Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 11 January 1941

Swinton Seaman’s Experience

Released by Nazi Raider

Landed on Pacific Island

Fears for the safety of their son, Seaman Richard Thorpe (29), who was serving in a British vessel sunk by a German  raider in the Pacific, were relieved on Monday, when Mr. and Mrs Mason of 20, Walker Street. Swinton, received a telegram from the Admiralty, stating that he had been safely landed in Australia.

Seaman Thorpe was a prisoner and landed with 500 other survivors on a small island later being rescued. He was last heard of before landing in New Zealand, where he was bound for.

He was born in Swinton and attended Mexborough Roman Terrace School. Before serving with the New Zealand Shipping Co. he was employed on the Blue Star Line. He has been to South America several times.