Ex-German POW’s thanks

Receiving best of treatment in hospital

A poignant letter of grateful thanks sent by a former German prisonerof-war was printed in the Observer of 100 years ago.

It was received by Miss Tasker, honorary secretary and treasurer of the Stirlingshire Work Depot and A&SH POW Committee, Clarendon Place, Stirling.

The depot and committee co-ordinated the production, collection and dispatch of clothing, food and other items for troops serving abroad.

Just before Christmas, the depot sent out 3000 parcels for the 7th, 10th and 14th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders who were either fighting the Germans or had become POWs.

The letter to Miss Tasker was from L/Cpl R Henderson, 14th Battalion A&SH, who was at that time in King George Hospital, London.

His object in writing was to thank Miss Tasker and her volunteers for the way they had helped him whilst he was in captivity in Hamburg.

He had been a prisoner up until January 3, 1918, when he received the unexpected instruction to pack as he was to be exchanged for German POWs being held by the British.

He was delighted to be back in Britain and explained he was receiving the “finest” medical treatment at the London hospital. doubt the parcels I received from Stirling were the means of saving my life as at one time I had a huge abscess in my stump but the food from home pulled me through.”

The lance corporal said parcels from the depot arrived “very regularly”, and he also received from a Mrs Anderson a gift of money.

“I have no idea who she is but if you know her I should be much indebted to you if you could thank her on my behalf,” he added.

“No wonder the regiment has such a splendid record when the folks of Stirlingshire are so kind and good hearted.

“Your good work is saving life in Germany as one cannot possibly exist on what the Germans give as regards food.”