Cheerful Enterned Airman

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 305, 27 December 1939, Page 7

Cheerful Enterned Airman

interest taken by girls A 21-year-old Royal Air Force pilot, John Martin, from Glasgow, had been chasing German raiders over the Western Front. Turning for home, he mistook Each aerodrome for French territory, wrote Mr. T. J. Underwood to the London Daily Mail from Luxemburg recently. And so he became the Duchy's first internee, the “Prisoner of Luxemburg." The Luxemburgers were sorry for the young Briton, cut off from his flying. They did their best for him. He was given a prettily decorated room in the gendarmerie barracks. A cheerful batman, who spoke perfect English, was detailed to wait upon him. For his meals he was asked what food he liked. He was allowed to take ample exercise on the barrack square. The news got abroad that the young English officer could be seen. Boon, peeping at him through tho railing were a number of pretty, bright-eyed Luxemburg girls. They waved, but could not express their sympathy in words. Then parcels containing little gifts started to be left with the sentry on the far end of the little bridge leading to the barracks. Flying-Officer Martin began to smile again. Cigarettes, chocolates, books all came his way. But the girls were still worried. How much better it would be if the “nice young Englishman" could leave the barracks and go for a walk sometimes. Regretfully, but firmly, tho authorities said “No.” The regulations strictly forbade anyone appearing in public in the uniform of a belligerent country. It was all very trying, but one of the girls had an idea. Out came purses and along went the girls to the best tailor in Luxemburg. Within a few days a parcel, a big one this time, was delivered at the barracks. In it a suit (“so chic and so English," said the girls).

80 now the “ Prisoner of Luxcm burg" can go out walking.