"A remarkable coincidence is related by Sergt. Robert Harrison, D.L.I., who has returned to his home in Ramsay Street, after spending three years and eight months in the hands of the Germans.

Harrison was one of the very last to be rescued from the Stanley pit after the terrible explosion in February 1909. His "marrow" on that occasion was Henry Davison of South Tanfield. The two were rescued together, went to France together, were captured together, and spent the first 15 months together as prisoners of war at Ascheberg.

Harrison is lavish in his praise of the kindness of the people at home in sending parcels to the unfortunate prisoners in Germany, but for which, he says, he and many others would not have survived.

He particularly mentions Mrs. Salvin, of Burn Hill, near Durham, who, he declares, has been a like a mother to him, although the two are utter strangers."