GRACE DARLING, IN MEMORIAM

SIR, - as you have at all times allowed me the use of your influential paper to advocate the cause of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, I venture to trespass on your kindness with a view to touching on a kindred topic, in which I feel assured many of your readers will take an interest, viz., the presence in Barrow of one of the survivors of the ill-fated steamer Forfarshire, with which the name of that splendid type of heroic girlhood, Grace Darling, must for ever be associated. Doctor Fell having kindly informed me that James Gall, one of the survivors of the Forfarshire, was living with his son at 6D Egerton Buildings, I paid the old man and his wife a visit yesterday, and was rewarded by hearing a touching and graphic description from an eye-witness of the disastrous wreck. The old man, who is 84 years of age, and has seen much to interest one during his last 50 years service at sea, principally as an engineer, was a fireman on board the Forfarshire when she was wrecked, and has a clear recollection of each thrilling incident in the sad disaster. Being in full possession of all his faculties, and evidently gifted with a good memory, he treated me to a most interesting narrative, while his wife, who is 82 years of age, and an exceptionally fine looking old lady, looked approvingly on. Our “crack” seemed as pleasant to the old man as it was to me, and we parted with mutual  expressions of goodwill, he stipulating that I should renew my visit, which I certainly intend to do, and if this little sketch should induce others to pay the old couple a friendly visit they will be well awarded (sic), and I will feel that I have not written these few lines in vain. - I am, yours faithfully, EDWD. P. STOKES.  Hon. Secretary Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

GRACE DARLING

DEATH OF A SURVIVOR OF THE FORFARSHIRE

In September last Captain Stokes drew attention in our columns to the fact that there was residing in the Egerton Buildings, Barrow, an old man, 84 years of age, named James Gall, who was a fireman of the ill-fated steamer Forfarshire when she was wrecked on the Farne Islands 50 years ago. Gall had the good fortune to be rescued through the heroism of Grace Darling, but had three ribs broken, and had to stay at the lighthouse where his injuries were tenderly ministered by Grace Darling and her father, and of whose kindness Gall always spoke in the most grateful terms. We are sorry to announce that Gall died on Monday last, at the ripe old age of 84. He was said to be the last survivor of the Forfarshire.

THE GRACE DARLING MEMORIAL

… It appears that Capt. Stokes takes exception to the use by us of the title “Grace Darling Memorial”, which he says is misleading to the public, thereby implying that it is not our intention to memorialise Grace Darling. He also charges the committee with the intention of appropriating what he regards as a public fund to a private purpose. Now, with reference to the charge of misleading the public, I would respectfully submit that the stone we intend to erect will be to all intents and purposes a memorial to Grace Darling in connection with the death of James Gall, … who was until lately supposed to be the last survivor (of the “Forfarshire”), the only issue between the committee and Capt. Stokes being the site where it should be erected. We say on the grave of Mr. Gall, as originally intended, he contending that it ought to be placed in the ornamental grounds of the Cemetery.

 …. I can say without fear of contradiction, that not one member of the committee, with the exception of Capt. Stokes, ever thought of the stone being placed anywhere else but on the grave of James Gall. ….

This photo of an impressive painting of James Gall was sent to me by M. Bartlett after a talk to the Walney Guild in 2016. Mr. Gall was her friend’s great grandfather.

ERECTED
BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION IN MEMORY OF
JAMES GALL
ONE OF THE CREW OF THE “FORFARSHIRE”
[DIED DEC. 25TH 1888]
AND TO COMMEMORATE THE HEROISM OF GRACE DARLING
IN RESCUING 9 MEN FROM THE WRECK OF THAT UNFORTUNATE VESSEL A.D. 1838

"LAUNCH AT BARROW - On Saturday morning another successful launch took place at Messrs. Ashburner's Shipbuilding Yard, Hindpool, Barrow. This new addition to the shipping of the port is a three-masted schooner, of 175 tons register, classed A 1 at Lloyd's for 12 years. Her length, over all, is 103 ft. 5 in., breadth 23 ft. 5 in., and depth 12 ft. 3 in. The vessel left the stocks at twenty minutes past ten o'clock, and as she commenced to move, Miss Ellen Latham gracefully christened her the Mary Bell (after the wife of Mr. Robert Bell, of Islay, Scotland). The vessel glided along the ways and into the water without the slightest hitch, and without inconveniencing those on board by shipping a single drop of water. Capt. John Latham, late of the James and Agnes, will command the Mary Bell, which will be engaged in the coasting trade, and her owners (Messrs. Ashburner) inform us that she will go into the Devonshire Dock early this week. A dinner was subsequently provided at the Bowling Green Hotel, Greengate, a substantial repast being most creditably served up by the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Moreton. Mr. Thomas Ashburner filled the chair, and Mr. William Ashburner, jun., the vice-chair. "The Queen and Royal Family ", given from the chair, having been duly honoured, Mr. Oliver (of the Furness Shipbuilding Yard) briefly proposed the "Health of Mr. William Ashburner, sen." - The Vice-Chairman (in the absence of his father) responded. The Mary Bell, he remarked, was the 32nd vessel which had been launched from their shipyard, and he believed 31 of those vessels were still afloat. (Applause). The mind of the British public had been considerably agitated lately by that appalling disaster, the loss of the Atlantic on the American coast, and that circumstance had tended very considerably to enhance the interest so keenly felt in the motion which Mr. Plimsoll had brought before the House of Commons, asking for an enquiry into the capacity of vessels and the way in which they are found. Indeed, so greatly had the mind of the public been agitated by the loss of the Atlantic, that Mr. Plimsoll found himself supported on all sides. He (the speaker) believed the Commission which had been appointed was quite necessary, and would probably result in a great amount of good, not only in protecting the seafaring population, but in also securing the safety of passengers. He believed that, so far as the vessels belonging to the Port of Barrow were concerned, on the whole, they were very efficiently found, and commanded by very efficient captains. He did not think there was a captain sailing out of Barrow in whom any owner could have greater confidence in than the commander of the Mary Bell, Captain Latham. (Applause). While he had no desire to say anything against iron vessels, he could not help saying that if the Atlantic had been built of wood instead of iron, he did not think there would have been so many lives lost as had been the case. In seeking to increase the maritime commerce of England, he believed the object was, more and more, to build vessels of such a capacity that, to a certain extent, life was sacrificed thereby. It was the opinion of many persons that, had the Atlantic been a much smaller vessel, she would not have been broken up so soon as she was; and he hoped the result of Mr. Plimsoll's exertions would be to restore people to that amount of confidence that when they were desirous of taking a trip across the Atlantic, they would feel that they could do so with the same degree of safety that they did when taking a trip on the railway. Indeed, so successful had been some of the steamship lines, that the public had almost begun to look upon the great ocean steamers as capable of accomplishing their voyages with as great accuracy, and with far less danger to life, than the locomotives on our railways. The Vice-Chairman concluded by thanking the company for the cordial manner in which they had drunk his father's health. - The Chairman next gave the "Health of Mr. Myles", to which that gentleman humorously responded, and concluded by proposing "Success to the Mary Bell " - Mr. Richard Ashburner, in giving the "Health of Captain Latham", remarking that the Mary Bell would be the fourth vessel built by the Messrs. Ashburner which Mr. Latham had commanded. (Applause). - The Vice-Chairman next proposed "Success to the Town and Trade of Barrow". He could remember very distinctly the time when he had stood on the ground upon which the house in which they were then assembled was built, and when it was considered that that spot was pretty well out in the country. The magnificent docks at Barrow had assisted very materially in enhancing the prosperity of the town, and in bringing the port prominently before the country; and when those who were now building were opened they might expect to be brought into still closer attention without all parts of the world. (Applause). He was quite sure that the gentlemen at the head of affairs in Barrow were not disposed to go backwards, and, not withstanding the assertion of her enemies that "Barrow is sure to go down", he was quite of opinion that in a very few years under the fostering care of such gentlemen as the Dukes of Devonshire and Buccleuch, Lord Frederick Cavendish, Sir James Ramsden, and Mr. J.T. Smith, the town would assume very gigantic proportions, and although it might not rival Liverpool - as some persons zealously imagined - it would become a very considerable port amongst the many for which this country was famous. (Applause). The toast was coupled with the name of Mr. Sutcliffe (of the Furness Shipbuilding Company), who suitably responded, and concluded by giving " The Health of the Chairman ". - Mr. Ashburner, in responding, alluded to the good feeling which existed between those connected with the various shipbuilding works in Barrow, and, in conclusion, proposed the "Health of Mr. Oliver", who briefly replied. - Mr. Richard Ashburner then gave the "Health of Mr. Hurford", who provided the Mary Bell with her sails. - Mr. Hurford, in response, remarked that he had fitted out seven vessels for the Messrs. Ashburner, and the Mary Bell had the best suit of sails of any of their vessels. (Applause). - The Chairman proposed "The Press", which was responded to by Mr. Berkeley, of the Times. - Mr. Myles, in giving the "Health of the Vice-chairman", said it was his opinion that Barrow was destined to become a place of very great importance, and that too at no very distant day. (Applause). - Mr. Oliver proposed the "Health of Mr. Richard Ashburner" and that gentleman having responded, the proceedings terminated. Mr. Cochrane, of the Iron Ship Works, was present, but was obliged to leave during the early part of the afternoon.

DEATH OF MR. J. THOMPSON

PASSES AWAY IN LONDON AFTER SERIOUS OPERATION

The death is announced of Mr. James Thompson, brother of Colonel R. Thompson.  He passed away in London on Tuesday night, following an operation.  Col. Thompson had been on a visit to his brother this week, having been informed that he was to undergo a serious operation.  That seemed to be successful, and the colonel returned to Kent’s Bank on Tuesday night.  On arrival home, however, he received a message to say that his brother had passed away, and Colonel Thompson returned to London on Wednesday.

                The deceased was a director of the firm of Messrs James Thompson, Ltd., wine and spirit merchants, Barrow, and also of Messrs C. Hammerton and Co., Ltd., brewers, London.  He leaves a widow and two children.

                In consequence of his bereavement Col. Thompson was not able to perform the function of opening the new Drill Hall at Barrow on Thursday evening.

DEATH OF MR. WM. THOMPSON

DIRECTOR OF WELL-KNOWN BARROW FIRM

His many friends in Barrow will regret to learn of the death of Mr. William Thompson, director of the firm of Messrs. James Thompson and Co., Ltd., wine and spirit merchants, Barrow, which occurred on Friday night at Blackpool, where he had been residing for several months with his wife and family.  He leaves a widow, two sons and one daughter.

                The deceased was living in retirement in Cardiff prior to the war, and during the absence of Col. R. Thompson on active service he came here to act on his behalf, and resided at Victoria Park Hotel during that period.  Some years ago he returned to Cardiff.  He had been in failing health for some considerable time, and his illness took a serious turn a few weeks ago.

                He is the second director of the company who has passed away within the last few months, his brother, James, having died in London about the end of last year.

THE LATE MR. JAMES FISHER J. P.

FUNERAL AT BARROW

One of Barrow’s oldest and most prominent citizens was laid to rest in the Borough Cemetery on Friday afternoon, when the remains of the late Mr. James Fisher, J. P. of “Drumard”, were interred in the presence of a large assembly of mourners. The deceased gentleman was held in highest esteem and affectionate regard by all who knew him well, whilst his true gentlemanly characteristics were manifested in many ways during his long public life in Barrow. The beautiful wreaths, of which there were a large number, also testified to the widespread grief and sympathy which his demise has created. The Mayor and Corporation attended, the deceased gentleman having sat on the Council for number of years, while he also occupied the position of Mayor in 1902-03., so that the attendance of the civic authority in a corporate capacity was a fitting tribute to the memory of one who was in every sense a public-spirited gentleman, and one who served his town faithfully and well.

The coffin was borne from the residence of the deceased to the hearse by members of the staff of Messrs. James Fisher and Sons, the coffin, hearse, and several coaches being covered with choice flowers, shaped into solemn emblems. The Mayor and Corporation and other mourners preceded the hearse to St. Paul’s Church, where the cortege was met by the Rev. W Berry (the vicar) and the Revs. J. C. Montgomery (brother-in-law of the deceased) and C. E. Curson, also a relative. These gentlemen conducted the service in the church, where a number of other sorrowing friends had assembled, deceased having been churchwarden for a good many years.

The chief mourners were: Mrs. Fisher (widow), Misses Isabella and Alice Fisher (daughters), Lieut. James Fisher (son), Dr. and Mrs. Stokes (son-in-law and daughter), Commander and Mrs. Turner (son-in-law and daughter), Mr. R. B. D. Bradshaw (brother-in-law) and Miss Bradshaw, Rev. J. Montgomery and Mrs. Montgomery (sister and brother-in-law), Rev. C. E. Curson (cousin), Miss Clapham (cousin) and Mr. J. E. Fisher (cousin).

Amongst the general mourners present were: The Mayor (Ald. A. Barrow), who wore his robes and was attended by Mr. S. Hooper (the mace bearer), Mr. L. Hewlett (the Town Clerk), Mr. W. W. Waite (the Borough Treasurer), Aldermen Smith, Heath, Hardy, Tootill, Councillors Mawson, Barrow, Palmen, Fairbairn, A. Brown, Johnstone, Pearson, Barben and Archer.

The shipping firm of which the deceased was the head was represented by the following members of the staff: - Messrs. G. A. W. Wilkinson, G. Lucas, W. Forrester, and W. Taylor.
The magistrates present were Messrs. Coulton Hunter, S. Taylor, J. Clarkson, R. Crossfield, and S. E. Major (the Magistrates Clerk)

Others in the cortege were Messrs. A. A. Haynes, H. O. Curson, H. Rutherford, Commander Bissett, Captain Thomas, J. Telford, G. Linton, and T. Jackson (representing the Furness Railway Company), Colonel R. Thompson; Messrs. H. L. Perry, T. Ashburner, H. R. Burnett, T. Burnett, T. Steel, J. Hill, J. Dixon, A. J. While, P. H. Fisher, J. P. Boulton, T. Wilson, Dr. Sinclair, Colonel Williams, Rev. H. Wilson, H. G. Pearson, G. H. Huthwaite, A. E. Butchart, J. Wynn, W. Dawson, O. Huartson, A. H. Strongitharm, W. Butler, F. Fisher, and W. Atkinson. The Barrow Shipping and General Stores Co. Ltd., were represented by its directors, Messrs H. G. Pearson, J. M. Mawson, and H. B. D. Bradshaw.

After the service the mournful procession proceeded to the cemetery, where the usual sad rites were performed.

(There followed a detailed list of wreaths and donors)

The North Western Daily Mail, Friday December 3rd 1915

The report earlier of brother John’s death was similarly fulsome:

DEATH OF ALDERMAN FISHER

The announcement of the death of Alderman Fisher at noon on Sunday came as a great shock to the people of Barrow and surrounding the district. It appears that he was seized with chill ... (original illegible)....when his case was judged somewhat serious, pneumonia having ... (original illegible).... but death was ultimately due to ..... exhaustion, owing to sleeplessness. He died at his residence, Fairfield. He was 51 years of age, and it is a coincidence that his father died at exactly the same age. He was the senior partner of the firm James Fisher and Sons, shipping agents, Barrow, and was also senior partner of the firm of John Fisher and Co., miners, of County Antrim. He was thoroughly well known in the commercial and shipping world, and was universally respected. His local firm, established by his father the late M. James Fisher, are the managing owners of between 30 and 40 vessels, and do a very large shipping business with other vessels throughout the world. He was Lloyd’s Agent at Barrow and Mexican Vice-Consul. In 1882 he was elected without opposition to the Barrow County Council as a representative of Newbarns Ward, and retained his seat without a contest until he was created an alderman in November, 1898. He was Mayor of Barrow for three years, from November, 1894 to November, 1897, and we all know how thoroughly well he discharged the duties of his high office, how generously he spent his money in the various civic responsibilities that fell to his lot, and how popular he was with the people, a popularity he retained to his death. He took a very active part up to the time of his death in municipal work, and his vote and his influence were always given with honesty and breadth of purpose, and a desire to promote the well-being and progress of the borough. He was vice-chairman of the Finance Committee and took a great interest in the work of the Watch Committee. He was a member of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce, and was of much service to that body. The late Mr. Fisher was the only Mayor of Barrow who was a native of the borough, and he did the honours of his office greatly to the credit of the place that gave him his birth. Naturally he was associated with Barrow throughout practically the whole of his life, and his firm throughout the career of the town has bee and is still one of the mainstays of the place. He always displayed great interest in sport and athletics, was a keen angler, and was fond of shooting. He was a bachelor, but always evinced a keen delight when in the presence of children, and was much beloved, indeed, by all who knew him. Possessing great urbanity of character and a very kindly and courteous disposition he was a man who was highly respected by everybody, and by those who knew him most intimately especially. The funeral is fixed to take place tomorrow at the Barrow Cemetery, the cortege leaving Fairfield at a quarter to three o’clock in the afternoon. There will be a short service at St. Paul’s, to be concluded at the graveside. The members of the Corporation, the School Board, the Board of Guardians, and other public bodies will be present, as well as tradesmen, friends, and others. Mr. James Barrow has charge of the funeral arrangements. Flags are fling half-mast high at the Town Hall, and on many public and private buildings, and on the shipping in the docks.

The North Western Daily Mail, Monday June 18, 1900

AN UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT

An unfortunate mishap occurred as the coaches were returning from the cemetery. The two horses attached to the vehicle containing Messrs. MacIlwaine, Wm. Postlethwaite, T. Fisher, and T. Cox bolted while in the cemetery grounds. The driver successfully steered them through the gates, but at the bottom of Highfield-road the animals dashed in to wall of the house of the Rev. W. Walker, knocking over a good portion of it. The animals sustained some nasty injuries, but luckily the occupants of the carriage and the driver escaped unhurt.

Barrow Herald June 23 1900

BARROW OFFICER’S DEATH

CAPT. FISHER SUCCUMBS TO PNEUMONIA

The death is announced of Captain Jas. Fisher, third son of the late Mr. James Fisher, of “Drumard,” Abbey-road, Barrow, which occurred yesterday afternoon, after only ten days illness, at his residence, 18, Walmer-road, Waterloo, Liverpool. Death was due to pneumonia, following influenza. The deceased was only 24 years of age. Prior to the war he was serving his apprenticeship as an engineer at Vickers. On the outbreak of hostilities he immediately joined his battalion, the 4th King’s Own, with whom he went to France. He was invalided home suffering from shell shock, and, being unfit for foreign service, he was subsequently attached to the 5th South Lancashires, and served under Colonel Keane in this battalion, which had to do with the loading and unloading of ships at Liverpool.

Captain Fisher was a partner in the well-known shipping firm of Messrs. James Fisher and Sons, although he took no active part in the business. He was a popular officer, and every sympathy will go out to his young widow, to whom he was only married last August, and to his relatives.

The funeral service will take place at St. Paul’s, Barrow, on Thursday, at noon, after which the body will be interred in the family grave at the borough cemetery.

North Western Daily Mail, Monday February 24 1919

BARROW SOLDIER KILLED 

KNOCKED DOWN BY EXPRESS

A verdict of ‘Misadventure’ was returned at the inquest conducted by Mr. Samuel Brighouse at Formby, on Monday, touching on the death of Corporal Gilbert Fell (25) of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.

eceased, whose home was at 51, West View-road, Barrow, was knocked down by the 10.20p.m. train from Southport to Liverpool, on the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, last Thursday night, between the Formby Power House and Altcar Station. From the evidence it appeared that Corpl. Fell, who was attending a course on instruction at a School of Musketry, was returning to camp after a visit to the Wesleyan Club for soldiers at Formby, when, by a crossing, he was caught by the train, travelling at 45 miles an hour, receiving injuries to the head from which he succumbed immediately.

Another non-commissioned officer, who had been accompanying him, escaped, having become separated by a few yards from his companion. A heavy gale was blowing at the time, and the Coroner remarked that probably the general unfavourable weather conditions confused the soldiers as to their precise position, being strangers to the district, and that the heavy wind rendered hearing difficult.

The deceased father, who described himself as an electrician connected with the Furness Railway, living at West View-road, was invited by the Coroner to take a seat near him for the convenience of asking questions.

Coroner : You don’t see anything in the evidence for which to blame anybody?

Mr. Fell : No, sir. I am quite satisfied. The jury returned a verdict as stated.

Barrow News, Saturday March 9, 1918

Bardsea Road Accident

Inquest resumed on Brothers Finch. Thomas Booth charged with manslaughter.

Before Coroner F. W. Poole and a jury, of which Mr. Albert Barnes was the foreman, the adjourned inquest was held this morning at Ulverston Police Court, concerning the deaths of the brothers, James Finch (28), married, of 14 The Strand, Barrow, and John Thos. Finch (25) single, of 32, McClintock-street, Barrow, who, along with two other brothers, Tom Booth, (21), of Pretty Wood, Heap Bridge, near Bury, and Wm. Booth, of Canal Foot, Ulverston, were involved in a motor-cycling collision on the Bardsea-road, near Ulverston, on Sunday the 12th inst. James Finch succumbed to his injuries at the Ulverston Cottage Hospital on the 14th inst, and John Thos Finch died at the same institution on the 17th inst.

Mr. Frank Jackson appeared for Thos. Booth, and Supt. Crapper was also in attendance.
..................
Miss Cornforth, assistant matron of the Ulverston Cottage Hospital, said about 7.10pm on the 12th inst., she was present when Jas. Finch and John Thos. Finch were admitted. The latter was suffering from a fractured right leg and right arm, and Jas. Finch from a very badly fractured right leg. Both these men were operated upon immediately by Dr. Howman, and were left in his charge, and being serious cases, were afforded special attention.

EXCESSIVE SPEED

William Sawrey, a leather worker, 45, Soutergate, Ulverston said that about 6.30pm on Sunday 12th August, he was walking in the direction of Bardsea, on the right hand side of the road. When passing the cemetery gates a motor-cycle travelling in the direction of Bardsea passed him at an excessive speed. He could not estimate the speed, but would say about 40 miles an hour. On this machine were two male persons, and as they flashed past him, he noticed that they were about two yards from the offside kerb, their wrong side of the road. The road in front was clear. He watched them travel on the wrong side of the road for a distance of about 100 yards, and as they were taking the bend beyond the cemetery the machine was still on the wrong side. The took the bend on the wrong side, and at a very high speed, and passed out of his sight. Almost immediately he heard a crash, and a cry of ‘Oh’, followed by loud moaning. Witness left his wife and ran to the bend in the road where he found two men lying on the cemetery side of the road close to the gutter. A motor-cycle was lying beside them. Further on he noticed the motor-cycle he believed had passed him, also lying on the cemetery side of the road within a few yards of the kerb and the two riders lying near the footpath close to the machine. There was a space of 30 or 40 feet between the two groups .... In his opinion the accident was due to the motor-cycle which passed him being driven on the wrong side of the road.

This amounts to half the column inches from August 24th. Wm. Booth suffered from ‘severe concussion of the brain’, and remained unconscious for about a week, but was by now getting better.

The North Western Daily Mail, 24 August 1928

On Thursday August 30th committal proceedings took place at Ulverston Police Court, and the NWDM again reported at length. Various witnesses reported information consistent with Mr Sawrey’s account.

P.C. Worth .... saw Thomas Booth at the hospital. Booth said, ‘About 6.30pm on the 12th, I was driving my motor- cycle along Bardsea Road in the direction of Bardsea, with my brother William riding pillion, on my own side of the road, at a moderate speed. When nearing the Toll Bar, I noticed another motor-cyclist, with pillion rider, coming in the opposite direction, on their own side of the road, at a moderate speed. On nearing this motor-cycle my back wheel skidded, and I was unable to avoid colliding with the other motorcycle.
...........
Thos. Booth pleaded ‘Not Guilty’, and was committed to trial at the next Assizes at Lancaster, bail being allowed in accused’s surety of £50 and another surety of £50.

The North Western Daily Mail, 30 August 1928

The trial took place on Friday October 26th in Lancaster, and the NWDM reported more succinctly on the Saturday:

THE COAST ROAD SMASH: MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE AT THE ASSIZES

Thomas Booth, dyer, of Bury, was sent to 12 months’ imprisonment at Lancaster Assizes on Friday, for the manslaughter of James Finch, aged 28, and John Thomas Finch, aged 25, two Barrow brothers, who were on a motorcycle with which Booth, driving a motor-cycle with his brother on the pillion, collided on August 12th on the Bardsea new coastal road, Ulverston.

For the prosecution it was said that Booth rounded a corner at 40 miles an hour on the wrong side of the road and collided with the motor-cycle ridden by the Finch brothers, who were thrown violently against a wall. They were so terribly injured that they died within a few days.

Booth said that as he approached the corner he slowed down and sounded his horn. As he took the corner he suddenly saw the Finch brothers, but his machine skidded and he knew nothing more until he felt a bump. He denied that he was speeding. He did not apply his brakes he said, because he did not see the two men soon enough.

Mr. Justice Humphreys said that nothing could be more dangerous than dashing round the corner on the wrong side of the road, which was the beginning and end of a case of wicked negligence.

The North Western Daily Mail, 27 October 1928

For his gallant conduct in having, at the imminent risk of his own life, saved that of Private Westwood, of the same regiment. On the 22nd January, 1879, when the Camp at Isandhlwana was taken by the enemy, Private Wassall retreated towards the Buffalo River, in which he saw a comrade struggling, and apparently drowning. He rode to the bank, dismounted, leaving his horse on the Zulu side, rescued the man from the stream, and again mounted his horse, dragging Private Westwood across the river under a heavy shower of bullets.

The London Gazette: no. 24734. p. 3966. 17 June 1879

The Barrow News of 27 Jan 1912 reported:

CHINESE FUNERAL – On Saturday (Jan 20th), the body of a Chinese stoker, named Chang Ho Tong, of the cruiser Hai Chi, was interred at the Barrow Cemetery with full burial rites of the Church of England. The deceased, who was 57 years of age, expired on the 19th inst., and the same day the body was removed to the mortuary, from where the funeral cortege left shortly after 2.30. On the top of the coffin, which was enveloped in the Chinese ensign, were a couple of wreaths, and the open hearse in which it was placed was immediately followed by a cordan (sic) of about 20 members of the crew, and the rear was brought up by two mourning coaches containing the following officers from the Hai Chi:- Engineering Lieut. Commander Chang, Lieut Wong, Lieut. Engineers Liu and Lin, Flag Lieut. Tchin and Sub-Lieut Hau. An interested concourse of people assembled in the vicinity of the mortuary, and likewise at the graveside, where the committal ceremony was witnessed by a number of spectators. The burial service was taken by the Rev J.W. Adams, of St James’s Church, and Messrs Henry Swarbrick and Sons carried out the funeral arrangements. [Italics inserted]

The Barrow News, 27 January 1912

It is not known whether Mr A-dong was an Anglican, but Christian missionaries were very active in China until the 1920s. In spite of the Anglican references above, he was buried in the non-Conformist section of the cemetery.

NEW CHINESE CRUISER – The Chinese cruiser, under construction at the Naval Construction Works, Barrow, leaves today for the Clyde, where she will undergo her steaming and gun trials. Part of her crew was brought from China on board the cruiser Hai Chi, which is at present birthed in Ramsden Dock, Barrow, and will remain there until the new vessel is ready to proceed to her Eastern home.

The Barrow Herald, 2 December 1911

On 9 December the Herald reported that ‘In every respect the results were completely satisfactory.’

MESSRS. FAIRBAIRN & CO., Rawlinson-street, have been instructed to make and erect in Barrow Cemetery a memorial to the member of the crew of a Chinese cruiser Hai Chi, who died a short time ago. The memorial is of fine Sicilian white marble, and can now be seen in their showroom. The engraving is in Chinese characters.