Page 675 - Reading Mercury

enemy succeeded in capturing some prisoners. The post was recaptured and the
enemy retired leaving one dead. Two British soldiers were killed and one wounded.”
It was officially claimed in Berlin that 20 men were killed and 16 prisoners taken.
Another German statement was issued to the effect that the German soldiers had
received orders to take British prisoners at all costs. Only a few of the prisoners were
taken to the broadcasting studio and Gray was one of them.
Speaking with a slight stammer, Gray first gave his name and address. Then the
announcer said, “You may speak to your mother,” Gray, speaking rapidly said, “Hullo
mother, I am all right. I am a prisoner in Germany. I am not wounded and I am in the
best of health. Will you please give my love to Edith?”
According to the announcer Gray had a growth of beard. He was asked why he had
not shaved and he replied: “I have no shaving kit.” Answering further questions he
said he had left his kit in the trenches before he had time to take it with him.
Told of this radio conversation, Mrs. Gray said,” What will happen to him now?
That is what worries me. All the things we hear about prisons in Germany…..

th
Sat 6 April
A FINE RECORD
The Wokingham branch, women’s section, British Legion, began to knit comforts
for the troops in December. Since then they have dispatched 154 knitted comforts, as
follows: 52 to Army Comforts Depot, Reading; 34 to R.A.F. London headquarters; 16
to the Royal Navy; 55 to a company, Royal Engineers. The men’s branch contributed
£3 4s. 6d. towards the cost of the wool. Mrs. P.G. Murray has collected and sent 119
knitted comforts to the Royal Artillery Fund in London.

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Sat 13 April
FORTHCOMING CONCERT
The Royal Engineers (Aldershot) are to give a concert in aid of the Wokingham
st
Ambulance Fund in the Ritz Cinema on Sunday afternoon, April 21 .

AMBULANCE PRESENTATION
At the usual meeting of the Wokingham Division, St. John Ambulance Brigade, on
Wednesday, an oak timepiece was presented to Mr. and Mrs. A. Woodley to mark the
occasion of their marriage.

A.F.S. INSPECTION
On Sunday morning the Mayor (Cllr. E.W. Reeves) inspected the Wokingham
members of the Auxiliary Fire Service attached to the Wokingham Fire Brigade.
Under the command of the Chief Officer W.B. Martin (W.F.B.), the men, 19 in
number, paraded at the eastern side of the Town Hall. The Mayor was accompanied
by the Deputy-Mayor (Cllr. J.E. Thorpe), and members of the Town Council who
watched the proceedings included Alderman, Whaley, Councillors Beale, Bowyer,
Lawrence, Perkins and Titterington (A.R.P. Controller) also the Town Clerk. The men
presented a smart and workmanlike appearance, as did their appliances. The parade
dismissed, Chief Officer Martin conducted the municipal party over the fire station.
Subsequently a move was made to Kingsmere, where the A.F.S. carried out very
smartly and efficiently a number of fire drills.

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Sat 4 May
WOKINGHAM FOOD CONTROL COMMITTEE

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