Corporal John Smeeth

John Smeeth's POW ID tag is to the left. The key was for his clothes hanger lock. 169 was his coalmine pit number. The A-12 tag was his miners lamp tag. To the right is a can opener, reportedly an efficient and very useful tool. Copyright: Nigel Smeeth.

A bar of very hard, unscented soap, about the size of a matchbox, which was handed out every week. Copyright: Nigel Smeeth.

Shoe polish. Copyright: Nigel Smeeth.

Razor blades, wrapped in thin, oiled tissue paper. Copyright: Nigel Smeeth.

Safety matches. The "pst!" is a warning to be careful what you say; spies may be listening. Copyright: Nigel Smeeth.