ESCAPE FROM GERMANY

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1918, Page 2

ESCAPE FROM GERMANY

TWO PRISONERS EXPERIENCES

( (Received. This Day at 8.50. a.m.) ( LONDON, February 12.

Pitts and Chaote, cabled on the 10th had many thrilling experiences. Pitts said Chaote was responsible for the arrangements to escape. Chaote during two' years imprisonment had studied German, in order to travel unsuspected. He had made earlier, unsuccessful attempts, for which, he was punished. Many of the campites knew of our intention to make a new attempt, but guarded the secret carefully. Chaote raffled an old fiddle in the camp, thereby raising money to pay expenses. It was impossible, to wear the camp clothes without detection, therefore he .secured the biggest of military trousers took out the stripes from the sides and when up-sewn they looked like ordinary workmen’ trousers. He removed distingishing marks from the tunic and we grew moustaches German wise • .

We dodged the sentries and in no time got clear of the camp. Chaote’s knowledge of German was most useful. We noticed a policeman was watching suspiciously and Cha ote asked him the way to the station.

The policeman sternly asked —“Who are you,” and Chaote replied, “Belgian workmen.”

The Policeman said —“Where are you going,” and Chaote replied—-'“going home.” Chaote’s frankness disarmed the policeman who indicated the direction of the train. Travelling was difficult, but various devices allayed suspicions. They feigned sleep when closelv watched. 1

Chaote’s disguise was perfect. He addressed me in colloquial German, to which I nodded or responded in monosylibles. We brought a little food from j

restaurants, where the absence of bread and other cards would have promptly led to detection. Finally we reached Holland.