South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 17 July 1943

Brothers Prisoners Together.

The words, “Ernest and I are quite fit and well. Conditions are very good, and you have nothing to worry about,” received by Mrs. Pounder, 18, Wellington Street, Goldthorpe this week, revealed that her two boys, who went out to Malaya together, and were reported missing the same time, in February 1942, are now together as prisoners of war in Japanese hands.

The postcard bearing this message was from Pte. Sydney Johnson (22), and after receiving official news six weeks ago that Ernest (193) was a prisoner, Mrs. Pounder’s anxiety for the safety of her sons was completely relieved. Sydney has two and Ernest 4½ years’ service in the Royal Norfolk  Regiment.