Sailors were sold a deadly ‘dummy’ as flu swept area
HERE in this regular feature we take a look back at items in the Rochdale Observer from 100 years ago
●●THE NEW RATION BOOKS
In the course of a week or so, residents in Rochdale should be in possession of the new ration books.
The speed with which the books are being written for delivery this week is due chiefly to the very welcome assistance of the school teachers, who have made splendid a response to the appeal.
●●A GERMAN TRICK AT SEA
The St Andrew’s, Dearnley, Parish Magazine for July contains the following: “Eric Walton of Dearnley (at sea) has been passing through a thrilling experience as his ship was attacked we are glad to say in vain - by seaplanes.
“He tells of an abominable German trick upon another vessel.
“A number of men being seen in an open boat, the English ship made towards them to pick them up.
“Too late, the English discovered that the ‘men’ in this boat were dummies, and a submarine immediately rose and torpedoed the British vessel.
“It is sometimes said that ‘all is fair in war’ but the sailors of all nations a thousand years ago would have been ashamed to use the chivalry of the sea as a trap for an enemy.”
●●MILNROW
The influenza epidemic has had many victims in the Milnrow district this week. Yesterday, 160 operatives were absent from one mill, and at another, half the winders were away through illness.
At some places, work is being stopped from Friday night until Monday in order that the premises may be disinfected.
●●WAR CASUALTIES
Mrs Lewis, of 3 Green Lane, off Falinge Road, Rochdale, has received official news that her husband, Private W. Lewis, Lancashire Fusiliers, has died abroad from wounds.
He was 33 years of age, and had been at the front for two years.
Private Robert Schofield, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, son of Mr and Mrs Schofield, of 4 Bennett Street, Rochdale, was killed in action on June 4. He was 21 years of age.
●●A JULY ENGAGEMENT
A marriage has been arranged, and will take place in the autumn, between Captain Charles William Rawson Royds, R. N., younger son of the late Mr Ernest E. Molyneux Royds and Mrs Sebright, only daughter of the late Captain Rodney Blane, R. N. and Mrs Rodney Blane, of Montpelier Street.