South Yorkshire Times, January 8, 1944

New Year “Gift.”

New Year’s Day brought first news from her husband in a Japanese prison camp for Mrs. Smith, 1O9, Windhill Crescent, Mexborough.  Dvr. Gilbert Smith (29) R.A.S.C., was taken prisoner at Singapore nearly three years ago, and though he was officially reported to be in Japan in May last year, this is the first letter received from him.

In it he states he is in good health, and asks that his family should not worry.

Dvr. Smith served four months in this country before being drafted abroad, and was formerly an operator at Dale, Brown’s Swinton.  He is the son of Mrs. Lodge, of Shipley, formerly of Swinton.