THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The following German official communique was issued yesterday – Western Theatre: “In Flanders the artillery again assumed great violence in the afternoon between Houtholst Wooe and Zanvoorde. In some sectors of the battlefields south-west of Cambrai there was intense firing duel throughout the day. British infantry, who had been drawn up ready under cover of darkness, attacked in the evening the village and wood of Bourlon. They were repulsed in heavy handto-hand fighting.”

50 years ago

Fire broke out in a hold of the 5,136-ton jute liner Chittagong City at King George Wharf, Dundee, yesterday. Four dockers were at work among 3,000 bales of jute in No 3 hold when the blaze began. It is believed to have been started by sparks from the ship’s funnel drifting into the hold. The men scrambled to safety when jute bales caught fire. Firemen who raced to the scene found the hold well alight, with smoke billowing from the vessel. Additional fire appliances were sent for.

25 years ago

A promising young Scottish footballer lies in hospital unaware that his career could be over. Darren Salton, who plays for Luton Town and has been a regular for the Scottish under-21 team this season, was left fighting for his life after a car crash late at night. Firstteam defender Salton, 20, was a passenger in a car being driven by fellow Scot midfielder Paul Telfer when it was involved in a collision near Clophill, Bedfordshire. He was said to be “critical but comfortable” in intensive care.

One year ago

Safety issues have been laid bare by senior figures following Perth and Kinross Council’s return to its headquarters. Despite reopening last month after a controversial £10m makeover, the building has been described as “unfinished”, with staff forced to work in freezing conditions. It is understood workers were rushed back in order to avoid further expenditure on alternative accommodation. The local authority believes the transition back into the headquarters has been “efficient”.