South Yorkshire Times, December 4th 1943
Popular Prisoner
A repatriated officer of the Coldstream Guards has written to Mrs. R. Otley, of 243, Wath Road, Mexborough, informing her that her husband, Guardsman Richd. Otley (33), who has been a prisoner of war in Germany over three years, is “the life and soul of his party,” ’which is working at a paper mill.
He tells Mrs. Otley that conditions in the camp where her husband is detained are generally good, that German rations are poor, but the parcels received from this country are excellent, and are pooled to give everyone a share. Arrangements for education and recreation are good in camp, where there is a theatre, band, church, and frequent concerts.
Gdsmn Otley joined the Army for seven years in 1928, and while on reserve worked at Doncaster. He was called up on the outbreak of war, and was taken prisoner in France just before Dunkirk.
He is a member of the British Legion. His parents live in Pitt Street.