Prisoners of war had often been poorly fed by their captors. However, in WW2 only seriously ill and disabled prisoners were exchanged [Source]. Forces War Records indicate that Leonard Mason was reported missing on 18 July 1941, following action on 28 April 1941. During World War II Conishead became the largest military hospital in the North West with a capacity of 400 patients. During the period of October 1940 - August 1945 8,000 in-patients received treatment in the Hospital [Source].