South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 10 January 1942.

Wombwell Commando

Prisoner for Second Time

Mrs. Irene Stables (nee Foster) of 1, Ings Road Wombwell, received from the Red Cross Organisation on Wednesday, a letter stating that her husband, L/Cpl. Leslie Stables (25), is a prisoner of war.

On December 5th she was informed that he had been posted missing from November 24th.

Cpl. Stables had been serving in the Middle East with a brigade of Commandos. He had seen fighting in Syria, and last April took part in memorable raid on Bardla. His contingent were commended on the spirit they showed in a landing in Syria, a movement which it was stated largely contributed to the success of the whole operations.

Stables is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stables of 16, Station Road, Wombwell. His father served in the last war and returned to his own lines in France after being posted as missing. Before joining up in June, 1940, Stables was employed as a sorter at Wood’s Glass Works, Wombwell.

L/Cpl. Stables was taken prisoner in Syria, but was released two hours later when British forces captured the Vichy garrison.