Prisoner of War Tells of Transfer To South Austria

Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1942, Page 2

Prisoner of War Tells of Transfer To South Austria

Major G. H. Thomson describes cricket matches. B. Reserve Lazarett, Spittal, Southern Austria, June 2: "Note new address," wrote Major G. H. Thomson to his wife at New Plymouth. "The whole 'lager staff, non-commissioned officers and repatriation men came here two days ago. We are 2000 feet up and close to some fairly high mountains, not so high as those you can see from your back door, but interesting all the same." It was thus that Mrs. Thomson learned yesterday that her husband, captured with the New Zealanders in Greece, had been transferred from Stalag 18D, where he had been occupied in a medical capacity ever since he waS sent to Germany as a prisoner of war. "TTie air here is splendid," Major Thomson said, "but unfortunately we have a large stable about 60 yards away, and at present there must be 1000 flies in our room." "How Alike Countries Are." A week later: "This address may be temporary. . . . We had a fine thunder shower this afternoon, glorious cloud effects and colours on the mountains and valleys. Strange how alike many countries are. There are mountains here that are almost identical with some in Otago. But the forest is orderly and looks as if it had been planted." The weather was not always as pleasant, however. Back in Stalag 18D early in March there had been a recession towards winter. "With the exception of two and a half hours on Thursday we have not seen the sun for 45 consecutive days!" Major Thomson then wrote. And then . . . "The Rugby season is just starting in New Zealand. Give my regards to the Star club." At the end of March spring came, "though you in New Zealand would not think much of three sunny days in 60." June 5: Cricket, basketball (American rules), two-up and — indoors — monopoly were the main diversions in the camp, but the boys kept in good spirits in a very marvellous way and relieved the tedium oi camp life with international cricket matches. Kiwis beat Wales that day, and the previous Sunday England beat Australia. The real news, cricket history, in fact, was written a week later. however. . . . "New Zealand trounced England!"