Behind The Wire

by Keith Flynn OBE

'A must read'

'It is surprising that Masonic activity in prison camps should be almost as old as Freemasonry itself, but what is not so surprising is that it should have happened at all, in that its binding and secretive nature lent itself immediately to the conduct of clandestine activity.

It also provided a ready-made set of spiritual values in which a man could vest his belief and therefore contributed much to the need to combat despair and loss of hope that constantly beset the prisoner.'

So begins a fascinating account of Masonic activity by prisoners of war written by Keith Flynn OBE. It begins in the middle of the eighteenth century and continues the story through to the end of the Second World War.

Here are some comments made about the book:

'In his book 'Behind the Wire', Keith Flynn has not limited himself to two world wars but covers POW activities from the 18th century onwards. But it is the activities during World War II, particularly in the Far East, that will attract and astound the reader. Despite the hellish conditions, brethren put themselves in extreme danger by continuing to meet as Freemasons. Discovery could have meant summary execution but even that threat did not prevent them from preserving the traditions they believed in.

I believe this book deserves the widest circulation. It is not long and is eminently readable. If the present detractors of Freemasonry were to read this book, it would explain to them what Freemasonry can mean to its members and how wrong those detractors are in their perceptions.' 
John Hamill. Director of Communications, 
United Grand Lodge of England.

'I received the books and gave three to Brothers who also were veterans. All having read them were very much impressed with the book. It was well done, I am proud to have a copy of it.'
Brother Allwardt, Dallas, Texas, USA.

'I have just read a book called 'Behind the Wire'. If you're a Mason you should read this book. If you have military duty under your belt and a Mason you MUST read this book. It tells many stories of POW Brethren and their meetings. It starts out in 1758 in France, touches upon the War between the States (US) and goes on to cover WW1 and WW2.'
Harry A Bruno, P.M. Cochran Lodge 217, Georgia USA .

'The attitude of the Japanese authorities towards Freemasonry is described in the book as ambivalent and unpredictable, Masonic activity being treated with 'blind eye' tolerance at times and with repression and severe punishment at others.

The theme running through the book is the strength that Freemasonry gave to men to retain some of the essential purpose and dignity that was so necessary to survive what was so often a dreadful experience.
'The 'Devonshire Mason.'

'I found 'Behind the Wire' fascinating and read it through in an evening. Many congratulations on such a fine piece of work. I guess most of our members are like me, who have never had any serious obstacles placed before them in relation to Masonic activity. This book comes as quite a shock therefore to those of my generation who rarely face situations worse than the lodge room being too hot, or the soup being too cold. A real lesson on the five points of fellowship and the duties we owe to each other.'
Andrew Painter PM The Lodge of Welcome No. 5664.

'Through his study of the activities of Freemasons who have been POWs and in writing his book, 'Behind the Wire', Brother Keith Flynn has afforded those who read it an insight into the deep emotional appeal of Freemasonry to its members and the hope and strength it inspired in them. Equally, it highlights the dedication, ingenuity and initiative shown by many in practising the teachings of the Craft under conditions of the most severe privation and even in moments of doubt. Brother Flynn also touches briefly on the accounts of some Brethren who were imprisoned as civilian internees during the Second World War.

As he conducts his reader through many prisoners' experiences in different wars, but more especially in World War II, and recalls some of the activities of this select group of Masons, the reader cannot but be moved and inspired by the revelations of the hope those Brethren derived from their association with the Craft. Brother Flynn encapsulates the crux of those many experiences in the closing chapter of the book when he writes:

'Down the years and across the world, Freemasons from many lands have met imprisonment with a determination to maintain their morale, their spirit and their will to survive, through the practice of profound beliefs buried deep in the heart of the Order.'

How fortunate that such a work is available to those who are keen on developing an understanding of this little known aspect of Masonic Life! To read this book and contemplate its contents is a richly rewarding experience.' 
Most Worshipful Major-General Frank E. Poke, A.O., O.St.J., E.D., PGM United Grand Lodge of Victoria, Australia.

W.Bro. Keith Flynn O.B.E., PJGD, is a Past Master of Dinas Llandaf Lodge No. 8512 and was the 1991 Prestonian Lecturer. He can be contacted by e-mail directly on keith@cmhco.talktalk.net

To obtain a copy of the book, please send a cheque for £7.50 payable to
"I. Simpson - BTW a/c" at:

Ian Simpson
54 Medway Crescent
Leigh on Sea
Essex
SS9 2UY

or email: ian.simpson@hewgoldwns.co.uk 

12,000+ copies have so far been sold and a third reprint is now on sale. The proceeds of all sales, after printing costs, are donated to:
 THE NEW MASONIC SAMARITAN FUND .

 

Right: 
Working Tools used by a Lodge of Instruction organised by British Prisoners of War in a German Oflag. The materials were obtained from the camp beds.

Below:
Apron made from a handkerchief by W.Bro. E.W. Manbey while on active service with the Natal Carbineers during the Boer War, shortly after the relief of Ladysmith. Blue pencil has been used to outline the border and rosettes, ink for the tassels.

Right:
These Jewels were made by W.Bro. J R Skipper while a Prisoner of War in Changi Jail, Singapore, of material salvaged from a bombed bus. They were used in the Prince of Wales Lodge No. 1555 which met clandestinely in the prison camp.

Left:
The Tracing Board used in a Lodge of Instruction at the Prisoner of War Camp, Brunswick

(The original is in the Canterbury Masonic Museum)

Below:
A symbolic plate made by a
French Prisoner of War - Circa 1800
(presented by Bro. P. F. Syrus)

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