SHOT IN THIGH

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23215, 31 May 1945, Page 7

SHOT IN THIGH

Condition Of Joyce Critical Hostile Reception From Troops By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright LONDON. May 29. Lord Haw Haw (William Joyce) was wounded in the thigh when he was captured by the British in Northern Germany, and according to a senior intelligence officer with the British Second Army, his con-

dition is critical. Joyce was brought to Luneburg in an ambulance. The shooting occurred yesterday near Flensburg. The correspondent of the British United Press says that Joyce spoke to two British officers near the GermanDanish frontier. The officers immediately recognised his voice from his broadcasts and they said: "You are William Joyce.” He admitted his identity, and then made as though to draw a gun. The British party, taking no chances, immediately fired, and Joyce fell wounded in the thigh. When examined it was found that Joyce had no weapon. He had a German passport in the name of Hansen. He was alone when captured. An Englishwoman, believed to be Joyce’s wife, was taken by the British a few days ago. The correspondent adds that Joyce had wandered in the woods for some time. He also lived in Flensburg,, but escaped unrecognised when the British took over the hotel.

Joyce said after his capture: “I suppose in view of all these suicides you expect me to do the same. I am not that sort of person.” Apparently Joyce remained near the Danish-German border after the last broadcast, which he made while obviously drunk. He did-not trouble to destroy the evidence of his identity, and papers were found on him containing his real name. News of Joyce’s arrest spread like wildfire among the troops, who gathered at various places hoping to catch a glimpse of the traitor, if he passed through their area. The diplomatic correspondent of. the Press Association learns authoritatively that Joyce’s position is already under consideration by the AttorneyGeneral’s office. It will be alleged that as a British' civilian subject he gave aid and comfort to the enemies of his country. “You yellow traitor. You are in our hands at last,” shouted troops when the ambulance containing Lord Haw Haw arrived at Second Army Headquarters. Joyce, as he lay stretched inside the ambulance, appeared to be in good health in spite of the bullet wound, says the correspondent of the Associated Press at Luneburg. He scowled as he attempted to Ignore the derogatory remarks hurled at him. British soldiers crowded around the ambulance as it drew up and cried: “Traitor. Why not make him walk!” Furious shouting went on until an officer called in troopers. One soldier tried to photograph Joyce in the ambulance, but officers seized his camera and handed it over to the military police. A thousand marks were found in the luggage of William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) and the woman who is described as his wife, reports a correspondent from Luneberg. The woman, who was formerly Miss Mary Cairns ,of Warwickshire, was carrying more than 100 “pin up” pictures of Nazi officers. Joyce Is reported to be recovering.