DASH FOR FREEDOM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 257, 9 April 1915, Page 8

DASH FOR FREEDOM.

BRITISH OFFICERS ESCAPE FROM

HOLLAND.

DUTCH PEOPLE VIEW INCIDENT AS A SPORTING AFFAIR.

Under thrilling circumstances a number of British naval prisoners escaped from camp at which they were interned after the battle of Antwerp at Groningen, in Holland. It will be remembered that whilst the Naval Brigade were retiring from Antwerp a large body of officers and men were forced over the Dutch frontier, and, laying down their arms, were interned for the remainder of the war. There is no suggestion that the officers have been guilty of improper conduct of any kind. The facts are tlir.t some time ago all the officers formally and officially notified the military authorities that they desired to be relieved from their parole. The notification waf duly recorded and thenceforth the officers were as strictly confk.-d to camp as their men. A few days ago 15 of the officers escaped from the camp at niglil,. Their absence was discovered a faw hours later, and a pursuit institute.!. Four of them, who had secured the use of a fast motor car, made good their escape, and ars now safely in England. Tlic others were recaptured at Hardorwyk, and taken back under escort to Groningen. As the escaped officers had been relieved from their word of honor not to attempt to leave the counfy there is no question of any further action being taken in respect of then. (The officers are now quartered in Fort Wierieker Schans.) The Dutch p?-jple rogard the escape as a sporting affair. It is said there is a romantic clement in the adventure, and that one officer was assisted by his sweetheart. One of the escaped officers is Sub-lieutenant Boot, of the Royal Naval Volunteer Resvve, the only son of Canon Boot, the vicar of St. George's, Jesmnod, Newcastle-fin Tyne, and he has reached home with three companions. Interviewed, Lieutenant Boot said ho had some excithg experiences, but under the eircumsta>rccs it was impossible for him to describe the means and method of his escape. He added that so far as the restrictions would allow lie and his companions had spent a pleasant time in Holland. lh-t Dutch authorities were very good to them. More than this he did not wish to say. Mr Boot, who was a member of the Tynsido division of the Royal Nnval Volunteer Reserve before the outbreak of war, was one of the first to join the Naval Brigade,for service on the Continent.