Mexborough and Swinton Times, August 1916

Able Seaman Arthur Burton Shaw (Collingwood battalion, R.N.D.)

on Saturday reached his home in Charles St, Swinton, on special leave from Holland, where he is interned.

It is understood that the award of a  months furlough is largely prompted by the great domestic troubles which since the war had befallen Seaman Shaw’s mother, who has lost, by accident, her husband and two sons.

Seaman Shaw took part in the defence of Antwerp, and was of the number of those who had inadvertently passed into Holland and were interned in October 1914. He was sent to a town named Hulstz, and afterwards to Leewarden, and then to Groningen camp.

He looks a picture of health. He says the worst feature of his confinement was a horribly depressing warning spread abroad by German influences in Holland. The warnings was very black indeed for many months. Shaw is extremely grateful to the Dutch authorities for their kindness, and speaks well of the treatment received at their hands.

Also since arriving home is pleased to find his mother has had many friends who have encouraged her during the sad trials she has endured.