The plight of Prisoners of War in foreign climes was reaching its way back home, but some cases took longer than others.

Mr D.A Purves, 9 Burnside Road, Largs, had a pleasant surprise in June 1943 when he received a letter from his youngest son, Lance D.Purves, whom he had not heard from for 18 months.

The letter was sent from P.O War Camp 'N' Hong Kong, the young officer having been taken prisoner by the Japanese when the city capitulated, the 'News' reported.

He said: "We have been lucky in the weather, which is only now starting to be really warm."

There was no indication when the letter was posted, but 'it had been the source of much joy to Mr Purves to hear from his boy after the long and anxious suspense."

The 'News' also reported that another parcel of 400 cigarettes had recently been despatched to the prisoners of war, who originally come from Millport.

The island correspondent said: "There is every reason to believe that the parcels arrive safely and they must be a great boon. It is a pity that Mr Gray, who is in Japanese hands, has had to be left out, as there seems no way of getting parcels through. We must hope that we find a way will be found to help those in Japan, whose need must be greatest of all."

And in West Kilbride, the village correspondent reminded everyone: "The Wards are making their annual inspection of gas masks to the district, It would save a good deal of precious time if householders would have their masks looked out and ready."