THREE TIMES AND OUT
TOLD BY
PRIVATE SIMMONS
WRITTEN BY
NELLIE L. MCCLUNG
through no fault of his and
no lack of courage
TOM BROMLEY
loyal friend and best of com-
rades, this book is dedicated.
Frontispiece: Private Simmons
PREFACE
When a young man whom I had not seen until that day came to see mein Edmonton, and told me he had a story which he thought was worthwriting, and which he wanted me to write for him, I told him I couldnot undertake to do it for I was writing a story of my own, but thatI could no doubt find some one who would do it for him.
Then he mentioned that he was a returned soldier, and had been forsixteen months a prisoner in Germany, and had made his escape—
That changed everything!
I asked him to come right in and tell me all about it—for like everyone else I have friends in the prison-camps of Germany, boys whom Iremember as little chaps in knickers playing with my children, boysI taught in country schools in Manitoba, boys whose parents are myfriends. There are many of these whom we know to be prisoners, andthere are some who have been listed as "missing," who we are stillhoping against long odds may be prisoners!
I asked him many questions. How were they treated? Did they getenough to eat? Did they get their parcels? Were they very lonely?Did he by any chance know a boy from Vancouver called Wallen Gordon,who had been "Missing" since the 2d of June, 1916? Or Reg Black fromManitou? or Garnet Stewart from Winnipeg?
Unfortunately, he did not.
Then he began his story. Before he had gone far, I had determined todo all I could to get his story into print, for it seemed to me to bea story that should be written. It gives at least a partial answerto the anxious questionings that are in so many hearts. It tells ussomething of the fate of the brave fellows who have, temporarily,lost their freedom—to make our freedom secure!
Private Simmons is a close and accurate observer who sees clearlyand talks well. He tells a straightforward, unadorned tale, everysentence of which is true, and convincing. I venture to hope thatthe reader may have as much pleasure in the reading of it as I hadin the writing.
NELLIE L. McCLUNG
Edmonton, October 24, 1918
Contents
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