11 NOVEMBER 1916, Page 3

Worse followed. Workmen found in the streets were rounded up

and driven to a certain spot. There they were sorted, and the stronger ones were sent to prepare a military position in another part of Belgium. They refused at first to do this military work for their enemies, but two or three days of starvation compelled them to submit. Others were forced to work at an aerodrome. Others again were compelled to sign a form of agreement to work in Ger- many at threepence a day. But even those who refused to sign were taken off to Germany. As the "slave trains" passed the captives were heard singing the " Brabaneenne " and the "Lion of Flanders." It is believed that fifteen thousand men have been kidnapped in such ways.