BRITONS REACH LISBON

Otago Daily Times, Volume 25205, Issue 25205, 20 April 1943, Page 3

BRITONS REACH LISBON

'IMPRESSIVE morale (Rec. 7 p.m.) RUGBY,. Apl. 18. The British prisoners of war who are being exchanged for Italians were cheered by a crowd which included many members of the British colony, when they arrived at the Lisbon station this morning. The British Ambassador, Sir Ronald Campbell, met them. Everyone was impressed by the appearance and bearing of ' the prisoners, who sang patriotic songs and waved and shouted in response to the greetings of their fellow-countrymen. English women ran up to the train and handed English newspapers to the men, whose demand was for news. Those who got the papers called to the others: “ Boys, Susa and Sfax have already been captured by the Allies!” Two trains conveying Italians exchanged for the British left for Italy this evening. The demeanour of the Italians was In marked contrast to the British. As they landed not a single man asked a question about the war. They seemed to have lost all interest in it. The Britons seemed on the whole, much younger than the Italians, but they included more crippled cases, a fact which made their obviously high forale all the more remarkable. Not single man had lost his sense of humour, and all were eagerly asking questions. Most of the British prisoners in Italy were captured In North Africa. Those from Greece were taken to Germany.