There has this week been much rejoicing in the family of Mr and Mrs W. Branson, of 29 Grove Road, Luton, that their eldest son, William George, who after being interned at Ruhleben since October 1914, was last week enabled to breathe the freer air of Holland.

At the outbreak of war Mr William George Branson was travelling in Germany as private secretary to an American gentleman, but the liberty of the English subject was not allowed to go unrestricted, and in due course he shared the irksome captivity of many other in the civilian internment camp at Ruhleben. At least one other Lutonian, we understand, was in captivity with him there for some time - a son of Mr H. Luck.

The first intimation of the release of Mr Branson, who is aged 31, came at the end of March. A subsequent postcard, written not long after but which reached Luton this week, bore the assurance of certainty: "...at last I am a free man. I thank God I am our of that country. I was exchanged with a batch of about 130 men. I am in perfect health, but can hardly realise that I am free again.

"I suppose we shall have to stay here until the end of the war, but, anyway, one is in the hands of friends and not enemies. I feel too unsettled to sit down and write you a long letter yet, but will do so soon. Trust you are all well at home - I am OK... - Will."

[The Luton News: Thursday, May 9th, 1918]