This is the Statement Made by Repatriated Prisoner of War. (1). This document is headed with, "Sir, In reply to your request of 15th inst. re particulars of my capture by the enemy, I desire to submit the following as per pro forma." Interestingly scrawled atop the top of the document is the handwriting, "Where should this go?" and "Here".

Rank : Lieutenant
Name : Charles William Rhodes
Squadron : 4th Squadron
Unit : Australian Flying Corps

Circumstance of Capture :
a ) Date : 4th November 1918
b ) Place : Vicinity of Tournai

Whilst on patrol, East of Tournai, under orders of the Squadron Commander, strong enemy resistance, and heavy anti-aircraft gunfire was expereinced.

The engine of my machine was damaged, and became unworkable, whereupon I was attacked by a Fokker biplane and brought down in the vicinity of the town of Tournai.

Whilst in captivity I was marched continually, living in old buildings, cellars etc. Staying at intervals in the follwoing towns with a batch of French prisoners; Zottegan (2 days), Alost (2 days), Mechlin ( 2 days ), Diest (2 days), Maeseyck (6 days). Living accomodation and food were very poor. No Australian prisoners were met. I arrived in England on 29th November 1918.

1. Prisoner of War Statement courtesy of Gordon Branch.