Charles Frederick Priestley

Born 2nd Quarter 1875, Batley West Yorkshire

Married Phoebe Anne Brown, Born 4th Quarter 1875, 3rd February 1900, Wittenberge, Germany

Died 9th December 1956, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Sources - Batley News – News from Ruhleben section, part of an almost weekly update on Prisoners of war abroad

Undated - Ruhleben prisoners coming home

British civilians interned in Ruhleben are to be conveyed in Danish and British ships to Manchester, via the Ship Canal. The first batch will arrive at Copenhagen tomorrow night and will be taken on board the liner Frederick VIII., on the deck of which a service of thanksgiving will be held on Sunday morning. It will take two or three months to get the other men home from Ruhleben. Danish doctors are offering their services, and the Danish War Office will provide clothes and books for men who require them. Whilst it is true that British prisoners, who have been kept in Belgium by the Germans and compelled to work like horses on starvation diet, have been cast adrift without food or adequate clothing, it has been ascertained that most of the men captured by the Germans are still in camps where there are supposed to be reserves of food parcels. Every effort is being made to ensure the feeding of the unhappy captives.

Aug - News from Berlin – Americans bring a letter from a Batley Lady

Mr. Willie Chew, Batley, received news from his wife in Berlin on Monday. Mrs. Chew and her child were spending a holiday with her sisters, Mrs. Windisch and Miss Maggie Longbottom, when war broke out. Postal and telegraphic communication with England being impossible, Mrs Chew hit upon the expedient of conveying news to her husband through the medium of some Americans returning home via London. These carried Mrs. Chew’s letter to London, where they posted it to Mr. Chew. In the letter, Mrs. Chew stated that all were safe and well and in good care. “Don’t worry” she added. Mrs. Windisch’s husband was a reservist in the German army with the rank of lieutenant, and he has rejoined the colours. No news has been received this week in Batley of Mr. Mark Blackburn, a cousin of Alderman J. W. Blackburn, J.P., or other members of the Blackburn’s in Berlin; of Mr. Jack Ferguson, a native of Batley and a dyer to a textile syndicate with mills in the Berlin district or, of Mr. C.F. Priestley, son of Alderman Priestley, Soothill. Relatives were anxious about the safety of Mrs. Lobley, 5 Queen Street, Batley, who left home three weeks ago to spend a holiday with her daughter in Freiburg, Germany. Mrs Lobley’s daughter is married to a German. No communication has been received from her since her arrival in Germany

26^th September 1914 – News from Wittenberge

From a Batley Alderman’s son: “To anybody in Batley who has relations here”

A letter reached Soothill on Tuesday, and was sent on to Alderman F. Priestley in the Isle of Man (where he is holidaying), from his son Mr. Chas. Priestley. The latter is a dyer for Messrs Naylor and Co., of Wittenberge, and has spent nearly all his life from the age of seven in Germany, practically the only exception being a period of about a year, during which he was with Messrs. Geo. Hirst & Co. He only left them about six months ago, to rejoin his former and present employers in Germany. Under date September 14^th he writes;”Just a line to let you know we are all well here, as expect you will be anxious to hear from us” He refers to his daughter Lucy and her requirements at the school where she is being educated in Ingleton, and regrets that the international situation precluded him and his wife writing home in commemoration of his mother’s birthday; “but we thought of it all the same” he adds with a world of meaning. He apologises too for being unable to write to a number of relatives and proceeds; “will you please let Mrs. Parr know that her son is well. Also if you see anyone in Batley who has relations here, let them know they are all right. After pleasant references to his boy Eric and his daughter Lizzie, he gives the following instructions for those writing to him. “Leave the letter open and stamp it and then? it ? envelope addressed to the U.S. Embassy ? with a note requesting the Ambassador to forward it.” The Mrs Taylor he refers to resides in Bath Street, and one of Alderman Priestley’s sons conveyed the glad tidings to her as requested. She was naturally delighted to have two months suspense ceased, whilst still waiting news direct from her son.

19^th December 1914

What the Germans think of the Kaiser  

A Prussian guard’s opinion of the British soldiers

Warriors who stand like a stone wall

Latest news of Textile operatives in Germany

A Birstall natives return

 “Germany still loves her Kaiser, but day by day the people are becoming more pessimistic regarding their chance of ultimate victory, especially when they hear of the great losses and the rebuffs at the hands of the Allies.” So says Mr. Hartley Ward, a Birstallite who less than a fortnight ago was in the heart of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Ward, who have spent the best part of their lives in Germany, are both natives of Birstall. Mr. Ward being a son of the late Mr. Joshua Ward, and Mrs. Ward a daughter of the late Mr. Geo. Lister. The late Mr. John Geo. Lister, a well-known member of Birstall Council and magistrate, was a brother of Mrs. Ward. Mr. Ward some 33 years ago was employed by a Gomersal firm as a spinner, and shortly afterwards accepted a situation with Messrs Edmund Naylor & Co., of Wittenberge, as foreman spinner. Since 1881 he has been connected with the German woollen industry, excepting for short breaks. On two or three occasions he decided to settle down in England, but was pressed to return to Germany. He has three sons all born in Germany, but one (Louis) is now in Toronto, Wilfred is at Sheffield, and son John James is with the Leeds "Pals” battalion at Colsterdale Camp. Mrs. Ward visited her husband in Wittenberge last July, and since that time has reside at Harehills, Leeds, where a “News” representative yesterday learnt why Mr. Ward had returned. He left Wittenberge because notice was given that all Englishmen under 17 and over55 could leave the country before December 5^th. It was state =d that if they did not leave before that gate they would have to stop until January 6^th, 1915. Mr. Ward who is over military age, approached Mr. Edmund Naylor, the managing director of the firm of Messrs. Naylor, and after much difficulty with high officials received his papers. He was accompanied by Miss Rebecca Cowling, a daughter of Mr. Willie Cowling, head finisher for Messrs. Naylor’s, and a great-granddaughter of the late Caleb Cowling, of Batley. Miss Cowling was a milliner at Wittenberge, and was dismissed on account of her father being English, although she was born in Germany and can speak no other language. She is now staying with Mr. and Mrs. Ward.

27^th January 1917 – Our Prisoners-of-war

Textile experts in Ruhleben

 A working power-loom made out of broken chairs and biscuit tins

Sensation in the Civilian Camp near Berlin

Splendid work by Dewsbury and Batley Men – Exclusive to the “News”)

We are indebted to friends in Ruhleben for keeping us informed of the progress of the Textile Circle ? by men interned there. There are now over 150 registered members increasing textile experts who have had unique experience. “Besides the men who have worked in Germany and (Ardenne ?)” says one correspondent “we have ? very capable men who have been in some of the largest mills of Russia, Poland, Belgium, France, and, indeed, practically all parts of the world, including Japan and China. In a review of the work done by the Circle up to the end of 1916 a member writes “We started as you know with lect? Of raw materials, their production and use, the buying and selling of the same then ? ?. Mr John Fergusson (Batley) followed with a lecture on disinfecting, carbonising, stripping and dyeing of rags illustrated by models of carbonising drums, shakers and dyeing machines. Mr. Frank Oldroyd (Dewsbury) gave us the theory of weaving, as practised in every age-ancient and modern. Then Mr. Pickering (Batley) and Parr (Batley) explained the process of w---ing, sizing, beaming, weaving, (with practical calculations) designing, dissecting, production of designs in warp and weft. “Mr. Fergusson, at the committee’s request, re-appeared with two imaginary pieces-one woollen and the worsted-fresh from the loom. He told us how to scour, wash and mill pieces of different ?, how to make soap, treat waste products, and recover black oil-the various processes being illustrated by models. Mr. Fred Oldroyd was good enough to come before us again and he gave a practical demonstration of weaving

A wonderful loom

“Your readers will wonder how he could give a practical lesson, seeing that we have no looms here. Knowing Mr. Oldroyd so well you will not be as much surprised as some of our members here were when a mechanical power loom was produced for Mr. Oldroyd’s demonstration. It was a masterpiece, I can tell you. Men rubbed their eyes in amazement when they saw it perform its functions accurately and actually weave cloth. It is a lot? Shaft tappet loom and has been built from the odds and ends picked up in ? and recovered from dustbins, except that the ? and gear bands were obtained from Messrs Pickering’s factory in Alsace-?. ?loom has been built by Messrs Wyfiled, ?, Booth and Fielding and Mr. Oldroyd said the students it represented the ? more than 900 full working hours of the fo----. The ? shafts,  cranks and heavier parts are ? of hard wood from broken deck chairs and picked up bits of iron and from biscuit tins was made ? wire used in it.

Forty picks per minute

"This will give you a fair idea of the ingenuity and patience exercised. The loom, mark you, is no toy, but a proper piece of machinery which, with man power, gives no fewer than 40 picks per minute. It caused a great sensation, as you may well imagine, not least among the marine engineers in camp, and it sent up our membership. The next lecture was on the theory of light and colour as known and accepted by modern colourists. Again we were indebted to Mr. Fergusson who explained mordants and their uses in dyeing and printing, and then gave a practical demonstration of wool dyeing. He invited the students to select their own colours, and then showed how to produce the chosen colours by various methods, explaining as he did so the difference in the cost and time. His comparisons of the labour cost involved in the different processes were most valuable. He described ranges of modern colours and dealt with artificial colouring matters and up to date methods of employment. Wool washing and scouring with different methods and machines-English and Continental followed, and again we had to thank Mr. Fergusson for revealing to us so much of the available knowledge he has gained in his unique experience. You will agree that our vo---- g a---ents particularly are fortunate in being able to benefit to such an extent. Our Textile Circle is totally self supporting. We have never asked for assistance either from the Embassy or elsewhere, although the educational work that is being done here entails no small cost.

Batleyite back in Cottbus

Private ?amond Smith KOYLI of Crossbank, Batley, who was taken prisoner on November 18^th has sent to his parents a card showing that he has been discharged from his hospital in Berlin, where he was sent for sick treatment and has returned to his internment at Cottbus. Food and clothing have been sent to him there.

Local men’s inventions

We are pleased `to hear from another correspondent that the first model made for the Circle was a small washer and cistern made by Mr. Clifford Leach, son of Mr. Harry Leach of Batley, who, when war broke out, was a pupil of Mr. Fergusson at Neider Schonweide. When the model washer was exhibited others began to show their inventive genius, with the results ---ed. In the work of model making Mr. Oldroyd has taken a most absorbing interest. When the Circle was formed he was in very bad health, the strain of a long confinement having laid very heavily upon him, but the occupation of mind and fingers which has followed the establishment of the Textile Circle has, to note the language of a friend, “ re----ed” him. We venture to think that similar benefits more or less have been derived by every member of the Circle.

An effort that ought to succeed

We wish Mr. Timothy Eden, of Ferry Hill, Durham every success in the gallant efforts he is ? to bring pressure to bear upon Parliament in the interests of 4,000 British civilians interned at Ruhleben. He can speak from personal experience of the miserable condition there, and in a memorandum which is being sent to each Member of Parliament, he says; “From the white paper miscellaneous No. 8 ?? page 4 – It is clear that in November 1914 the Germans offered a man for man exchange, refused by us for fear of some military advantage. After a few weeks we withdrew our refusal, but too late. It has recently been agreed to exchange civilian prisoners over 45 years of age, but Mr Eden in asking the Government to make an effort to secure the release of all civilian prisoners young or old. The only argument that can be urged against this is; the possible gain for Germany of 26,000 fighting men and possible information given to the enemy.

Against this Mr. Eden urges;

1 The possibility that after 2 years confinement, not many Germans would be fit for military service.

2 The impression that would be created in Germany by 26,000 men who could vouch for

a)    Our  strength

b)    the small effect of the war on our business prosperity

c)    our plentiful food supply compared with that of Germany

d)    the failure of the Zeppelin campaign

e)    the kind treatment of prisoners etc

3 The guards of the camps in England would be freed from military service.

4 The expense of feeding 26,000 men would be borne by the Germans instead of us.

5 The improbability that 26,000 more fighting men would have any effect in a war of millions.

6 The danger of such a large number of enemy aliens in our midst would be removed and the consequent leakage of important secrets would cease.

“If the British civilians in Ruhleben were suffering at home as they are now suffering abroad, there would be a popular outcry and a demand for their immediate release, adds Mr. Eden. It is only owing to the fact that they are in an enemy country cut off from their home and consequently forgotten by most of their compatriots, that they continue to remain in captivity.

Parcels for prisoners-of-war

The Batley and Birstall packing depot scheme

Before a depot for the packing of parcels for Batley and Birstall prisoners of war can be established, the lines upon which a local committee can work under the new regulations laid down by the Central Prisoners-of-War committee call for much inquiry and careful consideration. When the certificate to establish a depot for Batley and Birstall was received a few days ago, the hon. Secretary to the committee (Mr. R. Roberts, “News Office”, Batley) wrote to the central authority in London asking for a copy of the new rules under which a packing depot may be carried on, but up to the present, the necessary information has not been received. Consequently the committee have not been able to have a meeting. In the mean time, however, useful information is being collected from other sources and the hon. Secretary is daily answering inquiries of relatives and friends of Prisoners-of-War and giving useful assistance. Food is being sent to every Batley and Birstall prisoner whose name and address has been received.

24^th February 1917

When the new parcels arrived at Ruhleben

Now to ensure food supplies for all local prisoners

Pathetic death of a Batley Carr soldier captured on Nov 18^th

(Special to “the News”)

Since December 1^st all parcels of food for British prisoners-of-war in Germany have been sent under the direction of the Central Prisoners-of-War Committee, and anxious relatives and friends have been asking-ever since they were stopped from sending parcels themselves-whether the prisoners are receiving food regularly under the new regulations.

We are indebted to Alderman F. Priestley, of Soothill, for having allowed us to read a letter from his son, Mr. Charlie Priestley, who for some time has been in charge of the Parcels Department at Ruhleben, where British prisoners in Germany are interned, and, who, therefore processes first hand information. It is evident from Mr. Priestley’s letter that the list of prisoners from which the name and addresses have been obtained from the Central Prisoners of War Committee need careful revision. Parcels have arrived at Ruhleben for 150 men who are no longer prisoners-one was addressed to Mr. Alec. Barclay, who was released over a year ago, and who has been working for some time for Messrs. Taylor, Yielding & Co., Birstall-and some of the men interned have been overlooked.

The surplus parcels have been handed over to the relief Committee which exists in camp-all Britishers, who, of course, will do what they can to rectify the matter by using unclaimed parcels for the relief of those who have not received any.

We are not surprised to hear that such incidents have arisen. They only serve to show the necessity of some local organisation to watch the interests of prisoners from each district. Although the Prisoners of-War Committee formed for Batley and Birstall has not yet been able to give much external evidence of its existence owing to circumstances beyond its control, Mr. R. Roberts, editor of the “News” who has asked to act as Hon. Secretary, is serving the best interests of Batley and Birstall men ensuring the despatch of food parcels for them.

How to ensure food for prisoners

The name and whereabouts of every new prisoner should be immediately notified to him, in order that food may be sent without delay. In this way a prisoner may receive a parcel weeks before it would get to him in the ordinary way. So if, as we are aware, there is no other organisation of the kind in the Heavy Woollen district; consequently some Dewsbury, Morley, Ossett, Mirfield or Spen Valley prisoners may be faring very badly. As it is most essential that steps should be taken at once to ensure food supplies for every local prisoner, Mr. Roberts, on receipt of the names full name, description, whereabouts and home address, will do what is required. Such communications-which should be made by letter-must be addressed to Mr. Roberts at the office of this paper.

The Mayor of Batley’s Parcels

 The Mayor of Batley (Alderman J.W. Blackburn, J.P.), at the beginning of December last, arranged at a cost of about £70, to send six parcels of food to each Batley man known to be a prisoners, and we learn from Mr. Charlie Priestley’s letter that the first batch reached Ruhleben on January 6^th, having been one month and a day on the way. The time was in excess of the average, owing to the German Government having decided to close the railway to such traffic for the last fortnight of the old year. Not withstanding the delay the parcels arrived in good condition. Mr. Priestley says he found inn his first parcel sugar, jam, tea, cheese, ?, vegetables, biscuits, sardines, margarine, corned beef and 50 cigarettes-the latter of which he did not require as he is a non-smoker. The second and third parcels arrived between January 6^th and 10^th, so that food sent out from London on December 20^th was in Ruhleben by January 10^th. Bread is no longer sent from Switzerland but from Denmark “It is coming through in good condition” is Mr. Priestley’s assurance. His only complaints arise through the “standard dealing“ of parcels. Although a good variety is obtained in the course of a month, men who have been catered for by relatives and friends miss the home made cakes, etc., the sending of which to individual prisoners is now prohibited. As Mr. Priestley remarks in his letter “What agrees with one does not agree with another”

Pathetic death of a Livingstone Mills employee in a German hospital

We are sorry to hear of the death, in a German hospital, of Private Ernest Archer, K.O.Y.L.I., whose wife resides with her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Jardine, at 16 Town Street, Batley Carr. Pte Archer, who was 28 years of age, was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Ben Archer, 38 Wood Hill, Batley Carr. He was called up in July last year under the Derby scheme, and went to the front in September. Early in December he was notified as having been missing since November 18^th and nothing more was heard of him until a few weeks ago, when official intimation was received that he was wounded and suffering from a fractured leg in a German hospital. It now appears that he died within a fortnight of his relatives receiving news that he was missing, and long before he was notified to them as a prisoner. The letter received by his wife this week is from the Central Prisoners-of-War Committee who write “We deeply regret to have to inform you that since writing on the 15^th inst. We have received the news from a German list dated January 22^nd,forwarded to us through Geneva, that Private E. Archer, 33040, K.O.Y.L.I., died on December 18^th 1916, in a reserve field hospital at Aisy Le Verge and was buried in a cemetery there. No further details are given, but should any come to hand we will at once let you know. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Before joining the colours, Private Archer was employed in the finishing department at CWS, Livingstone Mills, Batley Carr. He was associated with Batley Carr Working Men’s Club. He was very highly respected by all who knew him.

The exchange of prisoners “temporarily suspended”

Germans threaten to torpedo their own wounded

Lord Newton, Chairman of the Prisoners-of-War Committee, announced in the House of Lords on Thursday night that the arrangements for the exchange of civilian prisoners over 45 were “temporarily suspended”. The Germans, in pursuance of their policy of cold-blooded murder, had announced that they were just as ready to sink their own incapacitated wounded as they were to sink ours, and the result was that we were unable to exchange the totally incapacitated. As the Swiss could not accommodate more prisoners, the visits of the Swiss Commission were also suspended. The only exchanges that were likely to occur in the immediate future were exchanges on a very small scale of invalid civilians. The arrangement for the exchange of civilians over 45 came into force on January 1^st and 370 German civilians had been sent back, while the Germans had liberated over 70 British, of whom, only 25 had reached this country. The presumption was that the balance were waiting in Holland for an opportunity to come here. The suspension of arrangements was nothing but a relapse into barbarity on the part of the German Government. He believed they cared little for the fate of German prisoners, and his firm conviction was that they were only interested in the fate of a few highly placed personages who happened to be in our hands.  The persons who were deserving of consideration were the officers and men who were captured in the early days of the war. They had suffered more than the civilians at Ruhleben. The house could rest assured that the Government would not cease doing all they could for British prisoners. It was a mistake to suppose that civilians were undergoing greater hardships than those which were undergone by the military prisoners in Germany. Mr. Gerard, the American Ambassador, had stated that civilians in Ruhleben were undergoing less hardships than many military prisoners in some camps in Germany. The conditions in Ruhleben had greatly improved recently because the German Government had permitted the British prisoners to organise the camp on their own lines so as to make the conditions more tolerable. He could not understand why Bishop Bury had been attacked in this country. He went to Ruhleben by permission of the German Government, and lived in the camp. Because he had given an accurate account of what he saw he was denounced as pro-German. If one could not believe a Bishop, whom was one to believe? (Laughter) Of the 650 prisoners over 45 at Ruhleben, about 110 did not want to return to this country. Austria had suggested that in return for 200 British civilians in their hands we should hand over no fewer than 10,000 or 11,000 AustroHungarian civilians interned here or in our colonies. British subjects had been treated with a great deal of consideration in Austria and Hungary. Viscount Brycesuggested that arrangements might be made for the exchange of prisoners from Germany into Norway and Sweden. Lord Newton replied that in the view of the Admiralty that was perfectly impossible. When it was proposed a fortnight ago to send 300 incapacitated Germans in a hospital ship, the German Government replied that the hospital ship would be torpedoed, although it had their own wounded, so the Admiralty decided not to send it. If the Dutch boats resumed sailing he would do his utmost to secure the repatriation of men over 45.

Undated - Comments on “the Parcel business” (Early 1917)

Mr. C.F. Priestley (son of Alderman F. Priestley, of Soothill), writing to his wife from the Ruhleben Internment Camp, expresses his thanks for her greetings for the New Year, “which I also hope will be a year of homecoming and re-union” Referring to the “parcel business” Mr. Priestley records the receipt of two parcels, and adds: “The contents were as was made known beforehand. Mine today contained sugar, jam, tea, cheese, ration, vegetable, biscuits, sardines, margarine and corned beef; all in good order, and also 50 cigarettes and you know I don’t smoke them. Where the people get their list from I can’t say, but when I tell you I saw one parcel for A. Barclay, who went home a year ago, and about 150 for others who are not here (these parcels are turned over to Relief Committee) whilst several people whom I know are still waiting for their first parcel, you will be able to form an opinion for yourself. The bread is coming through in good condition from Denmark. You need not worry for George, and I have a good stock to go on with of all kinds of things, but, as I have said before, it is a mistake to standardise everybody’s requirements as to food, and what agrees with one does not with another. Some months ago we were asked to order anything we required in the shape of underwear and stockings, and the things would be sent out and sold to us at a reasonable price. First of all it was Christmas before the stuff came, and it is all second-hand. Some of the socks are actually in holes” Mr. Priestley adds; “On December 30^th I was at a performance of ‘Mikado.’ The American Ambassador was there and about a dozen ladies. It felt like coming back to civilisation after being in the wilds. The acting was good, and you would be surprised to see how well some fellows make up as girls.”

3^rd March 1917 – More news from Ruhleben

Christmas day – It was simply awful

(Special to the “News”)

Influential support was given to the meeting held in London on Monday in favour of a general exchange of prisoners in Ruhleben with Germans interned in this country. The Bishop of London, who presided, said they were asking the Government to consider an exchange of prisoners all for all. It looked at first sight as unfair to release 26,000 for 4,000, but let them not forget that we were feeding both lots already.. There was not the slightest doubt that if our food did not go over to our 4,000 sons they would be dead in three weeks.. It was said that it would require an army corps to get some of the Germans to go back. He added that he would take a deputation to the Prime Minister on the subject.

Lord Beresford moved a resolution pledging the meeting to do its utmost to bring about the repatriation of British subjects interned in Germany or their transference to a neutral country. In seconding the resolution, Mr. T.P. O’Connor, M.P. said that neither the Prime Minister nor  the Foreign Secretary was keeping the men in gaol. It was the War Office which sttod in the way because it said that in 25,000 Germans here were sent to Germany then we should add to the fighting forces of the Germans. Such an arguement should excite derision, contempt and scorn. The resolution was carried unanimously.

Speaking in support of a second resolution empowering the deputation to wait upon the Government, Bishop Bury, who recently visited the camps in Germany, favoured the all for all policy. He sais the Germans interned here were regarded as a danger

Batleyite plays football against two Scottish internationals

Mr. George T. Brearley, writing from Ruhleben to his parents Mr. And Mrs. Dan Brearley, Carrington Grove, Batley, acknowledges letters written by relatives on December 18^th and 24^th. The old year is over, he writes, is my first correspondence in the New Year (January 6^th). Such a Christmas Day as we had I have never experienced before. It was simply awful. Had it not been for the bad weather we could have played football, but no, lolloing about in the barracks was the best place. New Year’s Eve was much better. We had an extension of time and so amused ourselves after a fashion. On the first there was a football match, England v. Scotland. On the morning of December 31^st Barrack 4 (in which Mr. Brearley is housed) played barrack 11 in the second round of a competition. Barrack 11 have three professionals in their forward line, and I as left half was up against Bloomer and Pentland, two internationals. Well we made a draw and yesterday in the replay, they had another good player, Bodin, who doesn’t play on Sundays. Up to a few years ago he played for Glasgow Rangers. We were beaten easily.

This Christmas the Ruhleben Dramatic Society have produced the Mikado with great success. Last Saturday the American Ambassador and staff with their wives, visited our theatre and enjoyed the performance. It was really excellent for Ruhleben.

Today most of the men over 45 have been to sign their passports, but, of course, that does not mean to say they are going. Still I do hope they will not be here much longer. This morning about six men left for England. Two were only about 20 years of age. A young fellow about my age cut the sinews of his hand the other day, and the hand will probably have to be amputated. Mr. Priestley has just received his first London parcel – just 14 days after mine.

Danish bread has been given out this afternoon. I think we shall receive it twice a week. It is good bread and is being sent be the Government. Everybody seems to receive the parcels, so you need not worry at all. School starts again on Monday and I have enrolled for French and Russian again.

I am first class.

24^th March 1917 – Our Prisoners-of-War

How food and clothing are needed by captured soldiers

Useful work done by a local Prisoner-of-War committee

Packing depot scheme abandoned, owing to War Office restrictions

Local Mill manager released from Ruhleben

England a paradise after Germany

Batley and Birstall Prisoners-of-War committee, who recently received from the Central Prisoners-of-War committee a licence to pack and despatch parcels for British prisoners interned abroad, decided, on Wednesday night, in view of the regulations and restrictions sought to be imposed by the War Office, that it is no longer an advantage to further entertain the question of establishing a local packing depot. The committee will, never the less, combine its work on behalf of local prisoners, and the Mayor of Batley (Alderman J.W. Blackburn, J.P.) at the request of the committee, will continue his appeal for public subscriptions to his Prisoners-of-War fund. Parcels of food are being sent regularly to all British prisoners whose place of internment is known, through the Central Prisoners-of-War committee. Those parcels are packed and despatched from London and monies subscribed to the Mayors fund will be transmitted to London towards the cost which represents over £2 per head per month. At a meeting of the Batley and Birstall committee in the council chambers at the Town Hall on Wednesday, the Hon secretary (Mr. Rayner Roberts) reported that although he had succeeded in obtaining the permission of the Central Prisoners-of-War committee to take over the care of local men interned in the civilian camp at Ruhleben, near Berlin, consent to deal with parcels for soldiers refused as they are already in charge of their regimental care committee. Consequently the Batley and Birstall committee’s licence to pack parcels could be applied only to about 10 civilian prisoners.

War Office censors visit

Mr. R.G. Rutter, borough treasurer stated that on Saturday Mr. F.E.O. Gorman, deputy assistant censor from the War Office paid a visit to Batley and explained that the room selected for a packing depot would require to be kept under lock and key, and open only to authorised persons. Food intended for prisoners would have to be purchased in bulk from an authorised firm of provision merchants. On no account would relatives be able to send food from their homes to the depot for packing. Alderman Fred. Priestley said the restrictions the war Office sought to impose nullified the value of the licence granted by the Central Prisoners-of-War committee. (Hear, hear). Up to the end of November relatives and friends were able to send parcels to individuals in Ruhleben or elsewhere. and it was hoped that permission would be forthcoming to continue those ‘home parcels’ subject to examination by some duly authorised person in charge of a local packing depot. If they could not do that, the privilege to pack was worthless (Hear, hear) Mr. Dan Brearley agreed, There would, he pointed out, a room to find, and the making of boxes and packing of parcels would entail a good deal of work and expense for which there would be no corresponding advantage. Under the circumstances he thought the best course to adopt would be to allow parcels to go from London and contribute towards the cost. Mr. Roberts said that he was intensely disappointed that there seemed to be no practical way of improving the parcels for prisoners interned abroad. To create a depot – which the committee had authority to do – would not benefit the men in Ruhleben very much as the object in view  - the sending of “home parcels” under such supervision as would safeguard the national interests – was defeated by the War Office censor’s stringent restrictions.

What is being done for captured soldiers

There was, however, much useful work to be done, without a depot. The formation of a committee for Batley & Birstall had aroused keen interest, and the need of such a body had been shown by the innumerable inquiries he had received. People from Batley, Birstall, Gomersal, Dewsbury, Morley, Ossett, Ravensthorpe, Mirfield, Wakefield and other places had called at the “News” Office to solicit assistance and advice. He was glad to help them (Hear, hear). That evening the father of a Morley prisoner had followed him from the office to the Town Hall to report that his son, captured by the Germans, had not only received food but also clothing. Experience showed that men captured by the enemy generally wrote at once to their relatives, and in that way a man’s whereabouts became known locally many weeks before the information reached the Central Prisoners-of-War Committee from the War Office. As such addresses had been handed to him he had taken charge of the cases, transmitted the information to the London packing depot the same day and ensured an immediate despatch of food and clothing. In one or two cases where a prisoner had posted a field card from a clearing station, before he knew which camp he was going, a “first capture” parcel had been sent on the off-chance that he might receive it before an ordinary parcel reached him. No trouble could be too great to succour men in such condition. (Hear, hear). It was more essential that the Prisoners-of-War committee should carry on its work. Any prisoner who had to depend upon the rations served to him by the German authorities would starve, and assistance was imperative. The sooner help reached a poor hungry fellow the better and much good could be done by local organisation, which was greatly appreciated in London.  He was receiving postcards daily from recipients of parcels. The Mayor, who was in the chair, said he hoped Mr. Roberts would continue his work as Hon. Secretary. It was good to hear that the men who really needed help most were benefited to such an extent through the existence of the Local Committee. Relatives would be glad to hear that regular supplies of parcels were now being forwarded to all prisoners whom addresses were known. A resolution in favour of continuing the committee, and asking the Mayor to continue his appeal for subscriptions was carried on the motion of Mrs J. C. Fergusson, seconded by Mrs H. Leach. The Mayor (who was accompanied by the Town Clerk, Mr J.H. Craik) said he would do so, and the money raised locally would be devoted towards the cost of feeding our prisoners abroad

A local soldier perishing with cold

If anyone doubts the need of organised effort in the interest of our prisoners let him read the following-

Sunday January 28^th 1917, “Dear wife and loving children – I write these few lines hoping they will find you all in good health, as it leaves me just at present. I have written several times asking you to send me some socks and undershirts as I want some very badly. I am nearly perished without them. It has been so cold that I have some very feet with frost. We have had snow all January. I hope you will send me about four pairs of good thick socks, undershirts, some gloves and some wool and needle so that I can mend the socks. Send as soon as possible.” The writer is a Batley man, a soldier prisoner, to whom clothing was sent some time ago. Evidently he has not received the parcel. In such a case another attempt is, of course, being made to supply him with the comforts of which he stands in such need.

Released from Ruhleben

Amongst the last batch of prisoners released from Ruhleben is Mr Willie Kemp, who for twelve years has been a director of A and A Lehmann, woollen manufacturers, Neider Schonweide. Mr Kemps father left Heckmondwike some forty years ago, taking his family with him to Germany. Mr. Willie Kemp, when war broke out, was on his way home from Carlsbad, where he had been undergoing a course of treatment for Diabetes and Gout, and was sent to the internment camp at Ruhleben towards the end of 1914. Owing to the state of his health he was allowed to return to Neider Schonweide for a time but was re-arrested on showing signs of improvement. He was put up on the list for exchange a tear ago, as so far as he knew he was to be sent to England on March 6^th, but the night before he was told his papers were not in order. His health became worse, and he was sent to a sanatorium in Berlin. On January 26^th this year he was taken back to Ruhleben and two days later left for England, but, owing to the shipping difficulties, he did not reach this country until a fortnight ago. A month in Holland, with plenty of good food and successful medical treatment here has done much to improve his condition, and he is now wit relatives in Yorkshire, with his wife and family. Mrs Kemp left Berlin after her husband accompanied by her two youngest boys. The eldest son, who fought with the British Army on the Somme last year, fell ill in November with Typhoid fever, and has not been able to rejoin his regiment until this week. The eldest daughter married in Germany, the youngest daughter has been in England since before the war broke out.  

England a paradise

Mrs Harold Eastwood, who was residing in Grunburg, Silesia, when her husband was interned in 1914, crossed on the same boat as Mr Kemp. She understood her husband was to be released from Ruhleben, and expected to meet him in Holland when she got there, but Mr. Eastwood is still a prisoner. Mrs Eastwood, who is staying with friends in Huddersfield, is a German lady well known in the district. She says she finds this country a “paradise” compared with the fatherland, where she had had personal experience of the food shortages that exist there. 

Ruhleben conditions are “Not improving”

A London gentleman who has shared a box at Ruhleben with Mr. Charles Priestley and Mr. George T. Brearley, of Batley, was released at the same time as Mr. Kemp and in a letter to Alderman F. Priestley he says “your son is keeping in good health and spirits when I left but was of opinion that no stone should be left unturned to get an exchange arranged for us all. The conditions in the camp are not improving. They are absolutely dependant on the food supplied from England – We could not live on the stuff supplied by the German military authorities and the mental strain is telling very seriously on many in the camp. I am sorry the prospects do not look bright for a general exchange, and even the ‘over 45’ exchange seems to have come to a deadlock, no-one having left since I was released on January 28^th. “This will be a blow for the other 600 odd, who were expecting to leave in a few weeks, including our old friend Alex Kemp. I do not know at all how the selection was made of those people who left on the 28^th. Kemp and I were photographed together in November 1915, and we both expected to leave on December 6^th, 1915, but neither of us got away. He was actually on the list of January 1916, and struck off at the last moment, so I was sure that when the ‘over 45’ exchange was arranged he would be one of the first to go. One Mr. Kemp did leave with our party but not our friend ‘Sandy’. We can only hope that the Dutch boats will start running again soon, and that then the exchange will be resumed. The purport of your son’s message, I think, was that the parcels sent by the Central Association were quite satisfactory but there was at the time I left a good deal of disorder in the way they were sent. Some had not received parcels at all, while parcels were being sent to men who had left the camp months ago. I have seen the Foreign Office since my return and they assure me that the state of things has now been remedied and that they are now working on the latest list from Ruhleben” Our readers will remember that the latter announcement was made in these columns a few weeks ago

The exchange of civilian prisoners

Answering questions in the House of Lords on Tuesday, Lord Newton, Chairman of the Prisoners of War committee, said the military objections to the exchange of British and German civilian prisoners continued to increase. British prisoners at Ruhleben numbered only 3,300, and they were being released at the rate of 50 a week for work unconnected with the war. We might adopt the solutions ourselves if there were not some people in this country who wanted to see every Hun in this country interned. He saw no objections to a German being allowed to practise as a dentist if he desired to do so, in view of the shortage of dentists at the present. ? to military prisoners whose ? in Asia Minor were intolerable. It was also hoped that Switzerland would consent to receive a number of disabled British officers from Germany.

10^th August 1918 – Our Prisoners-of-War

Germans at their dirty tricks again

Prisoners detained in Holland who should be on their way home

Mr. Chas Priestley, son of Alderman Fred Priestley, Soothill, who since his release form Ruhleben a few months ago has been in Holland, writes- “We have heard that it is settled for us to come home, and only waiting for ratification. But then comes the most difficult part – the carrying out of the agreement. It does not do to be too optimistic, as some of the ‘45’s’ who were to be repatriated according to the agreement last year are still at Ruhleben. I well remember when the thing was settled that their relatives thought that they would be coming home immediately, and stopped writing and sending parcels. Mr. Blanked out did not have a letter from home for three months. Blanked out‘s people are doing the same now. He wanted a suit, but they write that as he will be home soon it is not worth sending it. In the meantime he has nothing decent to put on. I may be wrong – indeed I hope so – but I think we shall be here for months yet. The agreement has been come to, public opinion has been satisfied at home, the failure to carry out the Agreement can always be blamed on the other side and in the meantime things remain as they are! Mr. Priestley’s prophecy written on July 18^th has already been justified. It is announced this week that the exchange of prisoners is held up indefinitely as the German government refuse to give safe con? for the sailing of hospital ships until the question of the treatment of German subjects in China has been settled to their satisfaction.

30^th November 1918

Terrible treatment of British soldiers

More Batleyites released from Ruhleben

All the members of Mr. George Pickering’s family are now free men again. Four sons, one son-in-law (Mr. Harry Moorhouse, formerly of Wakefield), one brother-in-law (Mr. Tom Ineson, now in Morley) and two grandsons (sons of Mr. Chas. Pickering) have been ? up in Ruhleben, where they held the record of having more representatives than any other family, but since the armistice was signed, the five who remained have been liberated. Mr. Harry Moorhouse is on his way through Denmark to rejoin his wife, who is living with her parents in Ebury Street, Batley, but the three Pickering brothers and their oldest nephew have returned to Hagenau, near Strasburg, Alsace, where they were all in their father’s woollen manufacturing business until war broke out.

The Germans stripped the factories of all leather and rubber, and there will be new belts and other things to provide before the mills can be started again. All civilian prisoners in Ruhleben have been released and their transport to England is now in full swing. The first of two steamers employed for the purpose arrived at Copenhagen on Saturday night with about 1,400 civilians on board. The Frederick den Ottende, the biggest Danish steamer afloat, was lying in the harbour ready for the second stage of the voyage to England. It was a beautiful frosty night with a clear star set sky. At 11 O’clock those assembled on the quay heard faint cheers heralding the arrival on the scene of King (? several lines of blurred print) the needs of the passengers, who were evidently very tired, though in good health and high spirits.

Heart rending stories

The stories told be repatriated soldiers who have been prisoners in Germany are heart rending. In one camp 500 of our men died from starvation and exhaustion, out of 1,500. One man declared that a man suffering badly from dysentery was nailed into a coffin while still alive. At L—berg for the least offence they were put into steam ovens until they were unconscious. An Irish soldier who collapsed from exhaustion was placed on a railway track and a train allowed to run over him – Then an official report was issued that he had been “accidentally killed”. No punishment can be severe enough for a people guilty of such devilish outrages. A list of 21 German camps from which British prisoners had not been released on November 15^th includes Langensalza, Altengrabow and Cassel. Men belonging to this district are known to have been interned at three places. If any write home we shall be glad to hear of the fact. The Editor of the “News” acting on behalf of the prisoners-of-war committee will be glad to hear from relatives and friends immediately they receive a communication from a prisoner. In this way and this way only is it possible at present to glean authoritative information about the captives, now that the ordinary postal communications with Germany are interrupted. An intimation of the arrival home of a repatriated prisoner will be greatly appreciated. Everything possible is being done by the Allied Governments to get prisoners out of Germany without delay, and a warning has been given that full reparation will be exacted for any unnecessary suffering. It is understood that all civilians have been released from Ruhleben, but what is happening to soldiers cab only be ascertained by tracing the movements of men who have got out of Germany. People who have suffered suspense themselves will appreciate the fact that a returned prisoner or a letter from a prisoner may shed a little light on this, the most distressing, problem of the war.

How the Germans lied to our prisoners  

The following document dated May 1917, has been received by Mr. Jonas Beardsall, Eastthorpe, Mirfield, from his son, Sergt. Percy Beardsall, Duke of Wellington’s, a prisoner-of-war who has just arrived safely in this country-

Declaration to English prisoners of war

Upon the German request to withdraw the prisoners of war to a distance of not less than 50 kilometres from the front line the British Government has not replied. Therefore it has been decided that all prisoners of war who are captured in future will be kept as “prisoners of respite” i.e. very short of food, bad lodging, no beds, hard work, also working besides the German guns, under shell fire, no pay, no soap for washing or shaving, no bath, no towels, no boots, etc., etc. The English prisoners of respite are allowed to write to their relations or persons of influence in England saying how badly they are treated, and that no alteration in treatment will occur until the English Government has consented to the Germans request. It is therefore, in the interests of all the prisoners of respite to do their best to enable the German Government to remove all prisoners of respite to camps in Germany where they will be properly treated with good food and clothing etc. You will succeed be writing as mentioned above and then surely the English Government will consent to Germany’s request for the sake of their own countrymen. You will be supplied with postcards, envelopes and paper. All the correspondence in which you will explain your hardships will be sent by express mail to England. Your address is – Name, Rank, Regiment, P. of W., Gefangenbager, Wahn, Germany.

7^th December 1918

A white table cloth dyed in the camp by a Batley prisoner

How the Germans clamoured for food and clothing when the Armistice was signed

Curry powder sold for cocoa at 12/- a packet

£7 10s 0d for an old ragged overcoat

When the Armistice was signed on November 11^th the German military guards at Ruhleben pulled down the Prussian Eagle and hoisted the Red Flag of Revolution – a white table cloth dyed by Mr. Clifford Leach, son of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Leach, Healey, Batley, who has since returned to England with other repatriated prisoners. After four years internment in Ruhleben the following have been received in the district in the last few days –

Mr. Clifford Leach and his brother Mr. Willie Leach.

Mr. George Brearley, son of Mr. & Mrs. Dan Brearley, Carrington Grove, Batley.

Mr. Willie Nettleton, son of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Nettleton, Back Lane, Carlinghow.

Mr. Fred Longbottom, who is staying with his brother-in-law, Mr. Willie Chew, Healey Lane, Batley.

Mr. Harry Moorhouse, who has joined his wife, parents-in-law (Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Pickering) and other relatives in Ebury Street, Batley.

Mr. Harold Pickering, eldest son of Mr. Charles Pickering and nephew of Mr. Harry Moorhouse.

Mr. John Douglas Walker, son of Mr. John Hy. Walker, Highgarth, Mirfield.

Three of these repatriated prisoners are sons of local men who had previously been released from Ruhleben. All the civilian prisoners have now been cleared out of the camp. Mr. John Kershaw and Mr. James Kershaw, whose father, being over military age, has been allowed to remain throughout the war at Neider Schonweide where he is employed by A. and A. Lehmann, are remaining in Berlin.

Mr. Charles Priestley, son of Alderman Fred Priestley, Soothill, who was permitted to go to Holland several months ago, has not yet be able to return to England, owing to the restricted transport facilities.

The party, who have reached this district this week, are all in fairly good health. They have, of course, depended for existence upon the parcels sent by the Central Prisoners of war committee through the Red Cross.

Mr. Harry Moorhouse is a Wakefield gentleman who married a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Geo. Pickering, in Hagenau, Alsace.

Three sons of Mr. & Mrs. Pickering, George, Tom (…..poor copy quality……..)

What happened when the revolution broke out

…………..The same evening Mr. Clifford Leach was asked to dye a red flag. When war broke out his parents were living in Geben, and he was serving his apprenticeship with Mr. J. C. Ferguson, then head dyer and chemist for A. and A. Lehmann at Neider Schonweide, who returned from Ruhleben to Batley last January. When a Textile Circle was formed in camp, Mr. Ferguson displayed great interest in the dyeing section, and Mr. Clifford Leach was his chief assistant. Naturally when Mr. Ferguson left camp, Mr. Leach succeeded him as head of the dyeing department, and in that capacity his services were sought by the German Soldiers’ Council on November 9^th. “I went down to the dyehouse” says Mr. Leach, “accompanied by plenty if helpers. There was with me my brother Willie, Mr. Harold Pickering, Mr. I. F. Ramsey (Dundee) and a Mr. Bamber. The soldiers could not buy a red flag for love or money outside as material is so scarce, but one of the prisoners provided a white table-cloth, which was dyed red and dried in three hours. Next morning the flag was hoisted on the flagstaff in the square by three British sailor prisoners and two German soldiers.” “News” readers, who have been well informed about events in Ruhleben during the last four years, may remember that on the Kaiser’s birthday, January 27^th 1915, the flagstaff rope was cut, and down came the Germans Eagle”. Who had committed the crime? No one would tell. The German officers threatened all kinds of penalties, cursed the prisoners, and finally ordered everybody to be confined to barracks for three days. No man was allowed to leave his box or ‘loft’ without a guard carrying a fixed bayonet.

“He laughs best who laughs last”. The British civilian prisoners in their last fortnight at Ruhleben had a good deal of fun. People from all over Berlin tried to get into camp to buy food and a roaring trade was done in selling packets of curry powder as cocoa at 12s a packet. For pieces of soap almost any price was obtainable. The prisoners got out of camp and went into Berlin. One Batley lad took an old, dilapidated overcoat over his arm, in the hope of finding a purchaser. A shabbily ……… German wearing a morning coat that had once looked very dressy, tapped the Batleyite on the shoulder and beckoned him off the pavement into the courtyard of a restaurant close by. Without asking whether the coat was for sale or not the German offered 150 Marks (£7 10s) for it. He produced the money, which was accepted at once, and the Englander confesses that he got away very quickly for fear the purchaser would rue his bargain and demand his money back. The same lad obtained one of the highest decorants of the German Army in exchange for a tin of salmon, or something similar, but he lost it on the way through Copenhagen. The treatment of the British in Berlin after the Armistice was signed left no room for complaint, in fact in places like the Café Bauer, Café Kerkau and café Kranzler Ecke the Englanders were specially welcomes, the staff being most gracious. Anything to eat which the prisoners had taken in their pockets was eagerly sought after, and the conductor of an orchestra, was given a tin of salmon by a good natured prisoner, spent so much time thanking the donor, that the customers in the café shouted to inquire when they were going to have some more music

The Huns had got to the end of their tether

In January last, the “News” published some striking information about the internal conditions of Germany and was the first paper in Britain to disclose that fact that German doctors had been ordered not to give drugs to old people or to make any special effort to keep such people alive. It has been proved beyond question in the last few weeks that the story we gave ten or eleven months ago was not exaggerated. The Huns had got to the end of their tether, or the Armistice would not have been signed. Two small sausages and a thin slice of bread which cost 2 ½ d. before the war cost in a restaurant three weeks ago 4s 6d. One of our local prisoners went into Kempinski’s, a well known restaurant, and found the charge for a plate of soup, a bit of Goat’s meat and two glasses of beer, with out bread or vegetables was 11s. Mr. Walker paid £1 at one place for soup, fish, sweets, and a small bottle of wine. A penny cigar of pre-war days costs 1s. 6d. today and cigarettes are anything from a penny to sixpence each. New clothing is beyond price, and boots are made of wood soles with fancy paper tops. The members of the soldiers’ council in Ruhleben had a great haul when the revolution broke out. One of their officers, after making a fortune out of the secret sale of wines and spirits, began to keep pigs, fowls and turkeys, which were largely fed from the camp scraps. When he had been bereft of his sword, the soldiers killed all his livestock and commandeered it.

Ruhleben Textile Circle

The Ruhleben Woollen and Worsted Society has handed over its funds, about £5, to the Red Cross, as a small token of appreciation for all this institution has done for prisoners. The money was partly raised by small subscriptions paid by the members, but chiefly by the dying section of the Society, of which Mr. Clifford Leach was latterly in charge. Each man who wanted an article dying paid a small sum and that went to the funds. About five days before the men left, the committee decided to dispose of its funds in this manner. The camp cashier (an Englishman) had possession of the money, and was instructed to hand it to the Dutch Minister to be forwarded to the Red Cross. Part of the Society’s machinery will, it is hoped, eventually come to England. A lathe which was made by Mr. Eddie Pickering (Mr. Harold Pickering’s uncle) and Mr. H.B. Avery, was packed up by the men before leaving, and this is to be sent to Mr. Frank Oldroyd, son of the late Mr. John Oldroyd, of Dewsbury, as a token of gratitude for one who did so much for the Society. It will have to remain in Germany until the war is over. It has been stated that the machine made to Mr. Frank Oldroyd’s designs for reproducing hand-knotted carpets was demolished in the last few days but Mr. Clifford Leach assures us that this most interesting piece of machinery has been packed up, in the hope that Mr. Oldroyd mat be presented with it. Nothing in the way of plant, says Mr. Leach, was destroyed. Everything that could be brought away by the men was removed, and the rest left behind, including a hand loom. Equipment loaned by German manufacturers will be returned to the lenders.

Why the Germans revile the French

Many people wonder why the Germans treated the English so kindly, after the Armistice was signed, and reviled the French. One of our local prisoners attributes this change of feeling to the fact that the Germans think the French imposed harder terms in the Armistice than the British would have done. The shortage of food is so terrible that all the German people worry about is to get something to eat. This is true even of the middle-class. The conditions of the poor must be indescribable.

Comrade Hindenburg

“If the Kaiser went back to Germany” says one of the repatriated prisoners whose opinion is worthy of note, “he would be shot straight away. There are a few people the Germans would like to get hold of – Von Tirpitz, Luddendorff, the Kaiser, and the Crown Prince. Hindenburg on the other hand is a big favourite. He is still at the head of the German Army because he went over to the revolutionary party, but only as a German who wants to save the German Army. He is trying to keep it as well organised as possible and the same can be said about Mackensen.

At the Café Bauer

“The Germans resisted to the last ditch, but now they are done.” Adds another returned prisoner, who tells this story- “The Friday before we came away about a dozen of us went out to the Café Bauer, Berlin. We took with us white bread, butter, jam and tea, and anything we needed from our parcels, drew two or three tables together, and asked the waiters to make our tea, and we had a regular feed at the café. All around us Germans were sat glancing at us with envy. We all enjoyed it, but it was a risky job. I shouldn’t have been surprised if we had been thrown out of the café neck and crop.” Various accounts of the revolution reached the camp. On one occasion the camp commandant returned after visiting the Reichstag, and was heard to remark “For the first time in my life I am thankful to be in Ruhleben.” Mr. George Brearley saw numerous bullet marks on the front of the Kaiser’s palace and machine guns were on many roofs. The last batch of British prisoners left Ruhleben last Sunday week without any feelings of regret. They had 21 hours railway journey without light or heat, but they had a big reception in Denmark. The crossing was from Copenhagen to Leith, where they were given a rousing welcome.

28^th December 1918 – Home from Ruhleben

Mr. Charles Priestley visits Batley after four years internment

A position accepted on the British Consular staff at Rotterdam

Amusing story of a German Officer’s cockade

Much has been written in the “News” from time to time concerning life in the great German internment camp at Ruhleben, near Berlin, and readers have become familiar with the name of Mr. Charles Frederick Priestley, eldest son of Alderman F. Priestley, Westbury House, Soothill, Batley, who for three years and five months suffered the hardships and depression of life in captivity. Nine months ago Mr. Priestley was permitted to leave Ruhleben in company with some four hundred other British civilians whom the Dutchmen were willing to entertain under an internment scheme which included also 1,600 German prisoners from England. Mr. Priestley has had the joy of a brief re-union with his family, and is spending his first Christmas here since 1913 and his fifth in 37 years. He was due to return to Holland yesterday to resume the duties of an appointment he has received on the staff of the British Consulate at Rotterdam. Christmas day he spent with his wife and family at Shap, in Westmorland, to which he journeyed from Batley on Tuesday. Previous to the war Mr. Priestley was a master dyer for Messrs. Naylor & Co., an English firm of woollen manufacturers at Wittenberge. When hostilities broke out between Great Britain and Germany he was interned at Ruhleben, but his wife and family were permitted to return to this country. His daughter Lucy (18) is studying at Clark’s Commercial College, Leeds, in preparation for secretarial work, and his son, Charles Eric, is at school in Shap. A representative of the “News” had an interesting chat with Mr. Priestley on Tuesday at his father’s residence in Soothill. He can afford now to laugh heartily at some of his experiences in Ruhleben. His story of an officers lost cockade is worth repeating. The little symbol of military glory was suspected to have been stolen, and a roll call of the interned prisoners was ordered. The men were assembled and told that unless the culprit gave himself up the entire camp would be punished with twenty four hours confinement to barracks. Of course nobody stepped forwards and the threat of “C.B.” was carried out. But there was an unexpected development. Up to this time the prisoner’s afternoon meal invariably consisted of tasty food from their parcels, but on this particular day all hands went up in favour of German Government rations for tea. The authorities were at once on the horns of a dilemma. There was not sufficient food available, and it cost £150 to provide the afternoon’s tea. Even when the stuff was forthcoming it was not fit to eat. The bread was of the usual sawdust variety, more suitable for fuel than food, and the sausage was full of mystery, while the tea was a concoction of blackberry leaves. The whole of the “provisions” were promptly “dumped as being unfit for food and found their way to the swill tubs. The camp authorities were thoroughly paid out for their severity, and the laugh was on the side of the civilian prisoners. The story of the fire which broke out in Ruhleben Camp one night in July 1917 has already been told. Suffice to say that the Britishers rendered splendid assistance to the camp authorities and saved three horses from the blazing stables. Three horses and four cows could not be released, and perished in the flames. There was no attempt to control the movements of the prisoners during the excitement occasioned by the fire. The wire fencing had been broken down, and the Britishers mixed with the people of Spandau, the great fortress near Berlin, who were watching the fire. Afterwards when the roll was called, every prisoner answered to his name, and the commandant complimented the captain of the camp on the behaviour of the men and the help they had rendered, adding that he appreciated the fact that not one man had attempted to escape. The captain promptly replied “That is our British spirit, sir” Nevertheless, a week later, when the wire fence had been repaired and guards remounted, six men escaped from the camp. During the time Mr. Priestley was at the Ruhleben about 200 of the prisoners attempted to escape, and only thirteen got completely away to freedom. When Mr. Priestley and his liberated companions reached Holland nine months ago they were given a hearty reception. They were taken to Scheveningen, close to The Hague. One of the same party was Mr. Joseph Pickering, son of Mr. George Pickering, of Batley who has gone back, through Belgium, to Alsace, to his woollen mills at Hagenau, near Strasburg. In Holland the interned Britishers were practically free men, except that to travel outside a five mile radius was to be out of bounds and that they had to report weekly at the district commander’s office. Of course they were short of food, a predicament that the Dutch people themselves shared in. Mr. Priestley spent some portion of his time in helping British officers in their study of the German language. In celebration of the signing of the Armistice there were great rejoicings at The Hague, among the British and Belgian soldiers, whose noisy demonstrations of delight were participated in by many of the Dutch people. Mr. Priestley’s trip to the homeland was by the Hook of Holland route. After his sojourn in Holland he has recovered his spirits and is looking extremely well.