Lieutenant W. Thomas, the appointed science master of the Amman Valley Intermediate School , who had been reported missing, now appears to be a prisoner of war. He has written home to his parents at Llandissilio , Pembrokeshire as follows:
"My dear Parents, - I daresay that ere now the War Office will have wired to you that I am either killed or missing. Well do not worry, I am quite sage, and I will now tell you how it all happened.
On Monday, 12 th October, we had a ‘scrap' with the Germans, and had to stay in our trenches Monday night. There was a village in front of us which was supposed to have been evacuated during the night, and 70 of us were sent up at dawn on Tuesday to occupy the village.
Unfortunately, there were about 1,000 Germans there, and they did give it us. Our captain was wounded at 5 a.m., a lieutenant killed about 7 a.m., and about 8.20 a.m.
I was wounded by a bullet through my left shoulder. We were now in a farmhouse which was surrounded by Germans, and we were waiting for supports. The farm was put on fire, and we had a terrible time, and surrendered at 8 p.m.
Of the 70 there were in the morning in 16 were left of whom 4 were wounded. All the other fifty-four were killed.
The Germans were surprised at our bravery. They did admire us. Then they took us away, and I have been in hospital ever since. I have been in hospital ever since. I have had rather a hard time, but now I am well again.
The Germans have been very kind to me, and have locked after me well. I will, however, have to stay with them now till the ware is over, but do not worry about me, for I am safe as nuts.
I shall ask for a weekend off to come to see you : I have no news of the war. I have no idea of what is going on. I hope it will end soon, then have sweet home once more. – Kindest regards to all.”
Lieutenant Thomas, who had a successful college career at Aberystwyth , was appointed senior science master at Ammanford Intermediate School shortly before he joined the 3 rd Cheshire Regiment Special Reserve. His parents address is as follows :- Lieutenant W. Thomas , Prisoner of War, Leo Convlt , Paderbow, Westphalen , Germany .
