It was reported that a clergyman who was deputising for the vicar of Totland during World War I had been arrested for being a German spy on 7th May 1915.
The Rev I Siviter – a Reading curate – was arrested at gunpoint, blindfolded and then taken under armed escort to Fort Redoubt.
The Reverend recounted his story as follows:
“I was strolling over the downs at Freshwater and sat down for a rest at a spot which overlooked Redoubt Fort. I had a pair of binoculars with me, and for some time was engaged in looking through these in various directions, as a casual holidaymaker would.
“I left to return to my lodgings in Totland Bay, and when near Tennyson’s monument, I heard shouts. I saw three soldiers. As they drew near, I saw a sergeant with them, and then saw the other two were armed.
“The sergeant challenged me and asked what observations I was making. I replied that I was just making casual observations.
“But that did not seem to satisfy him, and he observed, ‘you are required at the fort’.
“I said, ‘Who authorises you?’
Article continues below this advertisement “He replied, ‘Ask no questions and fall in’, and under armed escort, I was marched back to the fort.
“Before entering, the sergeant said, ‘Now, Sir, I am going to blindfold you’, and immediately I was blindfolded, so that I should not make any further observations. I was taken before the officer in command.”
However, the commanding officer was not greatly concerned by the clergyman’s activities.
The Reverend’s story continues:
“The officer quickly recognised me and commenced to laugh. I told him that I was doing duty at Totland and had worked amongst the soldiers. He apologised for the inconvenience I had been put to, and I was given the opportunity of looking round the fort.
“When I got back to my lodgings, I wrote a letter to the authorities, stating that if binoculars were forbidden in the Isle of Wight, it was the bounden duty of the military authorities to signify the same for the benefit of visitors.”
The Revd Siviter received the following reply:
“I am very sorry that you should have been inconvenienced in the manner you were, but I feel sure that you will understand that in these times, it is better to have a little overdoing of suspicion and zeal than the reverse, and I dare say you know that the disguise of a clergyman is (owing to their high character) a particularly favourite one with German spies.”
Great story.