YEARS IN SALT MINES

Evening Post, Issue 25, 30 January 1935, Page 22

YEARS IN SALT MINES

Stated to have been taken a prisoner on the first day of the Great War, Percy Gatehouse, aged 50, a groom, °f Sutherland Avenue, Paddington, pleaded guilty at Marylebone .to stealing a saddle; valued at £16 16s, belonging to his employer, Douglas Stuckle, ■ a riding: master, of Somers Mews, Paddington. It was stated that Gatehouse, a man of good character, served- in the 12th Lancers from' 1905 until 1910. On the first day of the war he was cap: tured, and he was kept in the German salt mines throughout hostilities. Owing to the treatment he received he still suffered very much with his nerves arid occasionally gave way to drink to soothe them. It was during one of these indulgences -that he took the saddle and sold it for £2. Gatehouse said he was in the stable when another groom- offered him £2 for the saddle. 'He did not know; what lie was doing because he had had some drink. Mr. Stuckle said that Gatehouse was a very good workman, and he would do his best to find him another job. lie could not take him back because his position was already filled. He was a most deserving sort of man. The Magistrate, Mr. McKcnna, placed Gatehouse .on probation for two years and advised him to take a pledge. ••