Austrian Officer's Escape

Friedrich Wiener's escape from a British internment camp, Lofthouse Park in Wakefield, was the subject of an article published on 29th June 1915.

“ESCAPE FROM AN ENGLISH CAMP.

“AUSTRIAN OFFICER’S NARRATIVE.

“The Frankfurter Zeitung quotes from the Aftonblad, of Stockholm, and account from Lieutenant F. N. Wiener, an Austrian officer of his experiences in escaping from the internment camp at Wakefield. Lieut. Wiener, who had settled in America, was on his way to Austria when he was captured by a British warship and brought to Kirkwall, being subsequently interned in Wakefield with a German naval officer of the name of Alfred Klapproth.

“The two officers decided to attempt escape together. Their first plan, to dig a subterraneous passage to freedom, had to be abandoned as it took too much time, so they resorted to other tactics. They ordered “sporting costumes” from the camp tailor in order to appear as British as possible. They were also able to procure gold to the extent of £30. Then they asked to see the Censor, knowing that he would not be in his house at the time.

“From the Censor's office,” says Lieutenant Wiener, “we went to the guard-room, and I was able, thanks to my perfect command of English, to give the impression that we were British officers. A few generalities about military matters to the men on duty completely dispelled any lingering suspicion they may have had, and we succeeded in escaping without molestation, after climbing a park wall about eight metres high. Our first objective was Leeds, the nearest big town. There we bought two first-class tickets to Manchester, without, however, making use of them, but travelled instead third-class to Liverpool. Of course were industriously searched for in Manchester, and thus gained invaluable time.

“We went to London from Liverpool, but did not venture to stay at an hotel, fearing discovery. We spent a week living over nights in restaurants, night cafés, and dancing saloons. Meanwhile we read with much satisfaction reports of our escape in the papers. As my description in these reports stated that I spoke English with an American accent we now spoke only French, and thus gave ourselves out to be Frenchmen. Incidentally we dropped the commander of the camp a postcard stating that were longer speaking 'American' but French.

“After various vain attempts to secure passage on a cargo boat we were finally able to steal on board the Danish steamer Tomsk, where we hid in one of the holds. Crushed between bales and boxes without food or drink, we spent four dreadful days and nights until we reached Copenhagen, where again made passing acquaintance with a prison. My companion has already gone to Germany, and I propose going to Austria as soon as I am able to complete certain personal affairs.”

'Nottingham Evening Post', 29th June 1915.

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