| War Prisoner’s Death—The German’s cruelty of compelling British prisoners of war to work behind the lines has resulted in the death of Pte William D B Parker, 2nd South Lancs., of Wellingborough-road, Higham Ferrers. The following letter was received by his parents from a friend who was a prisoner with Pte Parker, both being behind the German lines when British aeroplanes made a raid. He says: “Dear Mrs Parker, I write with deep regret and sympathy to inform you of the mishap which occurred to your son Wm. Donald on October 6th last. It was about 4a.m. when some British aeroplanes come over to bomb the station near our billet. One bomb was dropped ten yards from the billet, causing the splintering of all the woodwork, smashing every bit of glass, and wounding two of our boys, Donald’s wound proving fatal. I was the only one of the Lancs. Oin the spot at this time, so the chaps handed over to me Donald’s wallet and Testament, but I did not have his wallet long, as the German in charge said he must have it as a reference to our War office. Anyway, they left me his Testament, so I decided to give it to a chap who lives quite close to your home, and hope by this time that you have received same. I can say that Donald was buried with full military honours, as I was one who attended his funeral. This all occurred in a town called Quievrain, France, and not far from the Belgian frontier. If you should require any more information I shall only be too pleased to give it to you.” |
