Our Colonel Iles wanted to get Hauptmann Hermann, one of the German prisoner doctors to sign a form for freedom of movement so that he could be allowed to come from the POW Section in order to use our operating theatre facilities for any necessary work for the German patients in the hospital annex. Eric Iwersen, who spoke good English, was acting as interpreter for them.

Colonel Iles said that he would like Hauptmann Herman to sign the appropriate form of freedom of movement and Eric conveyed the message that required the Doctor to promise that he would not attempt to escape. He replied via Eric, “Tell him that should a German plane land in the hospital grounds I will try to escape”, to which Colonel Iles replied, “Tell him that if he wants to get on the plane then I will carry his luggage for him!!!”