LIFE IN PRISON CAMP

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 152, 16 March 1918, Page 7

LIFE IN PRISON CAMP

TOM SULLIVAN'S DEPARTURE FROM RUHLEBEN,; / A LOSS TO BRITISH PRISONERS London, March 14. A comrade who was with Tom Sullivan, the sculler (formerly of Wellington, New Zealand), at Ruhleben Camp, informs the Australian Press Association that Sullivan's departure from Ruhleben will be sorely felt. Ho was the life of the camp, never down-heart-ed, and his cheenncßs and breeziness did much to. keep, up tho morale of the British prisoners, especially during tho deplorable conditions of the first winter, when Sullivan and others were forced to sleep on straw in horse-boxes, and thore were no heating appliances. Sullivan organised deputations to tho Camp Commandant protesting against poor food and other conditions, secured permission to prepare .a. football and cricket ground, and obtained a modification of the regulations against the holding of matches. Ho used to entertain his comrades with tales of his varied rowing and boxing experiences, and with many racy stories of New Zealand life. He was largely responsible for the formation of a Dominion and Colonial Prisoners' Club, -which was a prominent feature of camp life. A large circle of friends kept him well supplied with comforts and parcels.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.