The Camp

The German Prisoners, long expected, arrived by the 2.19 train on Monday, and marched via Rectory-road and Griffith-street, to the quarters at Rushden House, where they were accommodated in the coach-house and stables. It is to the credit of the townsfolk that there was no demonstration of a hostile character, although some little amusement was caused at the station by a British wounded hero who stuck his hands up in the air, shook his knees, and ejaculated “Allemands no bon!” The spectators laughed and the prisoners smiled their “approval” of the sentiment so aptly expressed. The “enemy in our midst” are evidently a motley crowd, some having an exceedingly youthful appearance, whilst others are apparently veterans of the Landsturm. The fiery whiskers and Kaiser moustache of one of the latter variety attracted no little attention. All carried their luggage on their backs. The National School children, who were out at play when the Boches passed en route to their billets, were quite awe-struck at the close proximity of the “enemy,” but otherwise kept admirable control of their feelings. The men, we understand, are to be engaged in agricultural work.

German Prisoners—The internment camp, has, we understand, received a further complement of 30, the men arriving in Rushden on Saturday last. The contingent marched from the Wellingborough L. and N.W. station to the Midland en route for Rushden.

Podington - The German prisoners of war have left this village en route for Germany.

German Prisoners Held Up.—The strike on the railways has resulted in holding up the German prisoners at Rushden, numbering about 50, who finished work last Friday and packed up ready to return to their own country. As they were unable to leave the camp their former employers asked to have them back at work until they could go home. The men were paraded and offered the chance of working temporarily, the officer in charge having no power to compel them to do so. Three of them worked on Monday, but neither they nor the others would work after that day. They came into the town, buying up chocolates, soup, cocoa, and other articles of food unobtainable in Germany, and returned to their quarters laden with their purchases. The prisoners are all very jovial at the prospect of getting home.