NEWS COMES FROM FREED PRISONERS 15 MESSAGES ARE RECEIVED FAMILES GET LONG-AWAITED GOOD TIDINGS FROM BOYS IN GERMANY; TEN STILL TO COME
Word continues to come of the liberation of Greene county men who were taken prisoners of war February 17, 1943, in North Africa. These were in the national guard and left Jefferson early in 1941 for training at Camp Claiborne, La., and after being in Ireland, Scotland and England, participated in landings in North Africa.
Thus far, 15 men of the approximate 25 who were taken prisoner, have sent word home either in letters, Red Cross telegrams, personal telegrams, or by word sent through friends.
Indications are that after the invasion of Europe, the men who had been together in prison camps, were separated in moved to other camps. Delay in the messages is attributed to the fact that the camps were largely liberated by the Russians, and communication with the United States has had to wait until the men could get to territory held by the Americans.
Capt. Robert Milligan.
Capt. Robert Milligan, who sent word with Capt. Lumund Wilcox through the Red Cross of their liberation, has also sent a telegram directly to his wife and family. The telegram, which was received Monday, said he was getting along all right and hoped to see them soon. Mrs. Milligan does not know when he sent it or where he was at the time.
Previously she had received a letter from another man who said he left Captain Milligan May 5, after they had been freed by the Russians, April 22, and that Captain Milligan expected to be detained at the camp three or four weeks because of the administrative work he was doing there. It was impossible for him to get direct word through to her immediately as long as it was territory occupied by the Russians, and had asked the other man to write for him. The letter was dated May 9. Mrs. Milligan believes Captain Milligan may not now have the delay and may soon be on his way home.
Source: Jefferson Bee, May 22, 1945
MORE MESSAGES FROM PRISONERS
News Has Come Recently
24 In Germany
Messages from men who have been held prisoners of war by the German government since their capture Feb. 17, 1943, at Faid pass, North Africa, continue to come to their relatives at home. The first came Monday evening, May 14, and each day more are received.
To date, word has come of the liberation of …….Capt. Robert Milligan.
Captain Robert Milligan (when interviewed) said: “My wife and two kids will fill that leave in a wonderful way. That ship better keep moving.”
Source: Jefferson Herald, May 24, 1945
12 PRISONERS BACK IN THE U. S.
So far as The Bee had been able to determine by noon today, 12 of the 27 guard company men who had been prisoners of war of the Germans until late in April or early May, have now returned to the States.
Already home is Capt. Robert Milligan.
Source: Jefferson Bee, June 12, 1945
