An escape from a French prison

The following story is based upon a real life account written by Forrest Frank based upon a story by Captain John Wilson. These appeared in the Scarborough Daily Post in 1920 as part of the 'Sea Dogs' stories by Forrest Frank.

The son of this Thomas Herbert, also Thomas (father of the late Hawson Herbert, in the year 1806, being about 20 years of age, and mate of a vessel belonging to his cousin Parkin, was on his way up the English channel, when the ship was captured by a French privateer, and he was taken prisoner to Verdun, a town which became so famous in the late war. The prisoners of war in France were, however, treated very differently from those in Germany of recent years, for when representatives were made to Napoleon that the feeding was not what it should be, it was quickly put right. After being in Verdun some time, young Herbert was moved to another town, and one night, when staying at a farmhouse, and his stocking feet, took his boots in his hand, dropped down out of the window, and was successful in escaping. He hid in the woods by day, and walked during the night, finally getting into Switzerland after various adventures, and then footed it to Memel, in Prussia, where he got a ship to London, it having taken him about seven months to reach Memel. Many other Scarborough Captains and sailors were taken prisoners during the French War, amongst them being the father of the late Porrit Webster, Captain Barrettt, and Capt Williamson. Several were kept for long periods in France - in fact, until peace was declared. One shipmaster was detained there twelve years, so that when he at last arrived home his children had grown out of all knowledge, and he had to ask his wife which child was which!



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