Mexborough and Swinton Times December 14, 1918

Lance Corporal James Watson

King’s Royal Rifles

Lcp. James Watson of Hartley’s Yard, Mexboro’, who has been a prisoner in Germany since February, 1916, has some interesting experiences to relate.

Slightly wounded in the foot, he was made to walk a long distance to a hospital behind the lines. He was speedily introduced to an example of German kultur by being violently assaulted by a German soldier who passed him on the road. Watson, immediately he was captured, removed his chevrons of rank to save himself from the rigorous cross-examinations invariably given to n.c.o.’s.

Whilst working at a factory at Hasten, Watson was informed that his employment was assisting the production of munitions. Upon this he at once “downed tools.’  Though threatened by the foreman he was adamant,, and a German overseer attempted to strike him. Watson, in self-defence struck his aggressor in the face. For this act he received sentence of three days solitary confinement, and on his release was again ordered to work in the factory. He replied he would undergo the severest of punishment—or even death—rather than make munitions.

Characterised as “insane,” he was transferred to a farm in Westphalia, and here he fell among more humane people. For over two years Watson laboured in the fields near Munster. He received many privileges not allowed to his fellow prisoners, and was taught by the farm folk the German language, end altogether found life fairly comfortable and pleasant.

He read in a newspaper of the 11th Nov. of the signing of the Armistice, and without awaiting orders resolved to make his way into France. Assistance in money and food way given him by the farm folk. He had no difficulty in reaching Kehl, a Rhine town, and under cover of darkness, he passed, the German sentry and crossed the bridge to the Western bank of the Rhine. Here he encountered French troops who afforded him passage through their lines.

Nancy, where British group were, was reached a few days later. Watson tells how upon the Armistice being signed, the photograph of the Kaiser, which. Occupied a place of honour in the German farmstead, was ostentatiously torn from its position and hidden from sight.