Fatal Heel Click

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 127, 30 May 1941, Page 2

Fatal Heel Click

How an escaped Nazi prisoner gave himself away by clicking his heels and bowing his head in German manner was described recently by a Sheffield bu» conductor, who effected his recapture. The conductor was Colin Spittle. He was acting as conductor on a bus going from Gainsborough to Sheffield. On reaching Retford police informed him that three German prisoners had escaped in the north of England, and he was given a description of the men. When the bus * was 16 miles from Sheffield, a young man got on. He was dressed in a sports jacket and grey flannels, and carried a 6mall travelling case, which was later found to contain ehoclate. “He asked for a ticket to Sheffield ia fluent if unnatural English,” said Mr. Spittle. As I gave him a ticked I heard a sharp click of his heels and saw a forward movement of liig head. My suspicions were aroused, and I told the driver to stop if wo saw a policeman. We came on a sergeant and a constable and stopped. I told them of my suspicions. “When asked for his identification card the passenger replied*“l have not got one.’ He was quite self-possessed till he was asked if he was one of the three escaped men. Then he appeared startled and was taken into custody.” Mr. Spittle who has received a letter of commendation from the Sheffield Corporation Transport Department, added that he understood the other two men were arrested the same afternoon. I I j |