American Sailor’s Experiences.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1922, Page 1

American Sailor’s Experiences.

SYDNEY, .July

A remarkable and romantic incident has just conio under the notice of the American Consul in Mellioiiriie. Last wed; tlie Consul was somewhat startled by the apparition which walked into his office. A sturdilv-huilt man, wearing in lieu of ordinary trousers, a pair of American army breeches and putties, and with his wrists adorned by the bracelets of a broken pair of handcuffs, claimed protection as an American citizen. It was he ,wh<>, earlier in tinday, broke his handcuffs and escaped from the steamer West Islet, where lie had been secured bv the steward, who thought he was mad. The man’s story is n curiously interesting one. Of German birth, lie went up to the United States and took out naturalisation paj pels. When war broke out in Europe , he enlisted in the American Army, and ultimately went across to France as an ' airmail. He did good work as a- pilot, hut, like litany another good man, had tlie misfortune to he brought down by a shell behind the*German lines, where ho was taken prisoner, and placed in an- internment camp. Ills fellow countrymen subjected him to fiendish treatment, on one occasion, in a tit of “play fulness,” running a bayonet through his body. However, he recovered and succeeded in making friends with one of his guards. Through this man he was able to obtain a German uniform and made his escape from tlie internment camp. The fact that he was a German native, and that he spoke the language fluently, enabled him to make his way safely through the German lines, and ho at length rejoined the Americans in France. His health was badly affected by tlie cruelty to which ' he had been subjected. His mental condition is still weak, owing to his treatment at the hands of his Gorman i countrymen. Subsequently the man t was" discharged upon the master of the i vessel agreeing to take him hack and ( I look after him. I