Prisoner Of Luxemburg Is Cheerful Exile

Northern Advocate, 22 December 1939, Page 4

Prisoner Of Luxemburg Is Cheerful Exile

21-year-old Royal Air Force pilot. John Martin, from Glasgow, had been chasing German raiders over the Western Front.

Turning for home, he mistook Esch aerodrome for French territory, wrote Mr. T. Underwood to the London “Daily Mail” from ' Luxemburg recently. ' And so he became the Duchy’s first internee, the “Prisoner of Luxemburg.” The Luxemburgers were sorry for the young Briton, cut off from his flying. They did their best for him. He was given a prettily decorated room in the gendarmerie barracks. Has Batman. A cheerful batman, who spoke perfect English was detailed to wait upon him. For his meals he was asked what food he liked. He was allowed to take ample exercise on the barrack square. The news got abroad that the young English officer could be seen. Soon, peeping at him through the railing were a number of pretty, bright-eyed Luxemburg girls. They waved, but could not express their sympathy in words. Then parcels containing little gifts started to be left with the sentry on the far end of the little bridge leading to th barracks. Began to Smile Again.

Flying-officer Martin began to smile again. Cigarettes, chocolates, books, all came his way. But the girls were still worried. How much better it would be if the “nice young Englishman” could leave the barracks and go for a walk sometimes.

Regretfuly, but firmly, the authorities said “No.”

The regulations strictly forbade anyone appearing in public in the uniform of a belligerent country.

It was all very trying, but one of the girls had an idea. Out came purses and along went the girls to the best tailor in Luxemburg. Within a few days a parcel, a big one this time, was delivered at the barracks.

In it a suit (“so chic and so English,” said the girls). So now the “Prisoner of Luxemburg” can go out walking.