

Released by the Americans 17th April 1945

“Many thanks to the Red Cross.”

Page 55

Spr. David Thomas

Captured by Germans 1st May 1941 Greece.

“Many thanks to Red Cross “

L/cpl E. Barnes

Captured May 1940.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross.“

Cpl. J.J. Grogan

Captured by Germans 13th June 1942 Libya.

“Thanks for everything, Red Cross.”

Page 56

Pte. A. Knott

The Manchester Regiment.

“Many thanks to Red Cross.”

Pte. H. Jones

E-Lan-R [East Lancs Regiment].

“I wish to express my deep appreciation of the Work of the Red Cross & of the
Branch in Blackburn for their help and encouragement to the folks at home.”

W/O J. Haworth

Sgt. R. Bradley

“Many thanks to you all for the fine work, again thank you.”

Page 57

F. Kelpin

“Good Work and thank you most sincerely” [see also page 44].

J. Flynn

“Like to thank all for their kind work.”

J. Walsh

“I thank you all for what you have done and for what you have tried to do.”

J. W. Blackwood and Family

“offer this, their gratitude for the kindness done.”

Gnr. Sam Weaver and Family

“with ever grateful thanks.”

Pte. R. Eaves
Eaves, Robert_jpg.jpg

captured Anzio [Italy] 23rd May 1944.

with thanks liberated Germany 17th April 1945.

Sgt. L. Sharples

“Sincere thanks and best wishes.”

Page 58

W. Griffiths

Captured on Milos [Greece] on the 9th of May 1941.

and liberated by General Patten and his 3rd Army on the 29th April 1945.

“Thanking you for everything that has been done for us.”

Edward Barrett

Prisoner from April 1941 to May 1945.

“All the things I would like to say would sound platitudinous on paper. May I just say Thank you for everything.”

Harry Neville

Captured Gazala [Libya] Dec 15th 1941.

Released by Russians April 23rd 1945.

“Many thanks to you all for your great kindness and help. Not only to myself but to my parents during my captivity.”

Page 59

E. Roland

Captured on Leros, [Greece] 17/11/43.

Released by Russians on 3/4/45 treated rather ruff [sic] arrived home 24/6/45.

“Only for Red Cross I would never have come home.”

E. Goode

Captured on 21 May 5,[sic] 1940 at Dunkirk.

Released by the Russians 28 May 5 1945 arrived home 1' June 6 [sic]1945.

“I woukd like to thank the Red Cross for sending me parcels which I am sure without them I would never have seen England again.”

Herbert Kenyon

Captured on 6/6/42 at Knightsbridge North Africa.

Released by the Russians May 5th [19]45.

“Once again I would like to thank the Red Cross the finest organisation in the world.”

Page 60

Pte. E. Pye
Pye, Edwin_jpg.jpg

3606658.

Captured at Arnhem 27/9/44.

Released by the American 2nd Army 12/4/45.

L/cpl. C. Rawcliffe

Captured at Tobruk [Libya] 2/6/42.

Released by the Russians 10/5/45.

Pte. S.R. Ashton

3860937.

Captured in France 7/8/44.

Released by the Russians 23/4/45.

“My heartfelt thanks to the Red Cross.”

Page 61

Gnr. T. Holgate

1640298.

Captured at Tobruk [Libya] June 21st 1942.

Released by the Americans May 8th 1945.

“I would like to thank the Red Cross for all they have done for me.”

Pte. T Burton

1611191.

Captured at Arnem [Arnhem, Netherlands].

released by the Americans on the 17th April.

“I would like to thank the Red Cross for all they have done for me.”

Patrick Dermody

Captured on Leros [Greece]

Page 62

Pte. H. Rishton

3913421, Queens Royal Regt.

Captured at Caen Aug 3rd 1944.

Recaptured [should read repatriated or released] April 1945 by the American 3rd Army.

“Good luck to the Red Cross. May they keep it up. Thanks a lot.”

Pte W. Goodbier

5383664 1st Batt. Oxf. Bucks L.I. [Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry]

Captured at Shassel[?] France 30th of May 1940.

Recaptured [should read repatriated or released] by the Americans on the 21st April 1945.

“All my thanks go to the British Red Cross and all the Blackburn Comforts commity of done for me. I thank you.”

James Logan

Captured 1940 May 25th.

Page 63

L/Bdr C. Wroot

No. 786703.

Captured 6/6/1942 a.t Knightsbridge [Libya].

Released by the Americans 1/5/45.

“I am very thankful for all that the Red Cross have done for me.”

Fus. Frank B. Edwards

4458884.

Captured 17th Nov 1943 on the island of Leros [Greece].

Relieved by the Americans April 24th 1945. After being on the road for 10 days we took matters
into our own hands and marched to the American lines.

“I am very grateful to the Red Cross for their good work.”

Page 64

Drv. E. I. Johnson

No. T/180610.

Taken prisoner at Mechili [Libya] 8th April 1941.

Relieved by Gen. Patten's forces at Moosberg [Moosburg, Germany] 29th April 1945.

“Thanking all concerned for their kind thoughts during my stay in Italy and Germany.”

Gnr Nowell W

1462341.

Taken prisoner Sternes, Crete 28th May 1941.

Released by 1st American Army at Oschatz, Saxony 26th April 1945.

“I wish to record my heartfelt thanks to all concerned for all the help and kindness shown to me during my period of captivity.”

Page 65

Tpr. Jones J. H.

No.14541639.

Captured Sept 28th [19]43.

Released by the Americans April 28th [19]44.

“Many thanks to Red Cross for the wonderful work they have done.”

Bdr R H Dawson

No. 855798.

Captured April 28th [19]41.

Released by Americans May 3rd [19]45.

“and I am very thankful for the kindest and wonderful treatment me and my wife
have received from the Mayoress Comforts Committee. Thank you all”

Page 66

L/Bdr. Frank Stokes.

No. 880808.

Captured Dunkirk 25th May 1940.

Released by Russians 25th May 1945.

“My sincere and heartfelt thanks for the wonderful work and organising of the Red Cross. Food parcels and clothing was an asset.”

Spr Arthur Colbert

2113952.

Captured Crete 1st June 1941.

Escaped 4 days before war finished, into the American hands later.

“Many thanks for the parcels I received through your organisation, which kept up our healthy spirits.”

Pte J.H. Maden

No 2184543.

Captured D. Day. [6th June 1944]

“Many thanks for clothing parcel received & the comfort given my parents by your meetings.”

Pte. J. Harrison

No 3384630.

Captured 20th Oct 1944.

Released by the Americans April 27th [19]45.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross for the wonderful work they did for everybody.”

Sgt Genn E

66689

"Sincere thanks for the efforts of all the contributers [sic] to the Mayoress of Blackburn POW fund. "

E. Genn.

Page 67

Rfn. P. Ormerod

3387491

Captured 18th Sept 1944.

Released 2nd May 1945.

“Many thanks to the work of the Red Cross Owing to a series of moves, I was unfortunate in not being able to receive
Comfort Parcel from Mayoress fund. Thanking you for the kind work you have done for the boys.”

Bdr. W. Roberts

1440410.

Captured 1/6/41 in Crete.

Released 16/1/45.

“Thanking all for the things that made life worth wile while[sic].

L.A.C. Howard A.

1121986.

Captured 21st June 1942 Tobruk [Libya].

Released 9th May 1945.

“Thanks for the good work you have done, both for myself & all the boys, and the

comfort and assistance to our relatives and wives.”

A. Howard.

Page 68

Fred Brigg

Grateful thanks for parcel.

7/8/45.

David Barrett

Captured on Leros [Greece] Oct 1943.

Released by Russians May 23rd 1945.

“Thanks for everything done by the Blackburn Red Cross.”

Richard Worthington

Captured Crete.

Released by Americans.

“Thank you everybody for cigarette parcels.”

Page 69

Dvr James Garrity

[Captured] Tobruk [Libya] 21st June 1942.

Released by the Americans.

W.O. Frank R Hibbert

R.A.F.

Frankfurt [Germany] 30th Sept 1941.

Released by British forces.

Pte M. Ivory

Leros [Greece] 17/11/43.

Released Reia Austria May 4th 1945, 3rd American Army.

Pte Murray R.

Captured Arnhem Sept 26th [19]44.

Released British 16th April [19]45.

Page 70

W. Jopson

[Captured] Greece, Kalamata April 29th 1941.

[Released] USA 3rd Army, May 1st 1945.

Pte W. Kinder
Kinder, Bill_jpg.jpg

[Captured] April 9th 1942 Lyiaid [looks like]

Fus. J. Aspin

“Thanking you for everything

Good Luck.”

Page 71

1st. Radio Officer, John Rawcliffe

Captured Indian Ocean November 11th 1940.

Released by British Armoured Division and arrived in England May 5th 1945.

“Many thanks to the Red Cross and St. John Society, and for all that has been done for prisoners of war.”

J. Rawcliffe.

Warrant Officer Pilot, Kenneth H. Brown

Captured Oostrum in Holland Oct 13th (Friday!) 1944.

Released by Zhukov's army [Russian] April 23rd 1945 & arrived England soon afterwards.

“Many thanks to the Mayoress and her committee for all they have done to ease the anxiety of my own
& all the other "prisoners" families of Blackburn.”

K.H.Brown w/o.

C.Q.M.S. Thomas W. Minskie

Princess Louise's Kensington Regt.

Captured at St.Valery-en-Caux [France] June 12th 1940.

Liberated by 3rd American Army on April 22nd 1945.

Arrived in London V.E. day [8th May 1945]

“Many, many thanks to the Mayoress & War Comforts Fund Committee for all the kind wishes
and gifts during the long exile, which helped considerably to make life bearable.”

Thos. W. Minskie.

Page 72

F/Sgt. John Jackson

Captured Antwerp [Belgium] July 22nd 1944.

Released by Guards of the Red Army 23rd April 1945.

Arrived England May 15th 1945.

“Many thanks to the workers of the Red Cross for their splendid help without which we could not have survived."

John Jackson.

L/Cpl. J. Small

Captured Normande June 11th 1944

Released by the Scotch Guards on the 30th of April 1945. Arrived England on the 12th May 1945

“Thanks to the Red Cross for everything they did to help us along.

J. Small L/Cpl RA.”

W/O. Alexander Parkinson
Parkinson, Alexander page 72_jpg.jpg

R.A.F.

Shot down Oct 4th 1943. Captured Luxembourg Oct 7th.

Imprisoned in Stalag IV B [Muhlberg, Germany]

until liberated by the Russian armies on April 23rd 1945.

Arrived in England 18th May 1945.

“Many thanks, for the way in which the Red Cross, by its work and advice, helped me and especially my wife, during trying times."

A. Parkinson W/O 28th Aug 1945.

Page 73

Joseph Boardman

Captured Dunkirk.

Liberated by Americans.

D.H. Riley

Captured in Athens Greece

Released by Americans April 22th [19]45

“Thanking you for the kind work”

Frank Whitehead

Captured Kalamata, Greece 1941.

Released by Americans May 8th 1945.

Neville Gray

Captured Bologne [France]

Liberated by Russians

Captured on 26th of May 1940.

Released April 8th 1945.

“Thanks to you for your great work and care to all prisoners.”

Page 74

J. Tattersall

Captured Kalamata, Greece 28/4/41.

Released 20/4/45

Thanks to everybody for everything. 4/9/45

Ernest Gibbons

Egypt 29/6/42.

Released 16/5/45

“All thanks to the Red Cross and a special one to the Mayoress's Fund for the present I received August 26th. 4/9/45”

John Perkins

Arrested in the Netherlands

Interned by the Germans June 26th 1940

Released by the Allied Forces May 16th 1945

Interned at 1 Lag VIII Tost. O/S Germany

1 Lag VIII2 Kreuzburg O/S

1 Lag XVIII 12 B Spittal (Drau) Austria

“Am greatly indebted to the Mayoress's Comforts Fund, the British Red Cross, and the Y.M.C.A. 25/9/45”

Page 75

Harry Holden

Was Captured at Monte Casino Italy by the Germans 12th May 1944.

Released by the Americans April 30th 1945.

W/O James Ian Boyle
R.A.F.

Shot down Peine, 26 kilometres S.E. of Hanover, Nov. 15th 1940.

Released by Americans May 2nd 1945

H. Crankshaw [see also page 108]
Crankshaw, Walter_jpg.jpg

W.O.I. R.E.M.E

Taken prisoner 15/2/42 bt Japanese forces on Singapore Island whilst serving with 88th Army Fld. Regt. R.A.

Released from POW Camp by British Air Bourne forces 20th Sept 1945

10, Wellfield Road, Blackburn

Pte. Thomas J. [see also page 105]
Thomas, Joseph 03 pages 75 and 105_jpg.jpg

3528346

10, AUDLEY LANE BLACKBURN

Taken prisoner at Singapore Feb 15th 1942.

Released Prison Camp Sept. 15th 1945 by British Air Bourne Troops

Page 76

Major H. V. Wolstenholme
Wolstenholme, H V 02 page 76_jpg.jpg

R.A. [Royal Artilary]

Wood End Blackburn

Captured in Crete on June 1st 1941

Released by the Americans at Lengenfelt Germany

"Our thanks are due to all at home who have helped to make our lives as prisoners so much easier"

Sapper J. C. Parkinson
Royal Engineers

Taken prisoner at Hong Kong Dec 25th 1941

Released by Americans Sept 23rd 1945 at Kawasaki, Kyushu, Japan.

“Thanks very much for all the good work & comforts of the International Red Cross Ass. WHAT IS ASS

21, Regent St. Blackburn.”

Lieut. E.A. Corless
Corless, Eric_jpg.jpg

S.I.V.F. [looks like]

140, Shear Brow, Blackburn

Taken prisoner at Singapore 15/2/42

Flown out from Bangkok [Thailand]. 1/9/45.

“Thank you all very much for what you have done for our people and ourselves.”

Page 77

Pte. A. Abel

S/11169

Taken prisoner at Singapore Feb.15th 1942

Released from Ubon Camp, Thailand Aug. 15th 1945 by British Paratroop Officers.

“Thanks to all the Blackburn and district people for their kindness & generosity at all times

A Abel 4, Mosley St. Blackburn”

R. Riley

East Lancs Regt.

Taken prisoner at Dunkirk May 29th 1940

Returned to England Feb 9th 1946

A Riley

R Ir Fus [Royal Irish Fusiliers].

Taken prisoner at Leros [Greece] Nov 16th 1944.

Returned 10th April 1946.

Page 78

W/Bdr Simm A.S.

1441316.

Taken prisoner on Crete 1st June 1941.

Released 15th May 1945.

Arthur S. Simm.

Gnr. Orrell E.

865965 Royal Artillary.

Captured Crete 2nd June 1941.

Liberated 27th April 1945.

John Shaw

No. 4131523 L.A.A. Regt.

Taken prisoner 5th of June 1942 at Tobruk [Libya] Africa.

Returned 19th April 1945.

Pages 79-99 are blank

Page 100

Cpl. W. Farrington
Farriington, William POW 12_10_45 pg 3.jpg

Taken P.O.W. at Singapore on 15th Feb. 1942.

Worked on the Thai Rly for 10 months.

was released on 11th of Aug 1945, by our own Paratroops.

15, Haworth St.

Dvr. J. Earnshaw

Sunk in Mallacca Straits arrived Singapore 5th February taken prisoner 15th. Worked on Thailand Railway 8 months.

Was released 11th Aug 1945 By Paratroops.

“There will always be an England.”

W. N. Davies

6143629 2/Btn East Surrey Rg.

5, Clerk Hill St. Blackburn.

Page 101

Pte. C. Newton

5th Beds & Herts.

Taken prisoner at Singapore Feb 15th 1942.

Worked for Japs on Thai - Burma railway for 15 months.

Released on 16th Aug 1945.

“To the people of England thanks a million.

There is only one England.”

C. Newton.

L/cpl H. Howard

1st Manchester's.

Taken prisoner at Singapore 15th Feb 1942.

Worked on the Thai - Burma railway until it was finished.

Released on 16th Aug. 1945 and returned to England after being away for 12 years.

"A long time no see " but when you get back it is worth it.”

H. Howard.

Sg. J. Peel
Peel, J page 101_jpg.jpg

R.C. Signals

Taken at Singapore 15/2/42.

Worked on the Thai Burma Railway, & other jobs.

Released 17/8/45 near Bangkok [Thailand]. Arrived in England 18/10/45 after 4 1/4 years.

John Peel.

Page 102

Marine H. Hacking
Hacking, Herbert POW_ 20_4_45 pg 3.jpg

Royal Marines.

Taken prisoner Singapore Feb.15th 1942.

Worked on the Thai- Burma railway till finished.

Released Aug 16th 1945.

"This was the day we've waited for."

Cpl. Barnes H.

5th Beds & Herts Regt.

Captured in Singapore 15th Feb 1942.

Worked on the Thai-Burma Railway.

Released Aug 17th 1945.

Arrived home Oct 19th 1945.

Pte. Fred Hacking

R.A.O.C. [Royal Army Ordnance Corps].

Captured in Singapore 15th Feb 1942.

Released on Aug 17th 1945.

Arrived home Oct 16th 1945.

Page 103

L/Cpl. [Fred] Barnes
Barnes, Fred_jpg.jpg

Royal Corps of Signals.

Captured at Singapore on Febrary [sic] 15th 1942.

“After 9 months as a coolie on Singapore Docks, I was forced to assist in the construction of the

Thailand Burma Railway. In June 1944, journeying from Singapore to Japan

was shipwrecked in a typhoon off Formosa. A further year of imprisonment in Japan completed a terrible adventure.

Am glad to see old Blackburn again.”

Fred Barnes 30/10/45.

Gnr G.Tate
2NA HKS-RA.
Captured at Singapore 15/2/42. Worked on the Thai Burma Railway.

Released 17th August 45.

Arrived home 19th Oct 1945.

G. Tate 30/10/45.

John F. Tiplady

R.A.F.

Captured 8th March 1942 Java.

Worked on Airfield Construction, Bomb Dumps, Patrol Ships and various other distasteful jobs.

Also in Anabriua, [looks like] Singapore on similar jobs.
Arrived home in Blackburn on the 18th October [19]45.

John F. Tiplady 30/10/45.

Page 104

Gnr J.T. Elliott

Captured at Kuala Lumpa [Kulala Lumpur, Malaysia] 26/1/42.

Worked on the Thai Burma Railway.

Released 17th Aug. at Saigon [Vietnam].

Arrived home on 19th Oct 1945.

Joseph Thomas Elliott 30.10.45.

Sigm J.M. Bolton
Bolton, Joseph_jpg.jpg

Signals [Royal Corp of Signals].

Captured at Singapore 15/2/42.

Released 15/8/45.

Worked on airfield construction Changi, Japanese memorial Bukit Timah [Singapore].

Arrived home 17th Oct on R.M.S. "Almanzora."

J.M. Bolton 30/1/.45.

R. Connell

R.A.F.

Captured Java 8/3/42.

Released 13/9/45.

Worked on Airfield, Shipyard Japan.

Arrived Blackburn Nov 1st [19]45.

R. Connell 2/11/45.

Page 105

Sto. [Stoker] Thunder
Thunder, J O page105_jpg.jpg

Royal Navy.

H.M.S. Prince of Wales.

Took prisoner Singapore 15th Feb. 1941.

Released 1945.

Pte. Thomas J. [see also page 75]
Thomas, Joseph 02 pages 75 and 105_jpg.jpg

3528346. 1/51 Batt. The Manchester Regt.

Took prisoner Singapore 15th Feb 1941.

Released 1945.

10, Audley Lane Blackburn.

Spr. R. H. Longson [see also page 119.]

1871691. Royal Engineers.

Captured Hong Kong 25/12/41.

Released 18/8/45.

Arrived Blackburn 3/11/45.

“Many thanks”

Page 106

Marine John Wignall

PLY x/100430. H.M.S. PRINCE OF WALES.

Taken prisoner the Island of "BANKA" off Sumatra.

Released Aug 22nd 1945.

L/cpl George Wallace Isherwood

18th DIV R.A.O.C. [Royal Army Ordnance Corp].

Taken Prisoner of War Singapore.

Released 28th Sept 1945.

L/Sgt Richard Ditchfield

121st Regt 69th Bty.

Taken prisoner Java 8/3/42.

[Released] 29/8/45.

Page 107

Ronald A. Stratford

L.S.B.A. Royal Naval Sick Berth Staff.

Taken prisoner-of-War Hong Kong 25th Dec 1941.

Released 9th Sept 1945.

Sgt. William S. Parkinson

R.A.S.C. [Royal Army Service Corp].

Taken prisoner of war Singapore 15th Feb. [19]42.

Released 6 months Japan 15th Sep. [19]45.

Arrived Blackburn 2nd Nov [19]45.

Worked on railway in Thailand for 2 years and afterwards in a Zinc Factory in Japan
where the Americans came to release us on Sep15th.

“It is really grand to be back amongst friends again and in dear old Blackburn.”

Page 108

W. Crankshaw W.O.I. [see also page 75]
Crankshaw, Walter_jpg.jpg

7587059 R.E.M.E. [Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers].

Taken prisoner by I.J.A. [Imperial Japanese Army] 15th February 1941, whilst serving with 88th Army Field Regt. R.A.

Released by Air Bourne forces in no.1 Camp Ubon Thailand, Sept.1945.

“Thanks everyone for kindness shown to those of my loved ones at home.”

W. Crankshaw 10, Wellfield Road, Blackburn.

Pte. R. Sawyer

3777272

Taken prisoner by I.J.A. [Imperial Japanese Army] 15th Feb 1941 in Singapore.
When taken up Thailand to work on railways for 6 months then returned to Singapore from there came our great release.

“It is a treat to be back amongst old friends in good old Blackburn which has done so much for us. Here is my thanks to All.”

Dvr. W. Kay

T/187932

Taken prisoner by I.J.A. [Imperial Japanese Army] 15th Feb 1942 Singapore
spending all my time as prisoner there at Changi and on defence tunnels at Kranji
until our release from then I was ambulance driving in Singapore taking my more unfortunate
comrades to the hospital boats I am now glad to be back with my own people of Blackburn and thank all for the kindness shown.

26, Fielden Terr. Cherry Tree, Blackburn.

Page 109

S/Sgt Whittaker

7592177.

Taken prisoner by I.J.A. [Imperial Japanese Army] Feb. 15th 1942

Worked in Thailand, Singapore on very distasteful jobs.

Able Seaman William Whittaker

P/SSX 27259 H.M.S. Exeter.

Sunk Java Sea March 1st 1942. Worked throughout the three-and-a half years in Makassar [Indonesian]

“Very glad it is all over.”

Cpl. Holden H.

S/57419 R.A.S.C. [Royal Army Service Corp] "G" Branch. Command H.Q. Hong Kong.

Taken prisoner on surrender Christmas Day 1941.

Sham Shui Po Camp 28.X11.41 [Hong Kong].

Argylle St. 18.1V. 42 - 4.V.44. [Hong Kong].

Camp "N" Sham Shui Po 4.V.44 - 9.1X.45 [Hong Kong].

Worked chiefley as batman to British Officers & Cookhouse Staff.

“Thank God for atomic bombs!”

Page 110

Sigm Swindlehurst

2331341.

Taken prisoner at fall of Singapore Feb. 15th 1942. Worked in copper mine in Formosa, coal mine in Japan.

“Pretty rotten. Glad to be home.”

J.E. Cartmell

3861612.

Taken prisoner at fall of Singapore Feb 15th 1942 Worked on railways.

L/Cpl. Albert Taylor

7643623 R.A.O.C. [Royal Army Ordnance Corp].

Taken prisoner at Singapore 15th February 1942.

Worked on Burma railway and aerodromes on Indo-China border.

“Pretty bad.”

Page 111

Cfm Starbuck W.J.

1572581 R.E.M.E. [Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers].

Taken prisoner Singapore 15th Feb 1942.

Worked in Thailand from June [19]42 till Aug [19]45.

“Glad to be back in good old Blackburn.”

L.A.C. Foster J.

972683.

Taken prisoner Java March 8th 1942.

Work in Japan Shipyard from 20/8/42 till Aug [19]45.

“Happy to be home.”

Thomas Wareing

1203239, R.A.F.

Taken prisoner Banka Straits [Bangka Straits, Indonesia] 17/2/42.

Shipyard work Japan.

Released 11/9/45.

“Feels good to be back.”

Page 112

H. Henson

114642, R.A.F.

Taken prisoner, Java April 1942 after spending a month of freedom in the mountains near Bandong.
From Java to Singapore to Japan, working in Ship Yard for 2 1/2 years, the last six weeks of war in the coal mines.

“Now I know what freedom means to me more than I ever did.”

Albert Dillon

Taken in Java March 8th [1942] and then to Japan to work in coal mine at Omine Nishi till freed.

DAVIS H.

1670764, R.A.F.

Taken on the Dutch East Indies (Java) from there to Changi Singapore then to Japan on Tofuku Maru.
Began work as a shipbuilder in Hakodate dock but finished the last 3 months down a coal mine.
Came back via Manila, Sanfransisco, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa, New York then on the Queen Mary to Southhampton.

Page 113

A.S. Miller

5573342 Royal Norfolk [Regiment]

Taken prisoner Singapore 15/2/42.

Released August 20th 1945.

Worked on the Thai Burma Railway from start to finish. Then went to Japan and worked in a coal mine for 14 months till released.

“Glad to be back home.”

Gnr. Brassington N.A.

16749092 1st L.A.A. R.A.

Taken prisoner at Java 9th March 1942.

Released Aug 16th 1945.

Work was at a Carbon Factory in Highgotanora Japan. Treatment rough.

“More than glad to be home. Freedom is life. Many thanks.”

N.A. Brassington.

AC H. Chippendale

978867, R.A.F.

Captured in Borneo on April 1st 1942. Taken to Java & from there to Kyushu, Japan via Singapore
& the P.I. Worked for 2 years on furnaces in Japan.

“Very happy to be home once more. Many thanks.”

H. Chippendale.

Page 114

J. Aspin

T/197717 R.A.S.C. [Royal Army Service Corps].

Taken prisoner Singapore 15/2/42. Taken to Thailand built road & railway to Burma. Left & taken to Japan.
Worked in Blast Furnace in Fukuoka till bombed out by Americans
& then just did nothing till released on Sept 16th [19]45 by Australian & American troops.

“Very lucky and very glad to be home again.”

J. Aspin.

Gnr. F. Bunyon

1821252 69/21 L.A.A. R.A.

Captured Java 9th March 1942. Taken to Japan October [19]42. Work constructing dromes and Marshaling yards.

Liberated Aug 15th 1945.

“Many thanks to the Americans.”

F. Bunyon.

Gnr. J Johnson

1793077 77W HAA. RA.

Captured Java in March 1942. Taken to Japan Oct 1942.

Worked in a coal mine 2 1/2 years. Liberated August 1945.

“Good trip home.”

J. Johnson

Page 115

Flying Officer L.D, Collier

102678 RAF

Captured in Java, March 8th 1942. In various camps in Java until April 1943,
then put on a draft to go to Japanese labour camp on Haroekote, Moluccas, near New Guinea,
where an aerodrome was under construction. Returned sick to Batavia, December 1943,
and after ten months in hospital there removed to Bandeng.
Much spare time spent in teaching modern languages particularly Spanish.

Released in Batavia September 1945.

Leo D. Collier.

A.C I.W. Griffiths

1079384, R.A.F.

Captured 8th March 1942 till 18th Sept 1945.

I was ordered by the Japs to remove some grenades which were a booby trap and was blown up
and since then have been blind and I have no hands.

Signed by R. Griffiths his uncle on behalf of ACI W Griffiths.

Page 116

L.A.C Maguire C.

950679, R.A.F.

Taken prisoner Java March 1942 after 6 months aerodrome Construction, moved to Japan working in Dockyards for 3 years after that.

“All I can say give me Blackburn. (Thanks a lot).”

C. Maguire.

A.S. W. Dixon

D/JX 239586.

On H.M.S. "EXETER" sunk in the Java Sea March 1st 1942 after 2 days action with a Jap fleet,
taken to Macasser, Celeber [Macassar Celebes, Indonesia] and worked on roads,
liberated by Australians and taken to Australia where I quickly recovered.
"Thanks Australia."

W. Dixon.

Pte. R. Rimmer

4858214.

Taken Prisoner of War Singapore 1942 Feb 15th.

Page 117

L/Bdr Ashburn R.

17384222 1st LAA. RA.

Taken prisoner in Java 8th March 1942 and moved to Japan 21st Oct 1943 where I worked down a coal mine.

“Am very pleased to be back home. Many Thanks.”

R. Ashburn.

Pte. E. Barlow.

939483 196 FIELD AMB R.A.M.C. [196 Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corp]

Taken prisoner 15th Feb 1942 at Singapore and arrived home in October 1945.

“I am very glad to be home and wish to thank everybody for their kind welcome.”

Yours sincerely

Edward Barlow

L/c Webb R.E.

5774685 4th Royal Norfolks.

Taken P.O.W. at Singapore 15th Feb 1942.

Worked on the Bankok to Moulmein Railway arrive home 28th Oct [19]45.

“Many thanks to all who have made our home coming so grand.”

Yours sincerely,

Webb R.E.

Page 118

Pilot Officer R. W. Scarlett

Malayan Volunteer Air Force.

Taken prisoner in Java March 8th 1942. Moved to Japan October 1942, first to Tokyo No 3 Camp,
and later to Zentsuji [Japan] where 2 years were spent. At Zentsuji we received many Red Cross parcels
as a result the death rate was very low. Our reception by the Red Cross in Nagasaki, Manila, San Fransisco
& NewYork was almost overwhelming, and I am unable to express my gratitude in appropriate words.
Thanks to the generosity of the Red Cross I am almost completely fitted out with clothing.

“Very many thanks.”

R. W. Scarlett.

Pte. J. Sharples.
Sharples, John page 118_jpg.jpg

7623490 R.E.M.E. [Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers].

Taken prisoner at Singapore and worked on the railway in Thailand.
Went to Japan May 1944 and worked in a Zinc works on a rolling machine.
Was released Sept 1945 by American troops. I am feeling pretty good and I am very glad to be home again.

“Thanks for the Red Cross we had.”

J. Sharples

Page 119

E. Wood

Taken prisoner March 8th 1942 Java. From Java I was sent to Ambrua - Horoekoe [Island?]
where we was working on Aerodromes for 18 months. On returning to Java Nov 1944 we where repatriated in Java 1945.

R. H. Longson [see also page 105]

Taken prisoner at Hong Kong 25/12/45. Transferred to Nagoya [Japan], 13/12/43, to Toyama [Japan] 10/5/45
and released 15/8/45. Repatriated via Canada 1/11/45

LAC J. Ridge

1026030.

Taken prisoner Batavia Java March 8th 1942 nine month in Boe Glodack Prison,
then moved to Japan, Camp Hiroshima No.3 District work whilst in Japan ship building.

“Red Cross parcels was more than welcome Thanks to the Red Cross and St Johns.”

J. Ridge.

T. S. Simpson

Taken prisoner 25th Dec 41. Remained in Hong Kong P.O.W. Cam [sic] throughout internment.

“Red Cross supplies more than welcome.

K. Macduff

Member of the F.M.S.V.F. [Federated Malay States Volunteer Force] taken at Singapore.

“Very appreciative of the welcome home and of the efforts of the Red Cross.”

22/2/46.

Page 120

J.H. Harrop

HKUDC[?] , Hong Kong.

Taken prisoner 25th Dec. 1941. Remained in Camps S. and Camp H. throughout.
Worked aerodrome, Bombsites and bombed out Oil Installations (last very pleasant.)

Released 16/8/45. Home via Manilla & Australia Arrived home 15/2/46.

John Halliwell

Taken Singapore Feb 1942 worked Siam railway home November 1945.

C. E. Kenyon

Taken prisoner 15th Feb 1942 Singapore. Spent three years working on railway in Siam.

C. E. Kenyon 1946.

Clifford A. Warden

Taken prisoner 15/2/42 Singapore. Worked on Bangkok Burma Railway till 1944.
Released in Bangkok Sept. 1945.

Page 121

F.W. Furness

Taken prisoner at Singapore Feb. 15th 1942 Some life in Taiwan & lately in Japan (Myatu Ukuosku) [looks like].

“Many thanks to the helpers and the marvellous welcome home.”

F.W. Furness 1st March.

Pte. T. Timcke

Taken prisoner Singapore 15th Feb 1942.

Sent on Railway at Thailand in October and then Japan.

“Thanks to all for this wonderful reception.”

C. Helliwell

Taken prisoner Singapore 15th Feb. 1942.

Work on Railway Thailand on October 1942.

“Thanking you all for this nice reception.”

A.W. Holden

Taken prisoner Singapore 15th Feb 1942.

Travelled Malaya & Thailand in style.

“Thanks everyone for everything.

Page 122

L.C M. Thompson.

Taken prisoner Singapore 15/2/42.

Journey to Korea Sept. [19]42 until 15/7/42

Tpr. T. Bleazard

Taken prisoner Singapore 15/2/42.

Journeyed to Japan 3rd Sept 1945.

“Thanks for the Wonderful Reception.”

L/c J. Robinson

Taken prisoner Singapore 15/2/42.

Journey to Korea July [19]42. Then to Japan August 1943.

“Thanking everyone for wonderful reception.”

Gnr. J.C. Walton

R.A.

Taken prisoner Java 8/3/42.

Journey to Borneo Oct [19]42 - Aug [19]45.

Working on airfield & docks.

“Thanking all for the wonderful reception”

Page 123

T. Hacking

Taken prisoner Singapore worked on docks etc. on Singapore Island.

Thanking all for a grand reception. Enture [sic].

J. Earnshaw.

Taken prisoner Singapore worked on Railway Siam 3 1/2 years, But tonights been worth it.

D. H. Batten

Taken prisoner of was Feb 15 1941.

Thanks for the pleasant evening.

R. Connell

Taken prisoner of war March 8th [19]41.

“Thanks for the enjoyable evening”

Page 124

J. Armstrong

Taken prisoner of war Singapore.

Worked on Siam Railway.

“Glad to be back.”

Alfred C. Newson

Taken in Singapore then to Thailand by hell ship to Japan now happy.

H. Buck
Buck, Harry_jpg.jpg

R.N

H.M.S. Exeter sunk in the Java Sea 1st of March 1942 by Jap battle fleet
H.M.S. Exeter had only four boilers in action but fought until ammo was finished.
I spent my three & half years in the Celebre's & I am glad to be back.

H. Collins
Collins, Harry_jpg.jpg

(Lt. R. Sigs)

Taken prisoner at Singapore on Feb 15th [19]42.

After service with Royal Corps of Signals (att. 122 Field Regt R.A.

“Thank you for the work of your committee.”

14/3/46

Page 125

Cpl. K. Lees

No. 73149156 198 Field Ambulance.

Taken prisoner at Singapore Feb 15th.

Hospital duties at Changi until Nov. [19]42. For three years afterwards
worked on "The Siamese State Railway" until released at Taiwan Aug. 1945.

“The work of this and similar organisations is very much appreciated by

all serving personell and their efforts are to be highly commended.”

K. Lees Cpl RAMC [Royal Army Medical Corp]

Sgt. Calvert J.W.

5771805 4th Bn. The Royal Norfolk.

Taken prisoner at Bukit Tima (Singapore) Feb 15th [19]42.

On June 24th [19]42 was sent to work on the new Siam Burma Railroad until released on Aug. 15th [19]45.

“The work of the Red Cross has been very much appreciated since our release

& their efforts to contact us & give our people information concerning us during
our captivity very praiseworthy. My heartfelt thanks to everyone of this organisation for their kind interest.”

J.W. Calvert

Page 126

L. H. Gorsuch

Malayan Civil Service.

Taken prisoner at Singapore on Feb.15th 1942. Interned on Feb. 23rd 1942 until Aug. 1945.
Imprisoned by Japanese Military Police from January to November 1944.

“With very grateful thanks for the kindness of your Committee who have welcomed us back so generously.”

L.H. Gorsuch 26/3/46

Pte. L. N. Carr

RASC [Royal Army Service Corp]

Taken Prisoner in Hong Kong 1941. Sent to Osaka Japan in 1943.
Released and sent to New Zealand & Australia on Hospital Ship [[name not clear] Arrived in England 23/3/46.

“I wish to thank all the community of this County for such excellant work
& cooperation with families of P.O.W.s in order to finding and getting results
of above said and excellent work done on our behalf.”

L.W. Carr 2/4/46

Page 127

Wilson H.

1798045

Taken prisoner in Java March 8th 1942.

Worked in Copper mine, Kinkaseki camp Formosa.

“It’s good to be back and thanks to all for your thoughts and kindness.”

Margaret Walton

Interned Shanghai March 1st 1943 - Aug 1945.

Repatriated on Troop Ship Strathmore

Arrived Blackburn 2nd May 1946.

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