Escaping from the Kaiser: The Dramatic Experiences of a Tommy POW

Only a week after joining the 8th Durhams in April 1915 Private Herbert Tustin was captured at the Battle of Ypres. He describes the horror of trench warfare, his treatment on being taken a POW and the three day train journey into Germany.

There followed 16 months captivity at Rennbahn POW Camp with its hunger, hardships, brutality, work regime, friendships, humor and the different national characteristics of fellow POWs.

In late summer 1916 together with a Canadian POW, Gerrie Burk, the author escaped over the wire. For the next 10 days traveling by night, sleeping rough and stealing basic food they headed for Holland. Somehow they miraculously managed to avoid recapture despite the closest of calls. Once on the Dutch coast they found a boat, SS Grenadier to carry them across the mine-strewn, submarine infested North Sea to England, arriving on 18 September.

This amazing story of war, imprisonment, escape and survival concludes with the author’s wife recalling the hero’s welcome home, the joyful reunion and his proposal of marriage.

Born in 1893 Herbert Tustin joined the Durham Light Infantry in 1912. After his successful escape he was commissioned and sent to South Africa. He became a teacher. He died in 1939 of cancer. Richard Corr is the Author's grandson. He lives on the Isle of Dogs.