Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Poem ~ Ladies Seek Prisoners - Wednesday, 15 September 1915


Impression sketch of German prisoners of war - by Jamie. See original at: http://www.shropshireremembers.org.uk/german-prisoners-of-war-in-

Under the Defence of the Realm Act,
Charges were raised against
Two Shrewsbury ladies, who sought
Contact with German prisoners.

Mary Hayes, wife of a local builder,
In league with her servant -
Alice France, were seen in making
Signals to prison recreation camp.

Both women received warnings
In attracting the Germans -
The garden of Mrs Hayes edging
The camp, allowed close contact.

The women’s actions continued -
Finally prompting action -
Discovery was made at compounds
Edge, of a cleverly hidden postbox.

A trap was made and 24 year old
Servant Alice France,
Was arrested - writings of Germans
In that place of exchanged letters.

Before the Shrewsbury Bench,
France said the words
Were written all by her mistress;
'I would clasp thee to my bosom.'

Such promised words would likely
Encourage the prisoners
To attempt escapes - her actions
Were 'criminal and disgusting.'

Although nothing was stated
Of Mary Hayes husband
Reactions, both women were fined;
France £2 and Hayes £10.

by Jamie Mann.

Anon.,1915. Secret Post Office - Letters to German Prisoners. The Daily Telegraph, [online] 15 September. P.10. Col.5. Available at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive/11823055/Daily-Telegraph-September-15-1915.html [Accessed: 15 September 2015].

Mann, J., 2015. 100 years Ago - Poems by Jamie Mann. [letter] (Personal communication, 15 September 2015). 



#WW1 #WW1centenary #GreatWar #WW1poem #GreatWar #WW1centenary #worldwarone #worldwaroneremembered #WW1London

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