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War Prisoners Escape


Article reporting welcome in Sacriston for William Walker, an escaped prisoner of war


War Prisoners Escape
Chester-le-street, Sacriston, and Kimblesworth warriors
Sacriston’s welcome

When it became known that Private William Walker, (21), DLI, had escaped from the hands of the cruel Huns, after only one month’s incarceration, together with three other pals, and had arrived at his home at 7 Charlaw Terrace, Sacriston, early on Sunday morning, it was decided to give him a public welcome. The War Aims Committee who had arranged to hold a meeting on Monday evening, decided to include the reception in their programme.

The meeting was held in the open-air near the Institute, when quite a large gathering assembled. The Salvation Army Band was in attendance and played selections of music. Mr TF Brass presided, and upon a lorry, which served as a platform, was supported by Mr Winter (Newcastle), Mr FJ Bailey, Mr J Clayton, and Private William Walker.

The chairman said they were gathered there that night to hold their War Savings meeting, but before they proceeded with the business he wanted in the name of Sacriston to welcome home Private William Walker. (Loud Cheers). When they last stood together in Sacriston, it was on the occasion of their hero being presented with the Military Medal, and also a gold watch on behalf of the people of Sacriston. Since then their friend had been out again to the Front and fought several battles. He had the misfortune in one of these engagements to be taken prisoner, and had to undergo great hard-ship and privation. He was reported missing, and they thought that he was in the hands of the Huns for the rest of the war. He was put behind the lines and made to work for the Germans, assisting to make railways in order that they might get their guns up to slay his own people. In this work as a prisoner of war he received very poor food, just a slice of bread and some soup. It was then that they made up their minds that they would not continue any longer, and Walker, along with three others, were prepared to escape or die in the attempt.

On 25th June they left the German cage and made their way to the British lines, and had to take the greatest possible precaution in so doing. Although only comparatively a short distance away, it took them twenty-eight days before they ultimately found their way to the French lines. Unfortunately one of the Kimblesworth lads, Private Booth, was injured, but he was now safe in a French hospital, and they hoped that he would soon recover and return home again. He felt sure that the people of Kimblesworth would give their lad a glad welcome, for he was a hero before that day, having been previously presented with the Military Medal by his country and by a gold watch from the people of Kimblesworth. (Loud Cheers). So when Booth came home it would not be such a surprise to the people of Kimblesworth as was the home coming of Private William Walker on Sunday morning last, and to whom he extended a hearty welcome. (Loud cheers).

Mr Brass then called upon the large crowd to give him a right royal cheer, and this was immediately taken up with great heartiness and gusto.

Private Walker expressed his great pleasure to be back in Sacriston once again and assured them how valued the parcels were that were sent out to the lads who were prisoners of war in Germany. He asked them to keep sending those parcels out, for which the boys were extremely grateful. He thanked them all for their kind welcome that evening. (Cheers).

Private William Walker joined the DLI in September, 1915, and went out to France in the following July. He has taken part in several engagements and was slightly wounded in one. For conspicuous bravery in the field and devotion to duty on November 5th 1916, he was awarded the Military Medal at the hand of HM the King, in St. James’ Park, 17th June 1917, when an investiture took place.

After a recent engagement his parents received an official letter stating he was posted as missing, and a letter from a corporal stating that he was in the hands of the Germans. A post card had since been received which mentioned that he was taken as a prisoner on 27th May, but had escaped into the French lines with his pal, Private Appleby of Chester-Le-Street, who was slightly wounded in the leg, together with a comrade from Kimblesworth, named Booth, who unfortunately had to be left.

Date: 12-Jul-1918

Author: Chester-Le-Street Chronicle

Where to find this: With thanks to the Chester-le-Street Heritage Group

Contributed by Fiona Johnson - Durham

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