In Loving Memory of
SIDNEY CHRISTIAN AIREY
ACCIDENTALLY DROWNED
30TH JUNE 1923
AGED 16 YEARS.

BOY DROWNED

14-Year-Old Companion’s Unavailing Pluck

Yesterday afternoon (i.e. the 29th, whatever the gravestone says! RMW) Sidney Airey (14), of Dalton Gate, Ulverston, was drowned in the Ulverston Canal, and Eric Ireland (14) almost lost his life in trying to rescue him.

Airey could not swim, and was being washed away when Ireland, who also was unable to swim, went after him, got hold of him, but lost him again.

Some men from Ulverston Ironworks entered the water and Ireland was brought out and restored by artificial respiration. Airey’s body was recovered afterwards.

LATE SYDNEY AIREY. – The funeral of the late Sydney Christian Airey (16), of Daltongate, who was drowned in the Canal on Friday, took place on Tuesday, amid many manifestations of sympathy. In addition to the parents and family, a very large number of neighbours and friends attended, many carrying floral tributes. The coffin, borne on the wheeled bier and covered with wreaths, was preceded by a number of boys, who are members of a club known as Mrs. Kennedy’s “Tigers”, of which deceased was a member. Besides sending a letter of condolence, Mrs. Kennedy spent Sunday morning in the room where the dead boy lay decorating his coffin with choice flowers. She also sent a laurel wreath and supplied handsome floral tokens for the parents and the deceased’s twin sister, Madge. The service was conducted by the Rev. H. S. Betts, M.A., vicar of Holy Trinity, who spoke words of sympathy and of tribute to the character of the boy, whom he knew well as a member of his Sunday school. Amongst those present were Mr. H. F. Birkett and members of his staff, the business establishment in County-square, where the boy worked, being closed and the blinds drawn down whilst the funeral was in progress. There were wreaths from the Parents; Madge; his Brothers Jim, John and Stanley; Clarence and Wife (brother and sister-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. Wtson (sic- probably Watson) (brother-in-law and sister); Mr. and Mrs. C. Airey; Mr. and Mrs. J. Thexton; Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Thexton; Mr. and Mrs. Brown; Mr. and Mrs. Park (uncles and aunts); Aunt and Uncle at Arnside; Mrs. Kennedy (at tribute of respect and honour); Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Birkett (a tribute to a faithful boy); the staff at County-square; the Errand Boys and Shop Assistants; Miss Thomson, Miss Hartley, Mr. Croasdale and family.