LIFE OF AN INTERNEE IN GERMANY

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 56, 3 September 1918, Page 8

LIFE OF AN INTERNEE IN GERMANY

Flight-Lieutenant Edgar H. 'Garland, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Garland, of Oriental Bay, Wellington, writing -to his parents from Holzminden, Germany, where he is interned, gives an interesting impression of his life in Germany. It will be remembered that Flight-Lieuten-ant Garland., while flying at a jieight of 19,000 ft, was' obliged to make a forced landing at Ostend, and was interned on 22nd August, 1917. He attempted an escape from the camp five months ago, but was recaptured^ and given two months' solitary ; confinement for Ms offence, with the Joss of.certain privileges. Writing with regard to mails, the young New Zealander says that the shortest time in which he has" received letters from New Zealand is two and a-half months, and then it was a letter' that was re-addressed twice in Germany. All letters had arrived, - and the opinion was given that .very few go astray. Letters addressed care of the High Commissioner for New Zealand aro advised. At the time of writing the weather was glorious, and the surrounding country was a picture, with waving masses of corn and green forests. Long walks along the banks, of the Weser and swimming constitute the main, enjoyments of the writer. There are tennis courts nearby, a gymnasium, and an excellent library, and the aviator on the whole is well cared for. About 80 per cent, of the internees are flying corps officers (including, Robinson, the famous V.O. winner, who brought, down a Zeppelin raider in England). Flight-Lieutenant Garland went through twenty-four nights over the German lines. Mention is.made of the death of Lieutenant J. Sbarland, who when last seen was- flying through,a cloud with Lieutenant Drewitt, and was later found behind the French lines. Speaking of the probable duration of the war, the correspondent says that he is inclined to think that the war may end this year, and that it will be a peace of understanding, with give and take on either side. The^amval of another New Zealander (Mr. Topliss, of Christchurch) is mentioned by Lieutenant Garland. He was in the Flying Corps also, and belongs to Fendalton, Christchurch. The change of the name of the Flying Corps to that of the Royal Air Force is notified. Lieutenant Garland has ' expectations of being transferred to Holland or some other neutral country shortly. In .the same camp, are fifty Australians and three New Zealanders.