POWs and civilian internees

Entered company service in September 1935 as a member of the accounts department.

Captured after the battle of Dunkirk, POW number 13522 held at Stalag number 344.

On his return to the company he worked in the policy and underwriting departments and was regarded, following his war experiences "as the authority on German and East European languages."

He retired in 1979. Brother of F B Aldous.

Entered company service in 1938 in the renewal issue department.

Enlisted in 1939 was wounded in operations leading up to Dunkirk.

Was reported missing in Libya in February 1942. POW in Italian hands in various camps being eventually freed from one in Southern Bavaria.

Returned to company service and worked at Brighton, Chelmsford and Worcester branches before retiring as senior burglary surveyor at Norwich branch in 1980.

Brother of D W Aldous.

By Christmas 1943 had been about three and a half years as POW and was in Oflag VIIB.

According to a letter in the Midsummer 1942 staff magazine he: "Deplores the lack of facilities for fishing but a meagre beer ration helps to enliven the enforced inactivity... He is able to play hockey, rugger and football."

Released 1945.

Born April 1920. Member of the Y department.

Enlisted in 26 June 1939. Captured by Japanese in Singapore on 15 February 1942. Initially reported missing then wrote card to mother: "Just a few lines to assure you that although a prisoner of war I am in the best of health and spirits and well treated so there is nothing for you to worry about. Please give my love and best wishes to all."

Held at various camps including Changi.

For digitised records relating to his time as POW see COFEPOW database at www.cofepowdb.org.uk.

POW held in Italy. Escaped from camp when Italy was invaded then put in an internee camp in Switzerland.

Repatriated in June 1945.

Born August 1915, he entered company service on 8 February 1937 in the accounts department.

Enlisted September 1939 by which time he was a member of the motor hire purchase department.

Reported POW by November 1940 and worked in a stone quarry. Was sent books and gramophone records in his camp by the "Our Boys " Committee.

Released 1 June 1945, he left company service on 31 October 1945.

Captured at Singapore on 15 February 1942 and held as POW in a camp in Malaysia.

Died of malaria.

Manager of Shanghai branch.

Interned for duration of war.

Member of daily express coupon department.

Reported POW in Italy by May 1943.

Reported POW by Autumn 1943.

His brother, a fellow prisoner, was killed in an allied air raid not long before the enemy surrendered.