Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph - 26 April 1916

Prediction of a Raunds Man Now in Tasmania 

The “North Eastern Advertiser”, of Tasmania, recently reproduced a remarkable war prophecy written as long ago as 1910 by Mr Charles Lucas, of Derby, Tasmania, formerly of Raunds, and brother of Mrs E J Whitney, of Raunds. The article was originally published in the “Launceston Daily Telegraph” (Tasmania) and also in a Northamptonshire (England) paper, early in the year mentioned (1910).

Charles Lucas - born in Raunds in 1856

Under the heading “Will the British Empire stand?” the writer says: “One of the greatest dangers is the position of Germany and Austria. These two nations practically dominate Europe today, and it is well known that when they make the next move in the game of chess which is going on something big will happen. . . . .The Emperor of Germany is a professor of peace, but during the past few years Germany has been inclined to draw the sword against France on two occasions, and would probably have done so but for the position Great Britain took up. . . . . What will the next move be?

Well, Germany is getting her Navy up to the highest pitch possible with feverish haste, and as soon as it has reached the strength required a move will be made for the absorption of Holland and Belgium, which she so badly needs for the purpose of her Navy, and which will give her more seaboard and harbours.

Then will come the Great Armageddon of which we have heard so much, and the whole of Europe will be in arms. Great Britain must take her stand to preserve the balance of power in Europe, and will be joined by Russia and France, and probably other smaller Powers; and the safety of the Empire will then depend on the efficiency of the Navy. If that fails, the Empire will fall to pieces at one stroke; for it is well known that if Britain loses the command of the sea she could not hold out three months after her supplies of food had been cut off.

If this did happen the British Empire would at once be Germanised. . . . . If our Empire’s Navy comes out on top we are all right, and the Empire will be safe; but if not the Germans will rule Europe, if not practically the larger portion of the world. If Germany fails in the attempt it only means losing her Navy , as with the enormous forces of the finest trained soldiers in the world, backed up with those of Austria, it is quite improbable that they would not more than hold their own against the combined forces that could be sent against her on land.

The outlook ahead is not a very pleasant one, and the Empire will do well to prepare itself in readiness, for it is almost certain the greatest war the world has ever seen is likely to take place during the next few years.”