BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE
FOR THOSE WHO DIED IN THE SOLWAY WITHIN THE AREA OF ANNAN
compiled by Clive Bonner
edited for website by Robert Mitchell 2019
Profits from the sale of this book to Annan United Reformed Church and Annandale Churches Together for their work in the community of Annan.
© Clive Bonner 2009
ISBN 9781 899316540
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Explanation This work of Remembrance has grown from a suggestion, made by a person who lost his own father to the Solway, that the Annan fishermen who died while fishing in the Solway should have a memorial in Annan. He felt it fitting that the memorial should be in that building he knew as the 'fisherman's church', that is the Annan United Reformed Church, which was from the 1890's to 2000 the Congregational Church. With the backing of the congregation of the Annan United Reformed Church and the members of Annandale Churches Together I undertook to do the research required to bring the memorial into being. A small group of people drawn from all the interested denominations within Annan was formed and at its only meeting was tasked with providing the names of fishermen who fitted the criterion to be included on the memorial. The criterion was to limit the memorial to those who sailed from Annan or were resident in Annan at the time of their loss. Using this information, I researched in the local and national newspapers to find the reports telling the known facts, obtained from people present at the time of the tragedies. I have transcribed the reports from either the original newspapers or microfiche and have only added detail to correct factual inaccuracies using information from death certificates and family when supplied. Spellings have been modernised. It was during this year long task that I quickly became aware of just how many people, other than fishermen, had been drowned in our local stretch of the Solway Firth - which was used for leisure, work and as a direct route to England for many years prior to the erection of the railway viaduct. This Book is dedicated to all those people whose stories are recorded within it, in the hope that they will not be forgotten. The book is divided into four sections: 1. date order list of those fishermen who died while engaged in fishing. 2. date order list of those who died working, recreating or travelling. 3. date order list of Annan Mariners who died out with the Solway, included 'as is' as a matter of record only. 4. The newspaper reports from the time. Such a memorial will never be complete. I have made many public requests to the people of Annan and to those with fishing connections and I hope that the information they have furnished is as accurate and complete as possible. Some gave details which were so incomplete I have been unable to trace any records either in newspapers or official records and some offered no information at all. It is left to the reader to decide if the memorial is fifty years too late and who was or was not a fisherman. Clive Bonner September 2009
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"The sea gave up the dead which were in it." Horatia Bonar Deep down beneath the unresting surge There is a peaceful tomb Storm raves above, calm reigns below; Safe, safe from ocean's wreck and woe, Safe from its tide's unceasing flow, The weary find a home.
Calm shelter from time's vexing winds, Sure anchorage at last! The blinding sea-drift blinds not here, No breakers boom the sleeper's fear, No angry typhoon hovers near; Their latest storm is past.
Done now with peril and with toil, They sleep the blessed sleep; The last wild hurricane is o'er, All silent now life's thunder roar; All quiet now the wreck-strewn shore; Tis we, not they who weep.
Who dies in Christ the Lord dies well, Though on the lonely main; As soft the pillow of the deep, As tranquil the un-curtained sleep, As on the couch where fond ones weep - And they shall rise again.
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IN REMEMBRANCE
OF THOSE LOST WHILST ENGAGED IN FISHING
TRAWLING
THOMAS JOHNSTONE 15TH APRIL 1859 page 29 WILLIAM GARDINER 16TH FEBRUARY1860 page 30 JOSEPH HOUGHTON - 46 YRS SAMUEL HOUGHTON - 20 YRS 28TH MARCH 1874 page 38 THOMAS GRAHAM - 23 YRS JAMES BELL - 33 YRS 1ST MARCH 1880 page 39 JOSEPH BRYSON - 38 YRS 19TH JANUARY1883 page 41 BENJAMIN MCCUBBIN - 16 YRS 8TH OCTOBER 1896 page 46
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JAMES RAE - 5l YRS 6TH DECEMBER1898 page 48 JOSEPH BRYSON - 17YRS 18TH OCTOBER 1901 page 49 ALEXANDER 'ALICK' BRYSON - 20 YRS JAMES 'JIMMY' HUNTER - 26 YRS 6TH FEBRUARY1903 page 52 SAMUEL WOODHOUSE - 20 YRS 20TH MARCH 1913 page 67 JAMES WOODHOUSE - 35YRS 17TH MARCH 1921 page 68
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK
POKE-NET
THOMAS 'TOM' WOODMAN - 79 YRS
ROBERT ANDREW WOODMAN - 69 YRS
10TH JANUARY1940 page 78
WILFRED WOODMAN - 44 YRS
THOMAS 'TOMMY' WOODMAN - 60 YRS
RAlLTON RAE - 18 YRS
FROM THE BOAT 'OLIVE'
12th NOVEMBER 1940 page 79
WILLIAM BEATTIE 'BEET' WOODMAN - 36 YRS
DIED FROM INJURIES 1ST JUNE 1944 page 80
JOHN JOSEPH THOMPSON - 40 YRs
8th JUNE 1945 page 81
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WILLIAM 'BILLY' DENNER - 15YRS
DIED FROM INJURIES 2ND MARCH 1960 page 82
GEORGE WILLIAM IRVING - 72 YRS
JAMES CHALMERS - 54 YRS
FROM THE BOAT 'THE JEAN' BA485
13TH DECEMBER 1961 page 83
JOSEPH 'JOE' RAE WILSON - 64YRS
5TH JANUARY1966 page 85
FREDERICK 'FRED' WOODMAN - 20 YRS
FROM THE BOAT "ALLIS WOOD" BA336
27TH APRIL 1971 page 85
GEORGE WILLACY - 76 YRS
30TH JUNE 1980 page 87
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK
HAAF-NET
STUART HENRY LONGFELLOW DOBIE - 19 YRS
FROM THE BOAT 'FREDWOOD II'
DIED OF INJURIES 27TH JANUARY1987 page 88
BRIAN 'SOLDIER' LITTLE - 53 YRS
FROM THE BOAT 'QUEENSBERRY’
13TH APRIL 2000 page 90
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK
6
IN REMEMBRANCE
OF THOSE LOST TO THE SOLWAY
RECREATION, TRAVELLERS, ENGINEERS, MARINERS, FERRYMEN
WALTER SENNlTT (MASTER) FROM THE BOAT 'DENNIS OF DUBLIN’, FOUND DROWNED 14TH SEPTEMBER 1789 page 18 JAMES CLEMINSON (MASTER) - 34 YRS SIMON SCOTT - 48 YRS FROM THE SLOOP 'ANNE' 24TH JUNE 1800 page 19 JOHN SKELTON ANDREW NEAVY AND TWO UNNAMED 5TH NOVEMBER 1816 page 20 JOHN FORD WILLIAM GRAHAM PATRICKSON
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JAMES FURGUSON 31ST MARCH 1819 page 21 BOYD - 18 OR 19 YRS (MALE) 15TH AUGUST1820 page 22 MARY KELLY - 18 YRS 10TH NOVEMBER 1822 page 23 GEORGE FURGUSSON AGNES KIRKPATRICK ROBERT LAMMAS JAMES GORDON 28TH FEBRUARY 1824 page 23 JOHN BELL 19TH AUGUST 1833 page 25 SAMUEL CRAlK 15TH JUNE 1835 page 25
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK
WILLIAM MARSHALL 24TH JULY 1835 page 25 ROBERT BEATTIE 22ND MARCH 1838 page 26 COPELAND UNKNOWN MALE - 16/17 YRS 27TH SEPTEMBER 1840 page 27 MILES WHITE MAY 1841 page 28 JOSEPH BROUGH JOHN BECK
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JOHN SCOTT AND WIFE 16TH AUGUST 1851 page 28 THOMAS HENRY TURNER - 3 ¾ YRS DIED OF INJURIES 10TH NOVEMBER 1866 page 30 THOMAS McKEMMINGS DIED OF INJURIES 10TH NOVEMBER 1866 page 31 JOSEPH THORBURN - 20 YRS JOHN CONNELL - 19 YRS CHARLES IRVING - 20 YRS GEORGE KERR - 19 YRS JOSEPH ROSS 26TH APRIL 1868 page 32 GEORGE IRVING - 18 YRS 18TH AUGUST 1871 page 35
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK
JAMES AINSWORTH - 27 YRS 24TH JULY 1873 page 36 REVEREND JAMES GORDON FERRIER - 52 YRS 12TH AUGUST 1873 page 37 WILLIAM HATFIELD - 25 YRS 20TH JUNE 1875 page 38 JAMES NICHOLSON - 15 YRS WILLIAM WOODMAN - 17 YRS 16TH FEBRUARY 1882 page 40 JOHN BELL - 13 YRS WILLIAM HASTINGS - 10 YRS
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JOHN BAIRD - 9 YRS 2ND AUGUST 1889 page 43 THOMAS CONNOR 20TH JULY 1890 page 45 WILLIAM JAMES BELL - 53 YRS 21ST JANUARY 1891 page 45 WALTER WARWICK 17TH OCTOBER 1891 page 45 JOHN LAWSON - 74 YRS FOUND DROWNED 13TH MARCH 1893 page 46 ELIZABETH LAWSON - 70 YRS FOUND DROWNED 9TH DECEMBER 1899 page 49 ROBERT EDGER (CAPTAIN) - 25 YRS DAVID MILROY (MATE) - 26 YRS JOHN MARSHALL - 18 YRS FROM THE SLOOP ‘MARY’ 8/9TH AUGUST 1903 page 59
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK
THOMAS COULTART - 49 YRS 3RD NOVEMBER 1903 page 60 ROBERT LOCKHART - 41 YRS 4TH JANUARY1904 page 61 JOHN BAXTER - 18 YRS 25TH NOVEMBER 1906 page 62 RICHARD LUPTON DIED OF INJURIES 6TH MAY 1907 page 63
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WILLIAM WILSON - 11 YRS 27TH SEPTEMBER 1907 page 65 MICHAEL SHARKEY - 16 YRS 8TH AUGUST1908 page 66 JAMES RAE HUNTER WEILD - 17 YRS 6TH JUNE 1930 page 68 IVAN EDGAR - 25 YRS 21ST JULY1933 page 71 GEORGE WALKER - 24 YRS WALTER MORGAN - 34 YRS WILLIAM ADAM - 28 YRS 23RD MARCH 1935 page 73 EMILY 'EMMA' RAE - 60 YRS 18TH NOVEMBER 1947 page 82 ELIZABETH MARY AIRLIE - 11 YRS 21ST JULY1961 page 83 IAN SIMPSON - 32 YRS 22ND FEBRUARY 1983 page 88 JON MARSDEN - 29 YRS 12TH SEPTEMBER 1990 page 89
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK·
11
IN REMEMBRANCE
OF THOSE ANNAN MARINERS LOST OUT-WITH THE SOLWAY
THIS IS A NON-RESEARCHED LIST OF NAMES COME ACROSS ON GRAVE STONES OR NEWSPAPER ARTICLES AND IS INCLUDED IN GOOD FAITH.
WILLIAM LOGAN - 55 YRS
26TH JUNE 1806
GEORGE CLIMMSON - 24 YRS
FROM HMS HORITON
30TH NOVEMBER 1816
GEORG IRVING (MASTER) - 34 YRS.
WILLIAM IRVING - 32 YRS
FROM THE SLOOP 'NEWLAND'
15TH MARCH 1819 page 21
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JAMES JARDINE - 39 YRS
DIED ON BOARD THE EAST INDIAMAN ‘VANSITTART'
1ST SEPTEMBER 1823
EDWARD PORTICOUS (MASTER)
RICHARD STEEL
FROM THE SLOOP 'CHRISTINA'
2 & 3RD FEBRUARY 1825 page 24
WILLIAM SCOTT - 24 YRS
FROM THE BRIG 'ALBION OF LONDON'
18TH DECEMBER 1830
GEORGE BECK (CAPTAIN) - 53 YRS
FROM THE SLOOP 'ANNAN Of ANNAN'
10TH DECEMBER 1831
GEORGE BECK (MASTER) - 34 YRS
FROM THE BRIG 'JAMES REDDIN'
24TH JANUARY 1847
JOHN OLIVER (MASTER) - 35 YRS
FROM THE SHIP 'CAMERONlAN'
12TH APRIL 1850
TOM OLIVER
18TH JUNE 1856
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF BOOK
JOSEPH SHENNAN (CHIEF OFFICER)
FROM THE SHIP 'MARY CANNON'
ABOUT 1ST APRIL 1858
WILLIAM JARDINE - 24 YRS
FROM THE 'POMONA'
28TH APRIL 1859
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ROBERT IRVING SHENNAN - 22 YRS
DIED ON BOARD 'ANNANDALE' OF ANNAN
31ST JULY1859
FRANCIS CARRUTHERS - 35 YRS
7TH OCTOBER 1866
FRANCIS MAXWELL (CAPTAlN)
FOUND DROWNED 15TH MAY 1867 page 31
CHARLES GEEKIE (MASTER MARINER) - 31 YRS
DIED AT SEA 19TH JUNE 1872
CAPTAIN JOHN ELLIOT - 40 YRS
DIED SWATON CHINA
30TH OCTOBER 1872
GEORGE SCOTT
FROM THE 'SYREN LOMAS'
DECEMBER 1875 page 39
CAPTAIN BARTON - 41 YRS
DIED OF INJURIES AND TWO UNNAMED SEAMEN DROWNED
FROM THE BARQUE 'MARY GRAHAM'
4 SEPTEMBER1886 page 42
RALPH JOHNSTONE - 18 YRS
FROM THE BARQUE 'ANDORINHA'
26TH OCTOBER 1894
ALPHABETICAL INDEX AT BACK OF ROOK
JAMES WALKER (CAPTAIN)
ROBERT FERGUSON - 20 YRS
FROM THE SCHOONER 'ANNAN'
3RD JULY1898 page 47
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THOMAS WILLACY - 27 YRS
JOHN HOLMES WILLACY - 24 YRS
DROWNED OFF WALNEY ISLAND 12TH JUNE 1913
ALEXANDER C. MCANDREW - 28 YRS
KILLED AT SEA 18TH APRIL 1917
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THEIR STORIES
AS REPORTED IN THE LOCAL PAPERS OF THE TIME
Extract from Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 19 February 1913
John Woodhouse Snr, John Woodhouse Jnr, James Woodhouse and John Willacy.
BRAVERY AWARD. An interesting ceremony took place in the Town Hall, Annan, on Friday night, when Provost Foster handed over to four fishermen a sovereign each, being an award for bravery from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It will be remembered that on Christmas Eve, in the terrible gale which swept over this district, a schooner named the Minnie Cole, without any cargo, got into difficulties in the Solway owing to her getting adrift from a tug which was piloting her in the direction of Silloth. When information was received in Annan of the state of affairs four men launched the lifeboat, which is only a salmon drift fitted up with lifesaving appliances, and in the face of the storm stood out to the channel in the hope that the helpless schooner might drift in the direction of Annan. All night the lifeboat patrolled the Firth, but the rescuers were unsuccessful in sighting the schooner, which it afterwards transpired had gone ashore at Skinburness, on the English coast. The men returned to Annan harbour, and after a few hours rest, they were about to set out again when news was received that the shipwrecked crew had arrived safely at Silloth. Provost Foster, who takes a keen and active interest in the fishermen, considered that the men's bravery should not go without some recognition. With the cooperation of Mr Richard McDougall, depute town clerk, he communicated with the Lifeboat Institution, and on Friday received a letter to the effect that the Institution had decided to award the men the sum of £1 each in consideration of their meritorious services. Provost Foster, in handing over the awards, said: I am glad to meet you this evening to tell you the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has listened to our appeal and recognised your bravery by sending me £4 to divide amongst you four brave fishermen, viz, John Woodhouse, sen., John Woodhouse, jun., James Woodhouse and John WiIIacy, who at great peril, risked your lives in an attempt to save the lives of your fellows who were drifting about the Solway in the memorable storm of 24th December last. Fortunately no lives were lost; still I congratulate you on your bravery, and I can well imagine how
16 delightful will be the reflection in days to come that at the call of duty you did your utmost for your fellow fishermen in the hour of danger. I need not remind you life is made up of self-sacrifice, and I firmly believe that it was a high conception of duty that in a night of storm and danger you risked your lives to save the lives of others. The awards were suitably acknowledged, and Provost Foster was thanked for the interest he had taken in the matter
Extract from Annandale Observer. 21 February 1913
ANNAN FISHERMEN'S BRAVERY- RECOGNITION BY LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION A pleasing ceremony took place in Annan Town Hall on Friday evening, when tangible recognition of bravery displayed by four Annan fishermen was made, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution awarding £1 each to John Woodhouse senr., John Woodhouse jnr., James Woodhouse, and John Willacy. On Christmas Eve, it may be remembered, a terrific gale was experienced in the district. On the Solway Firth, especially, the gale was almost unprecedented in ferocity, the high velocity of the wind causing a heavy sea. That morning, the schooner 'Minnie Cole,' left Annan, light for Silloth in tow to the Silloth tug boat 'Petrol.' When half way across the firth the gale sprung up, the tow rope parted, and the schooner was soon adrift, and owing to the squall, was soon out of sight of the men on the tug. The crew and pilot on the schooner dropped their anchors, but these were not sufficient to keep the vessel from drifting, and she was tossed about the Solway all day. About seven o'clock in the evening word reached Annan from Silloth, where the tug boat had arrived, that the schooner was still missing, and was riding at her anchors in the Solway. Immediately the fishermen's life boat (which is one of the larger salmon drift net boats, and which has been rigged up for the purpose of a life boat) was launched, and John Woodhouse, snr., John Woodhouse, jnr., James Woodhouse and John Willacy manned her, and despite the gale they stood out to the channel on the lookout for the vessel, the probability being that it would drift up the channel with the flood tide. All night they patrolled the Solway in the very height of the storm, knowing as they did that their lives were in constant jeopardy. Nothing was seen of the schooner, however, and in the early morning they returned to Annan Waterfoot. Later in the morning the men were again about to launch the lifeboat when word was received that the schooner had struck at Skinburness, and that the crew had safely reached Silloth. When these facts were brought to the notice of Provost Foster he conceived it to be his duty to report the instance of bravery to the headquarters of the Life-boat Institution and other similar Societies, and on Friday morning he received word that the Life-boat Institution had agreed to award each of the men £1 as recognition of their bravery. The Provost, in handing over the gifts, said he was glad that his appeal to the National Lifeboat Institution had not been in vain, and in recognition of the bravery displayed he was directed by the Institution to hand each a golden sovereign, which he received that morning. (Applause) He congratulated them on their heroic efforts, and while as a community they felt thankful that no life was lost, it would, he was sure, be to them a happy remembrance, in years to come that they did their duty when duty called. (Applause) He need not remind them, for they knew better than he did, that life was made up of self-sacrifices, and when he read the account of the disaster in the 'Annandale Observer' last Christmas, he was impressed with the feeling that the four brave men who entered the small craft amidst stress and storm had a noble conception of duty in risking their own lives to be the means of saving others. (Applause) Provost
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Foster asked the fishermen to join in a hearty vote of thanks to Mr McDougall for his kindly help in bringing the correspondence to a successful conclusion. (Applause) Mr John Woodhouse, in replying to Provost Foster, said he wished to express the thanks of his comrades and himself for the kind way in which the Provost had brought their actions under the notice - actions which were prompted by the desire simply to rescue their fellowmen on the night if they could. But they had only looked on it as their duty, and should such an occasion again arise, he had no doubt that there would be found among them men ready and willing to fulfil a like part. He asked the Provost to convey to the Lifeboat Institution also their thanks for the kind manner in which they had made recognition of their services. (Applause)
Extracts from The Dumfries Weekly Journal
Walter Sennitt. From the 'Dennis of Dublin'. Found drowned 14 September 1789
1st September 1789
We hear, that on Tuesday last a vessel was wrecked and cast ashore near the foot of the Water of Annan; the whole crew, it is feared, have perished, as there was not a single person on board. It is said she come from Ireland, laden with corn, for Workington. It is with regret we mention a report, which must give strangers a very unfavourable idea of the inhabitants of that part of the country, that she was no sooner discovered, than a number of worthless people went on board, and pillaged everything they could carry off. It is hoped they will be sought after, and if found punished with exemplary severity.
8th September 1789
The vessel mentioned in our last to have been wrecked near Annan Waterfoot, we are now authorised to say was cast away upon a sand bank about ten miles from that place; but by the activity and humanity of two boats crews, who went out from Cummertrees and Newbie on Thursday and Friday, although at the *risque of their lives, the weather being rather tempestuous, great part of the wreck was saved, and is at present taken proper care of for behalf of the proprietors. Her hull is mostly sanded up, and it is thought will be entirely lost. The boat belonging to the vessel was cast out at Seafield, and there was marked upon its stern, The Dennis of Dublin, Walter Sennitt. The report of the country people having plundered the vessel is totally void of foundation. She appears to have been laden with oats. On Sunday last the corpse of one of the hands was thrown out near Caerlaverock, a few miles below this place.
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22nd September 1789
On Monday the 14th Alt. in the afternoon, the body of a drowned man was found by some fishermen, from the village of Blackshaw, in the Parish of Caerlaverock, lying upon a sand bank, a little off the Carse of Arbigland, supposed to be the Master of the ship Dennis, from Dublin to Workington with corn, which was unfortunately lost in a hard gale of wind, as mentioned in a former paper a few weeks ago. His dress was a blue duffle jacket, spotted velveret** vest, with plated buttons, and three shillings and sixpence of silver found in the left pocket of the vest; black lasting breeches, with five silver knee buckles of an oval round, marked with the letters W.S. thought to be Walter Sennitt; (the name of the Master of the said unfortunate ship,) white worked stockings with shoes without buckles, but supposed to be newly out; a blue and white stripped linen shirt with silver sleeve buttons, &c. What is somewhat remarkable, when found there was tied to his legs by a small cord, a large bag containing some sand and small lime stones, and a few potatoes. He undoubtedly had been found by some ship at sea previous to this, and the scheme used with an intention to sink him, after stripping him of his silver watch and shoe buckles. The inhabitants of the village of Blackshaw humanely brought him to land the same evening, though much mortified, conferred a decent burial upon him at their own expense, and interred him the following evening in the church yard of Caerlaverock, about thirty people attending his funeral. . * Risky (Concise Oxford Dictionary) ** Bad kind of velvet (Concise Oxford Dictionary)
Extract from The Dumfries Weekly Journal. 6th June 1793
Two unknown men. Drowned 31 May 1793 On Wednesday last, a sloop of about 20 tons burthen, belonging the port of Dumfries, was totally wrecked on Robbin's-Rigg, opposite to Carse-thorn. Two men who were on board perished. The vessel was in ballast.
Extract from The Dumfries Weekly Journal. 24 June 1800
James Cleminson - 34 yrs. Be. Simon Scott - 48 yrs. From the Sloop 'Anne.' Drowned 21 June 1800
Of Friday last, the sloop Anne belonging to this port, was wrecked opposite Ruthwell. The owners Mess. Cleminson and Scott, were unfortunately drowned - She was loaded with coals for Annan.
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Extract from The Dumfries weekly Journal. 23 November 1813
Unknown Fisherman. Drowned 19 November 1813
On Friday night last, a fisherman, was unfortunately drowned on the sands opposite Newbie. He had been fishing, and continued at his employment so long, that he became bewildered, and could not find his way to land. His cries having been heard, every exertion was made, by Mr. Little of Newbie, by putting lights up, and crying to the unfortunate man where he was, and directing him how to proceed, but which had not the desired effect. His body has not yet been found.
Extract from The Dumfries Weekly Journal. 5th November 1816
John Skelton, Andrew Neavy, unknown man and young women. Drowned 27 October 1816
SHOCKING ACCIDENT.John Skelton, of Skinburness, has been ferryman between that place and Annan Waterfoot for more than 30 years past. On his return from Annan on Sunday evening se'enight*, about six o'clock, with two men and a young woman in the boat besides himself, the evening being extremely dark, he mistook the course, and ran down the Scotch instead of the English channel, and got ashore upon the sands which part the two channels, where he cast anchor, and the passengers took out their luggage, it is supposed, thinking they were near Skinburness. Having wandered about in the dark between the two channels for nearly seven hours, they could not find the boat again, the tide came up, and melancholy to relate, they all perished! The bodies of John Skelton and the two men have since been found upon the sands, and on Tuesday last an inquest was taken in view of them before Mr R Mullencer, Coroner, - verdict, accidentally drowned. The body of the young women has not been discovered. Skelton was 68 years of age; he has left a widow to lament his loss. The other persons drowned are - Andrew Neavy, of Annan Waterfoot, labourer; he has left a wife and five children. The name of the other man is unknown; he has been a sawyer in Whitehaven for thirty years past and had been into Scotland to see his friends. The young woman is about twenty years of age; she lived at the turnpike gate near Dumfries and was on her way to Frimby to her father, where he has been working in the woods for some time past: he had got her a situation in that neighbourhood which she intended to fill on her arrival.
* a week ago, i.e. last Sunday evening (Oxford English dictionary)
20
Extract from The Westmorland Gazette. 3 April 1819 as Published in the Dumfries Weekly Journal 6 April 1819
George Irving - 34 yrs (Master) William Irving - 32 yrs. From the boat 'Newland' Drowned 15 March 1819
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT. On Sunday night last two brothers George Irving aged 39 and William Irving aged 32 both from Annan were both unfortunately drowned in the Ulverston Canal. The following are circumstances of the awful event.. .. They left the tavern with the intentions of going on board the Newland, of which Georqe was Master. This was lying in the canal not many yards from the tavern. The landlord had scarcely returned from lighting them down the steps when he heard a cry of distress, he accompanied by another person immediately went in search of the unfortunate men, as it was certain they had not gone on board the vessel, their fate was anticipated, lights were procured and their hats were seen floating in the water. Which evidently indicated their situation and confirmed suspicion. (Our readers will be astonished at the sequel.) The Landlord and his companion quietly retired to rest without making an effort to rescue the men from their watery grave. The bodies were drawn from the water about 6 o'clock the following morning. It is supposed that on leaving the tavern they had immediately walked into the water, the night being very cold and dark. George left a wife and 5 children.
NOTE The age of George is given as 39 yrs. in the newspaper report but on his grave stone in Annan Old Cemetery it is recorded as 34 yrs. and also the date of death is recorded on the same grave stone as 15 March not 28 March as suggested by the newspaper. There is no trace of a grave stone for William and I am informed that it may have been one of a number used to pave the lane from Waterfoot to Kenziels.
Extract from The Dumfries Weekly Journal. 8th June 1819
Mr John Ford*, Mr William Graham, Mr Patrickson & Mr James Furguson. Drowned 31 March 1819
MELANCHOLY CATASTROPHE. On the evening of Monday se'ennight, Mr Ford, of Rabywhaite, Mr Graham of the Cross-Keys public house, Dumfries Mr Furguson of oak Hill near Dumfries, and Mr Patrickson of Lochmaben, after crossing the Solway Firth on horseback, between Bowness and Annan, unfortunately lost their way upon the sands in consequence of a thick fog, and wandered back into the tide, which came in very rapidly, impelled by a strong wind, and all perished. Another person (the son of Mr Graham above mentioned,) who was in company, would have shared the same fate had it not been for the spirit and strength of his horse. They
21 were on their return home from Rosley Hill fair. All bodies have been found except that of Mr Furguson.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 18 October 1901
A SOLWAY DISASTER OF EIGHTY YEARS AGO. The Carlisle Journal reprints from its issue of June 5 1819, the following account of a disaster that happened in the Solway about that time.:
It is our painful duty to record one of the most serious accidents that has occurred in the neighbourhood for many years. A great number of farmers, cattle-dealers, and others from the Scotch side of the Solway Firth, who had been attending Rosley Hill Fair, in this county, had, under the direction of a guide from Bowness, safely passed the ford about one o'clock on Tuesday morning; but having a long tract of sand to cross, a strong south-west, wind blowing, and it being very dark, some of them separated from the main body. Instead of holding directly north, they deviated to the westward, and ere they were aware of the danger, plunged at full gallop into a very dangerous creek, many fathoms in depth, called the Stone pit. Distressing to relate, the whole party, with the exception of a boy, perished! Their names are; Mr William Graham, Innkeeper, Dumfries; Mr James Ferguson, Farmer at Oakhill, parish of Torthorwald; Mr John Frood, farmer at Robbiewhat, parish of Dalton; and his servant man (name not known). Mr Graham's son, who escaped, was riding behind his father, and was precipitated with the rest into the watery element, but contrived to keep his head above water by holding fast hold of the bridle until the animal dragged him to the English side of the firth. All the bodies of the unfortunate sufferers have been found. Mr Graham has a left a widow and nine children, Mr Frood a widow and three children - his servant was not married. The body of Mr Ferguson, who has left a widow and two orphans, was not found until Thursday night, upon the sands about half a mile west of Ravenbank.
* shown as Frood in the later reprint
Extract from The Dumfries Weekly Journal. 15th August 1820
Young man Boyd - 18 or 19 yrs. Drowned 8 August 1820
ANNAN AUGUST 8TH - This day an unusual number of vessels were lying wind bound, &c. at Annan Waterfoot, and several of them too near together, as almost to touch. The day was through out exceedingly stormy, but as the tide advanced the wind blew a perfect hurricane. The vessels being mostly afloat. and riding at, anchor, were several times driven in contact with each other, in spite of every endeavour to prevent it. On one of these occasions, the boom of the sloop Swallow, belonging to captain John Hurst of this place, got foul of another vessel, and just at the moment when a young man of the name of Boyd was hastily proceeding to disengage them, a cross wind changed their position, an instantaneous separation was the consequence and a beam unfortunately struck Boyd on the breast and carried him overboard- when he
22 immediately sunk to rise no more. A search has been made for the body, but it is not yet found; it is probable the recent floods and high tide have carried it into the deep. The young man was 18 or 19 years of age, belonged to the Parish of Ruthwell, and has left a father and mother to lament his untimely fate.
Extract from The Dumfries Weekly Journal. 12th November 1822
Mary Kelly - 18 yrs. Drowned 10 November 1822*
ACCIDENT - On Friday last a young woman, about 20 years of age, of the name of Kelly, returning to her home at the Penticles, near Annan, from the Abbey-Holm, where she had been at service, was drowned while crossing the Solway at Bowness. the cart in which she, another woman and a man were riding, got into a pool, and filled with water. Her bundles were in the cart, and in endeavouring to save one of them, which was floating away, she lost her balance, and fell in. The cart and other persons got out safe. Her corpse has since been found.
*The date on which the body was recovered is used as the official date of death
Extracts from The Dumfries Weekly Journal.
George Furgusson (Boatman), Agnes Kirkpatrick, Robert Lammas* & James Gordon. Drowned 28 February 1824
2nd March 1824
On Saturday last, between 12 and 1 o'clock, a boat left Annan Waterfoot for Skinburness with 5 passengers and the boatman, George Furgusson, who resided near Skinburness. When they were out in the channel nearly opposite Newbie, the boatman pressed forward (it is supposed) with the view to being towed by a larger vessel called Miss Douglas. Every person, himself excepted, seemed conscious of the danger; but before the boat could be tacked, the painter of the Miss Douglas caught the mast of the boat and capsized her; when melancholy to relate, the boatman, Agnes Kirkpatrick, Robert Lammas and James Gordon were drowned. One man, just as the boat struck caught hold of a rope and swung himself aboard the Miss Douglas; the other survivor was thrown a rope, but, standing as he was on the bow of the boat, he could not hold it; the boat tumbled two or three times, and he, by excessive struggling, kept upon her side till the Miss Douglas bore round. Which occupied about 20 minutes, when he was
23 picked up. They passed the woman floating on the water, but mistaking her for some article of the wreck, she was not taken up till they returned. She was quite dead. None of the bodies have yet been found. George Furgusson was the only support of his aged parents, and the other two men have both left families. Agnes Kirkpatrick had a family of five or six children solely dependant on her exertions.
20 April/1824
The corpse of Gordon, one of the men lately drowned with Fergusson, in the Solway, was found on Friday week, and buried, on the following day, in Annan new churchyard.
15 June 1824
The body of Lummas, who was lost along with Fergusson, was found last Thursday forenoon, a little to the west of Annan Waterfoot, and at a very short distance from the place where the boat was over set. The corpse, which had undoubtedly been sanded up, was uninjured, but the face and hands had assumed a pretty deep green colour, and it was altogether in such a state that it was necessary to put it into a coffin on the spot, before it could be carried to Annan for internment.
* given as Lummas in the later report
Extract from The Dumfries Weekly Journal. 8th February 1825
Edward Porticous (Master) & Richard Steel. From the Sloop 'Christina' Drowned in gales 2 & 3 February 1825
We are sorry to announce the loss of the sloop Christiana, of Annan bound from Banger to Annan with a cargo of slates. The vessel, we understand, sailed on Tuesday last, and having encountered the gales of Wednesday and Thursday, her sails were shattered to pieces, and, consequently, she became unmanageable. In attempting to run for Liverpool on the morning of Friday, she struck upon West Hovle Bank, when melancholy to relate, Edward Porticous, the Master, and Richard Steel, one of the seamen were washed overboard, and drowned. The former has left a wife and an aged mother, and the latter, a wife and three helpless children, who were entirely dependant on them for support. The Mate, a young man of the name of Thomson, got upon the rigging, and was rescued from his perilous situation, after being buffeted by the waves for upwards of six hours. The vessel is a total wreck.
24
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 28 August 1833
John Bell. Drowned 19 August 1833
ACCIDENT AT SEA. ON Monday, the 19th inst. as sloop 'Jane' of Annan, David Rae, master, was on way up the Solway Firth towards Annan Waterfoot, while one of the crew, John Bell, a young man, a native of Annan, had succeeded in unfastening the tackle by which the sloop's boat had been lowered overboard, to be in readiness when casting anchor, by crew of the boat or sloop, or some other means not explained, the rope by which the boat was attached to the sloop broke, and the young man was thrown out of the boat, which was at the same moment with water. The sloop was immediately hauled round, and as Bell was still above water, ropes were flung towards him, and other means used for his rescue, but in vain; he sunk to rise no more. His body, we believe, has not been found. The boat was picked up near Bowness.
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 8 July 1835
Samuel Craik. Drowned 251une 1835
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT. On the 25th ult., Samuel Craik, ship blockmaker, Annan, was found drowned in the river, a short way below the turn of the Annan. The manner in which this melancholy event happened is totally unknown, but it is believed after examining all Circumstances, that he had been endeavouring after night-fall, to get on board a vessel just arrived from America, and lying into the river, on business with some of the ship's company, and that he had been wading, but missing his hold had fallen into quick sand or mud, and being unable to extricate himself after struggling, had sunk below the water without being heard or seen by anyone. He was found on the morning of the 25th ult. a short distance from the vessel alluded to. He was son of Mr Benjamin Craik, New Abbey, where he has left many friends to deplore his untimely fate. He was an industrious tradesman, most obliging in his manners, and a dutiful son to his parents. -Correspondent
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 29 July 1835
William Marshall. Drowned 24 July 1835
FATAL ACCIDENT. On Friday morning last an accident occurred at Annan Water-foot, the information of which diffused a general gloom over the inhabitants of Annan and its neighbourhood. The particulars are as follow:- Mr William Marshall, of the firm of
25
Messrs. Marshall, cloth dealers of Carlisle, visited Annan, in the course of his usual dealings, on Thursday, but that being the fast-day he was unable to transact any business. He therefore remained at Annan until Friday morning, and the weather being extremely fine determined to avail himself of the opportunity to bathe in the Solway. For that purpose he went down to the Water-Foot, and was observed by a spectator on the bank to strip and plunge into a part abounding with deep creeks, but the bye- stander imagining that Marshall could swim, or that he knew the dangers of the spot, did not caution him. He had not been in the water long, however, before he plunged into one of the deep channels, and uttering one loud cry, immediately sunk. The person on shore hastened to save him, if possible, and first waded and ultimately dived, but in vain; the rapid tide of the Solway had drifted the body away, and it was not discovered till the receding water had left it. The deceased was a man very generally esteemed, and will long be regretted by all the country side, who duly appreciated his steadiness, sobriety of demeanor, and punctuality in business. It is perhaps worthy of note that this was the first journey he had taken with a new vehicle, on light springs, and in this carriage his remains were conveyed from Water-Foot to Annan. The deceased was extensively engaged in the purchase of wool, and more than £200 was found in his pocket-book. An express was dispatched to acquaint his brother at Carlisle with the melancholy news, from whence he immediately proceeded to Annan, from whence the body was removed to Carlisle on Saturday afternoon.
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 28 March 1838
Robert Beattie (Mate). From the schooner 'Miss Douglas' Drowned 22 March 1838
MOST DISTRESSING CIRCUMSTANCE. About mid-day on Thursday last, the schooner, 'Miss Douglas', being about to leave Annan harbour, Robert Beattie the mate, went in a boat and lifted the anchor - but the boat immediately after the anchor had been placed in it, filled with water, and melancholy to relate, Beattie, was drowned. It is supposed that the boat must have been perforated when the anchor was placed in it, and that the influx of water, which consequently occurred, caused it to go down. The deceased, with the exception of one of his hands, after he sunk did not appear above water, and the efforts made to save his life proved utterly abortive. The body was not found till evening. He was a native of the parish of Kirgunzeon, and has left a widow, who resides at Palnackie, Water of Urr, to deplore his loss.
26
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 2 October 1839
Unknown Male - 25 to 30 yrs of age. Drowned 28 September 1839
A MAN DROWNED AT ANNAN WATERFOOT. On Saturday morning last, the body of a man was found in the water a little above the jetties at Annan Waterfoot. The body was that of a stranger, who appeared to have been between 25 and 30 years of age, had dark hair, was dark complexioned, and had a mole on his nose, on the right side; was about 5 feet 8 or 9 inches in height; and had a round moleskin jacket, a drab cassimere* vest, course grey trousers, and quarter boots. There were found in his pockets, 3s 6d in silver, two black lead pencils and a slip of paper on which was written, with a pencil, "George Graham, 15 Bridport Street: It has been ascertained that he came from Liverpool per Victoria steam packet on Friday last, and landed at Waterfoot on the afternoon of that day; that when on board, money was subscribed by his fellow passengers, to enable him to pay for his passage, and that a gentleman gave him, in addition, the sum of 3s 6d, to assist him on his way after leaving the packet, as he had to go, he said, to Kirkcudbright; that he had stated he was a joiner, and had been out of employment for the last six weeks; and that he appeared to feel ashamed at being reduced to the necessity of accepting subscriptions, and in consequence, retired during the latter part of the voyage to the engine room. It is supposed he had drowned himself at tide time on Saturday morning. The body, we believe, would be interred on Monday last.
* a twilled cloth of the finest wools, also Kerseymere, a corruption of cashmere. (Chambers twentieth Century dictionary)
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 29 September 1840
Copeland age unknown and unknown male - 16/17 yrs of age. From the 'Clarence' Drowned 27 September 1840
DEATHS BY DROWNING. The body of a sailor, of the name of Copeland, from' Dumfries, was found drowned at Annan Waterfoot, on Sunday morning last. He was found near the stern of the vessel in which he sailed, and had, it is supposed, fallen into the water whilst attempting to get on board the preceding evening. On the same day, a lad, about 16 or 17 years of age, who was a fireman on board the Clarence steam tug, was also found in the Annan, near the Waterfoot. He had been setting a person on shore in the jolly boat, from the Clarence, then lying in the river, and in his returning with the boat to the steamer, he accidentally fell overboard and drowned.
27
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 5 July 1841
Miles White. From the Brig 'Helen Douglas'. Drowned May 1841
DEATH BY DROWNING. An inquest was held in Douglastown, by James Wright, Esq, Coroner on Saturday, the 22d May, on view the body of a seaman belonging to the Brig 'Helen Douglas', of Annan, who fell from the jib-boom of that vessel, opposite the wharf of Messrs Gilmour, Rankin, & Co. and was drowned. The jury, when returning a verdict of accidental death by drowning, gave unqualified praise to Captain Forrest and the crew of the: brig, for their prompt and strenuous exertions in recovering the body.
Extract from The Dumfries Times. 15 November 1843
George Henderson - about 21 yrs. Drowned 12 November 1843
FATALACCIDENT AT ANNAN WATERFOOT. We are sorry to record the following accident, which took place about two o'clock on Sabbath morning, the 12th curt, at the Victoria jetty, Annan Waterfoot. A young man, about 21 years of age, named George Henderson, a sailor in the Dryard, one of the trawlers between Carlisle and Glasgow, had been in Annan, to which place he belonged, on the preceding evening. After indulging rather freely in spirituous liquors, he left town with another sailor. The' two friends parted for their respective vessels at the Waterfoot; and poor Henderson must have perished in attempting to gain his ship by means of a small boat fastened with a loose or slack rope to the jetty and Dryad, as his hat was found the next morning floated to the opposite side. His body was not found till the following day, a few hundred yards lower down. He was a quiet, well disposed lad, and had neither father nor mother.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 20 August 1851
Joseph Brough (Ferryman), John Beck, John Scott & Wife. Drowned 16 August 1851
DREADFULCATASTROPHE. Four Lives Lost On the Solway, Near Annan. With heartfelt sorrow we have to state that, on Saturday afternoon last, the ferry boat of Mr Brough, on its return from Port-Carlisle to Annan, was upset, and four persons drowned. The boat, a small one, was, it is stated, rather late in starting, and when it left Port Carlisle, contained – Mr Walter Park, draper, in Annan; his late partner, Mr
28
John Scott Mrs Scott, wife of the latter; Mr Anthony Nelson, draper, Port Carlisle: John Beck, farm-servant from the English side, formerly at Talliesfield, by Dornock; and Joseph Brough, who had the boat in charge. As the frail skiff proceeded over the waters of the Solway with its precious living freight, it came in contact with the nets between Whinnyrigg and Seafield. The result of the shock was suddenly disastrous - the boat filled, lost its balance, and the whole of the individuals were at once Whelmed in the deep and rapid current. Mr Park and Mr Nelson, by laying hold of the nets, saved themselves: but Mr and Mrs Scott, Mr Beck, and Mr Brough, after vain attempts to avert their fate, sank and perished. Mr Beck first disappeared, and the others clung to the keel of the boat short while, then lost their hold, and fell, like him, a prey to the merciless waters Ineffectual exertions were made to rescue them by Messrs Byers, Thomson, Faulds and others, but they succeeded in taking off Messr's Park and Nelson. Beck's body was soon recovered near the scene of the catastrophe; that of Mrs Scott was obtained next afternoon below the Waterfoot lighthouse. Neither Mr Brough's body nor that of Mr Scott have yet been got, so far as we have learned. Such, in brief, are the particulars of one of the most lamentable occurrences that has taken place in this quarter for many years. How it was occasioned we cannot explain any further than has already been stated. Mr Brough has always been considered a good seaman, and had ample experience of the Solway, having crossed it many thousand times. He has left a wife and family to mourn his fate. Mr and Mrs Scott, though without children, leave aged and respectable parents and many attached friends - while Beck was the chief support of his mother, "and she a widow," residing in Annan, to whom he was about to pay a visit. We join with the Courier in recommending to the sympathies of the public the case of this poor woman, so suddenly deprived of her age's stay. - Annan, Wednesday morning, the two missing bodies have not yet been found.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 30 April 1859
Thomas Johnstone. Drowned 25 April 1859
MAN DROWNED - Thomas Johnstone, one of the numerous Lancashire fishermen who ply their vocation in the Solway Channel below Annan, was drowned during the severe gale on Monday last. His boat having sunk - owing, it is supposed, to its bottom having been perforated by the stump of a fishing stake - he had attempted to swim ashore opposite the Priestside, but, though a first-rate swimmer, he sunk to rise no more. The body was found next day near Locharfoot by Mr Robert Murray, Priestside and was conveyed in a cart to the deceased's residence at Annan Hilltop, whence it was removed yesterday to Paulton, in Lancashire, to be interred. Johnstone has left a wife and four children to mourn their loss.
29
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 18 February 1860
William Gardiner. Drowned 16th February 1860
FISHERMAN DROWNED. William Gardiner, a native of Poulton, near Lancaster, and one of the numerous fishermen who have settled down here to trawl for shrimps, flounders, etc. in the channel of the Solway below Annan, was accidentally drowned on Thursday last. Accompanied only by a boy, he was out fishing on that day in his own boat, along with a number of other boats; and it is supposed that in lowering his trawl into the water, his leg became entangled in the rope by which the trawl is suspended; and that on the trawl reaching the ground, the boat being in motion, he was dragged into the water from the narrow strip of deck which goes around the sides and is nearly flush with the edges of these boats The boy, unfortunately, could render no assistance; but some other fishermen, who observed the accident, proceeded with their boats to the spot where Gardiner was supposed to have sunk, and after trawling for some time the body was brought up quite dead.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 18 August 1864
Thomas Henry Turner – 3 ¾ yrs. Drowned 15 August 1864
DEATH BY DROWNING. On the evening of Monday last, the body of a little boy, four years of age, and son of Ralph Turner, cotton-spinner, residing in Broad Street here, was found in the river Annan at the low quay. It appears that the child, who had been left in the morning as usual by his parents on going to their work at the factory, had not been seen by any of the neighbours during the day; and as he did not make his appearance for dinner, a search was made for him in the afternoon, but nothing was heard of him until about six o'clock, when his body was discovered at the above mentioned place. The poor little fellow was found with his body nearly out of the water, his head only being covered, and his hand holding a firm grasp of a pebble. It is supposed that he had been throwing stones from the quay into the water when the tide was in, and had unfortunately overbalanced himself.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 20 August 1864
DEATH BY DROWNING - On the evening of Monday last, the body of a child, four years of age, son of Ralph Turner, cotton spinner, Annan, was found in the river at low quay. The poor little fellow's body was nearly out of the water, his head only being covered, and his hand held a firm grasp of a pebble. It is supposed that he had been throwing stones from the quay into the water when the tide was in, and had unfortunately overbalanced himself.
30
Extract from The Dumfries and Galloway Saturday Standard. 17 November 1866
Thomas McKemmings. Died of injuries 10 November 1866
FATAL ACCIDENT. On the morning of Saturday last, a serious accident occurred at the Cumberland end of the railway viaduct, by which a man of the name of Thomas McKemmings, belonging to Cumnock lost his life, and a boy, a son of Mr. Lightfoot, who keeps a public house at Bowness was much injured. The man and the boy, were engaged in riveting the iron plates of the flooring of the viaduct, and when they were at work upon a staging suspended beneath the flooring, one of the 'thawarts' on which the planks of the staging were supported broke in two, and the man and the boy, along with the bellows and furnace for heating the rivets, were precipitated on to the hard beach below - the tide being out. The height of the fall would be upwards of 20 feet. The man and the boy were found to be much injured, and were immediately removed to Bowness. The man died shortly after he arrived there, but the boy is expected to recover. An inquest was held on the body of McKemmings, on Monday when a verdict of 'accidental death' was returned by the jury.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 22 May 1867
Captain Francis Maxwell. Found drowned 15 May 1867
SHIP CAPTAIN DROWNED. - On the morning of the 15th , the dead body of a man having the appearance of a ship captain was found in Leith docks, and from a letter found in one of his pockets there is too much reason to fear that deceased was captain Francis Maxwell, who was for a long time in the employment of Messers J. Nicholson & co, Annan, and whose family of seven young children reside in Port Street of that town. The body appeared to have been a fortnight or three weeks in the water. Captain Maxwell had been latterly employed as the captain of a ship named The Enchanter of Tayport, Dundee, but did not sail with her, and left Tayport on 2nd April last, with the intention of going to Glasgow or Liverpool, since which time he has not been heard of.
31
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 29 April 1868
Joseph Thorburn - 20 yrs, John Connell- 19 yrs, Charles Irving - 20 yrs, George Kerr - 19 yrs & Joseph Ross.
MELANCHOLYOCCURRENCE IN THE SOLWAY- FIVE LIVES LOST. We regret to record the occurrence of one of the most fatal accidents that has occurred in the Solway Firth for a long period, and by which five young men were engulfed in its waters. On Sabbath last, a party consisting of John Connell, painter, Howgill, Annan; Charles Irving, labourer, Round Knowe; George Kerr, painter, Battlefield; and Joseph Ross, labourer, Annan, all young men from 19 to 22 years of age, hired a small boat with mast and sail belonging to Joseph Thorburn, fisherman, Howgill. About half-past 12 o'clock the party, along with Thorburn, sailed on a pleasure excursion to the Cumberland shore of the Solway. The tide was flowing at the time, and the wind was blowing strongly from the South West, which carried the party further up the Firth than Port Carlisle, to which place they had intended going, They turned the boat round, and by the aid of the sail and keeping close to the shore reached Port Carlisle at half-past two; and it is reported, proceeded to a public house, where they remained until about four o'clock. They then started to re-cross the Solway. It is said that the whole of the men were more or less under the influence of strong drink, and that they had procured a bottle of whisky, which they took along with them - it being reported that three of the party were lying in the boat from the effects of the liquor. The tide had began to ebb before they left Port Carlisle and the wind was blowing strongly against the retreating waters, the Firth was very rough. The owner of the boat, from his piscatory occupation, was the only person who knew how to manage it; and in a short time after leaving the English shore the sail was lowered, and the oars were taken into hand; but this was only for a brief space, as the sail was again raised - only to be speedily lowered as the boat was drifting broadside to the breeze. Another attempt was made with the sail, but a sudden gust of wind capsized the boat, and the whole of its occupants were thrown out - three of them sank and did not rise again, but the two others got hold of the boat, which had righted, though nearly full of water, they succeeded in getting into it, but were unable to guide it: the oars had been swept away, and the sail was flapping in the wind as if the young men were ignorant how to right it, or were unable to do so. The tide bore the boat and ill-fated youths toward the Solway viaduct. Gavin Johnstone, a watchman on the viaduct saw the boat capsize, and with breathless interest watched the survivors approach the viaduct, he being unable to render any assistance. The boat drifted rapidly towards the viaduct, and stern foremost struck one of the piers, when it was immediately overturned, and the two men fell into the water and instantly sank, and were seen no more. The catastrophe was seen by Johnstone, and by Mr Hunter, foreman on the viaduct, and another man. They hoped to be able to get hold of the boat, in hopes should the men rise to the surface they might be rescued; but the anchor had fallen out when the boat struck the pier, and had caught about the viaduct - the boat was thus pulled up, instantly filled, and sunk. The melancholy event created a great excitement in Annan, and also on the Bowness side of the Firth, from where the accident was also seen. Boats were procured, and a search made for the bodies, but without success - the strong current of the ebbing tide having probably carried the bodies a considerable distance seaward. Thorburn was married scarcely a year ago. The other young men were all unmarried. None of the bodies have been recovered up to this morning, but the cap of one of the lads was got near to were the accident occurred.
32
Extract from The Annan Observer. 30 April 1868
DISTRESSING BOAT ACCIDENT IN THE SOLWAY- LOSSOF FIVE LIVES
A melancholy catastrophe, caused by the upsetting of a boat, and resulting in the loss of five lives, occurred on the Solway Firth, between Seafield and Bowness, on the afternoon of Sabbath last. A party of young men, belonging to Annan and the immediate neighbourhood, had set out in an open boat on an excursion across the firth, and they had accomplished their purpose so far as to be half way on their voyage homewards when they were suddenly engulphed in a watery grave. The particulars of this sad event, which has thrown several households into mourning and cast a shadow of gloom over the entire community, are as follows: The young men who composed the party were Joseph Thorburn, fisher, residing at Howgill; Charles Irving, labourer, Round Knowe; Joseph Ross, labourer, Annan; George Kerr, painter, son of Mr Kerr, farmer Battlefield; and John Connell, painters apprentice, son of Mr T Connell, tile- maker, Howgill. They were all young men - from 18 – 20 years of age - and excepting Thorburn, who was married about eight months since, resided with their parents. Some of them, on leaving home in the morning, gave various reasons for doing so, one of them saying he was going to church. They all, however seem to have met at Battlehill early in the forenoon, whether by arrangement or not is not known; but it appears that the practice of crossing the firth on Sundays had not been an unusual one. About noon they got into the boat, which belongs to Thorburn and which was furnished with a sail, and leaving Battlehill they crossed the firth with the flowing tide. Although they ultimately reached their destination, Port Carlisle, in safety, their voyage across was somewhat chequered by the boat being carried past the Port and up the firth as far as Glasson; but they rowed back to their haven. At Port Carlisle the voyagers landed and remained about an hour and a half. They passed a part, if not the whole time, in a public house, which they left about three o'clock, proceeding in the direction of the boat. There are various accounts, as to the appearance of the men at the time they left Port Carlisle, but it may be inferred that they were more or less under the influence of drink. Their departure was witnessed by three men who had gone over the viaduct in the morning, and one of them had some intention of coming back in the boat, but was dissuaded from doing so on account of the way in which the men were conducting themselves. The boat, containing the five men named above, set off from Port Carlisle about a quarter to four o'clock. At the time, the tide, which was a spring one, had been ebbing for an hour, and the water had become very rough, a strong south-west breeze blowing against a rapid current. The boat was seen to labour heavily in the cross sea, and its occupants seemed quite unable to guide it in the proper direction for Battlehill. It appeared to be drifting rather than sailing down the firth, and the sail seems to have been resorted to several times, in the hope that it would prove effectual in driving the boat across the channel. The boat had got so far down the firth as to be opposite Bowness windmill, when the sail was once more raised, but before it could be properly set it seemed to be caught by the wind and wrested out of the hands of those who held it. Almost the same time the boat heeled over and pitched all that were in it into the water. Three of its ill-fated occupants must have instantly perished as they were never seen to come to the surface, but the other two were observed to seize hold of the boat and cling to it as it slowly drifted towards the viaduct. According to some accounts, the boat drifted down bottom up; according to others, with only a few inches of the gunwale above water; and it is also said that it several times dipped under the water and reappeared. The latter is likely to have been
33 the case, as the boat is supposed to have been dragging its anchor, and the two lads, although clinging to it as their last hope with the energy of despair, found it impossible to hold on till the viaduct, which was only about a quarter of a mile below the spot where the accident happened, was reached. One of them disappeared a short time before the other; they fell off close to the viaduct, while the boat, which was coming to their assistance, was within a short distance of them. This boat, which had brought a party across from Port Carlisle to Seafield shortly before, was at the time the accident happened, being taken to the barge moored on the English side, by Joseph Hunter and another, and they had nearly reached the barge when observed the casualty. They immediately turned in the hope of rescuing the two survivors, but failing to do so, they pulled about over the scene of the catastrophe, without, however, having the satisfaction of being able to render any help. The capsized boat came in contact with one of the piers of the viaduct and sunk. It was found at low water, held by its anchor, a few yards below the viaduct. There appears to be no doubt that the accident happened through unskilful management. None of the party knew anything at all of the management of a boat, especially under such circumstances as those encountered on Sunday. The boat belonged to Thorburn, and was used by him for crossing the lake to his nets, and any experience he might gain in using it in that way can scarcely be said to be of much avail in an emergency. It appears also that the boat was steered with an oar, which in an unpractised hand would greatly increase the danger. Thorburn was scarcely twenty years of age, and, as stated, was the only married man in the party. Irving and Ross were much about the same age, and were in the employ of Messrs Palmer & Son. Kerr had been two years and a half, as a journeyman with Mr Harkness, painter, under whom Connell was serving his apprenticeship, an year and a half of which was yet to complete. Both were quiet and well-conducted young men and much esteemed by their employer. Intelligence of the melancholy affair reached Annan at the time the several congregations were assembling and caused a painful state of feeling. The Rev. Mr Crichton, in conducting the services in the parish church, touchingly interceded at the Throne of Grace on the behalf of the unfortunate young men who had been so suddenly cut off, and prayed that their sorrowing relatives might be comforted. Great numbers flocked down to Seafield in the course of the evening, and the viaduct for a time was literally swarming with people, all of whom strained their eyes to discover traces of the bodies. A diligent search was made along the sands as long as the tide permitted; but nothing was found, except the boat, until Tuesday, when a cap, which proved to be that worn by Kerr, was picked up at the viaduct. Yesterday afternoon a telegram reached Annan from Carlisle stating that one of the bodies had been cast ashore at Port Carlisle. The body, which has since been identified as that of Charles Irving, was found by two fishermen, named Wells and Holmes, on the way to their nets, lying about two hundred yards in front of Port Carlisle jetty. It was sanded up, only part of the boots and some of the hair being visible. An inquest was to be held to- day at eleven o'clock.
34
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 25 August 1871
George Irving - 18 yrs. Drowned 18 August 1871
CASEOF DROWNING - On Friday afternoon, George Irving, son of Mr Richard Irving, nursery and seeds man, Annan went along with two boys, aged 12 and 10 respectively, to bathe in the Solway at Seafield Merse. Irving stripped and went into the water, the tide being rising at the time, and shortly afterwards he was seen to sink. One of the boys went to his assistance, but being, like Irving, unable to swim, his attempts to help his friend were unavailing, and the unfortunate youth was seen to rise and sink for the last time before further aid could be found. When the tide began to ebb, two men went into the place where deceased was seen to disappear, and found his dead body, and brought it to the shore. There were small scratches on each eyebrow, another on his mouth, and his face was otherwise marked. There is a deep track on the sand, like a ditch, where the Merse ends, and on the far side of this the body was found. It would therefore appear that shortly after entering the estuary he had stepped into this pool, and being unable to swim, had failed to recover his footing and been drowned. The funeral, on Monday, was numerously attended by 'friends and neighbours,' and, the young man being a volunteer, his remains were accompanied to the place of internment in Dornock churchyard by the Annan Rifle Volunteers, commanded by Lieutenant Roxburgh and the Ensign Morson, and headed by their band playing the 'Dead March in Saul.' After the body was lowered into the grave, a squad of the volunteers fired three volleys in the air. The young man was greatly respected among his acquaintances, and his untimely death has been much and generally lamented in the town.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 19 August 1871
FATALACCIDENT BY DROWNING - Yesterday (Friday) afternoon a fatal accident occurred in the Solway. George Irving, a youth of 18 years, son of Mr Richard Irving, nursery and seeds man, Annan, went along with two boys to bathe in the Solway, opposite Seafield. The tide was flowing, Irving could not swim, and he stepped into a creek in the shore, and got beyond his depth. The boys could render no help, and before assistance could arrive the unfortunate youth was drowned. The body was got near to where the accident occurred, on the ebb of the tide.
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Extract from The Annandale Observer. 25 July 1873
James Ainsworth - 27 yrs. Drowned 24 July 1873
MAN DROWNED - Yesterday, a weaver at Messrs Pool and Nicholson's weaving sheds, named James Ainsworth, not long from Blackburn, and about 27 years of age, was drowned while bathing at the foot of the Creek near the Waterfoot. It appears that Ainsworth, along with two other weavers, named Mayho and Knowles, went into the water to bathe at the dangerous place indicated, and being ignorant of the Creek, the deceased got out of his depth and sunk, Knowles, who was the only one of the three that could swim, went to his assistance. He got hold of deceased, but owing to the way they were clasped together, Knowles could not strike out to swim. He, however held on to Ainsworth until he was nearly exhausted, when he called for assistance. A fisherman went to their relief with a boat, but before he reached the men Ainsworth sunk again and took Knowles down with him. Knowles at length got free, and came out of the water to save his own life, but Ainsworth never came up again. The accident took place between eleven and twelve o'clock, and about three o'clock, when the tide had receded, Ainsworth was found in the middle of the Creek, where he had sunk. The men were warned not to bathe in so dangerous a place. Ainsworth has left a wife and one child, who are living at Blackburn.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 26 July 1873
DEATH BY DROWNING - On Thursday, James Ainsworth, weaver, Annan, went along with two other men to bathe in the Solway, near to Annan Waterfoot. Ainsworth who could not swim, got beyond his depth and sank. Wm. Knowles, the only one who could swim, went to his assistance and got hold of him; but Ainsworth clutched Knowles so firmly that they both sank. When under the water Knowles managed to free himself from the grasp of Ainsworth, who did not again rise to the surface, and before aid arrived he was drowned. The body was recovered about four hours after the accident. Deceased leaves a widow and child to lament his loss. He had only recently come from Blackburn, where his family still are.
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Extract from The Annandale Observer. 15 August 1873
Reverend James Gordon Ferrier - 52 yrs. Drowned 12 August 1873
MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE - We regret to have to record the death by drowning of the Rev J. G. Ferrier, a gentleman well known in Annan. It appears that he had been drinking on Tuesday, having felt annoyed at being served with a legal notice in reference to a debt he was owing a merchant in town. He was last seen in the Buck Hotel after ten o'clock on Tuesday evening, and was then worse for drink. About half past ten o'clock, Michael Fallon, while in charge of a yacht belonging to strangers which was lying alongside the lower or Newbie quay at the Well, heard a splash in the water, and a cry of, 'O save me!' He threw a rope overboard, but being dark, he could see nothing. There was a heavy fresh on the river at the time. As Mr Ferrier was absent from his lodgings on Tuesday night and next day, it was conjectured that it must have been him that had attracted the attention of Michael Fallon. This conjecture was confirmed the following evening when the body of Mr Ferrier was found lying on the sand at the Waterfoot by some fishermen. Mr Ferrier was about twenty years since minister at Palnackie, near Dalbeattie, but, having lost the living, he has since been itinerating about the country preaching in towns and villages. Shortly after the Revival here he did good service by gathering together a number of 'street Arabs,' whom he persevered in teaching reading, writing, etc, for about two years.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 16 August 1873
FATAL ACCIDENT TO THE REV. J.G.FERRIER, - We regret to record the death, by drowning, of the Rev. J. Gordon Ferrier, preacher, who a few years ago had charge of the Free Church station at Lochend. It appears that Mr Ferrier, who had been residing at Annan for a short time, preaching in the neighbourhood, had left the Buck Inn about ten o'clock on Tuesday night, in order to go to his lodgings, the night being dark and very wet. About half-past ten, Michael Fallon, a fisherman, who was watching on board a vessel at Irving's quay, heard a splash as if some person had fallen into the river, followed by cries. He got out of the vessel, and threw a net into the river, in order that the person might seize it, but owing to the darkness could see nothing. He then informed the police, who made a search along the river, but observed nothing. On Wednesday, Thomas Turner, a fisherman, observed the dead body of a man on Annan Merse, which had been left by the flood tide. It was recognised as that of Mr Ferrier, and was conveyed to the dead house at Annan cemetery. Mr Ferrier preached on Sabbath last at the Brow Well, and was to have preached at Glencaple Quay on the evening of Sabbath first. Mr Ferrier, says the Annan Observer of yesterday, was last seen the Buck Head after ten o'clock on Tuesday evening. About half-past ten o'clock, Michael Fallon, while in charge of a yacht belonging to strangers which was lying alongside the lower or Newbie quay at the Well, heard a splash in the water, and a cry of "O save me!" He threw a rope overboard, but being dark, he could see nothing. There was a heavy fresh in the river at the time. Shortly after the Revival here he did good service by gathering together a number of "street Arabs," whom he persevered in teaching reading, writing, etc. for about two years.
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Extracts from The & Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard.
Joseph Houghton - 46 yrs. & Samuel Houghton - 20 yrs. Drowned 28 March 1874
1 April 1874
TWO FISHERMEN DROWNED - The fresh breeze from the South-West that prevailed on Friday caused a large run of salmon to come up the Solway, and in consequence the whammel net got good hauls. The weather on Saturday was very boisterous, but their success on the previous day tempted a few of the fishermen out to sea again. While fishing down the Solway in the ebb tide in the afternoon, one of the boats with its crew of two men suddenly disappeared and sunk, having, it is supposed been filled with water by a "running swell." A few minutes before it vanished, the boat appeared to be changing its position in respect to the net it had out. Neither of the two men had been found up till Monday forenoon. The names of the two fishermen are Joseph Houghton, about 46 years of age, and Samuel Houghton aged 20 years, his nephew. Joseph Houghton came from Morecombe Bay to Annan, about fifteen years since, and has left a wife and three children; and Samuel is a son of Thomas Houghton, fisherman, who resides at Ranzeels, near Annan. Joseph was a skilled boatman; so careful was he that when sailing his boat he was in the habit of holding the "sheets" in his hand so to let go the sails when any difficulty arose.
27 May 1874
Recovery of the body of one of the two drowned Annan Fishermen – A fortnight since Captain Douglas of the Nelson, of and from Belfast, reported that between Workington and Maryport he came up with the dead body of a man floating in the water, but owing to a heavy sea at the time an attempt to pick it up had to be abandoned. It appears that the body was cast up near Workington, and as found there on the 6th instant, and interred at Workington the same day. By means of the clothes taken from the body it was afterwards identified as that of Joseph Houghton, the elder of the two fishermen who were drowned in the Solway some time since. Nothing has yet been heard of the body of the other fisherman or of the boat.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 26 June 1875
William Hatfield - 25 yrs. Drowned 20 June 1875
On the 20th inst, accidentally drowned, while bathing at Newbie Cottage, Annan, Mr. William Hatfield, aged 25 yrs.
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Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 18 December 1875
George Scott. From the 'Syren Lomas'. Drowned at sea date unknown
AN ANNAN MAN DROWNED. - Intelligence has reached Annan that a young man named George Scott, one of the hands aboard the 'Syren Lomas', has been drowned at sea. It appears that he' was knocked overboard, while standing on the taff-rail, by the sail, which shifted its position with a change of wind. He was seen in the water, but before the vessel could be got round he had disappeared, and all efforts to save him were fruitless.
Extract from TheAnnandale Observer. 5 March 1880
Thomas Graham - 23 yrs. & James Bell - 33 yrs. Drowned 1 March 1880
FATAL DROWNING ACCIDENT. On Monday, during one of the most severe storms experienced in the Solway Firth for many years, a sad accident happened to a fishing boat whereby two men lost their lives. About eight in the morning the men set off from Annan Waterfoot in a whammel boat with drift net, and proceeded down the firth with the ebb tide. They were last seen, so far as known, by Richard Woodhouse, a brother fisherman, at Blackshawbank, Caerlaverock. They had then apparently hauled in their net, one of them being engaged in bailing out water from the boat, while the other was getting the sail up. It was then flood tide, and about three quarters of an hour afterwards Woodhouse came sailing past the spot where he had seen the boat and found what he took to be its mast projecting a little from the water, which must at this part have been about 18 feet deep. When the fishing boats assembled at Waterfoot afterwards it was found that the boat of Thos. Graham and James Bell had not returned. On Tuesday the missing boat was discovered on the English side of the firth opposite Waterfoot with its side stove in, and the net was found hanked on the Solway viaduct. The body of Bell was washed ashore at Kirkbean on Tuesday, but that of Graham has not yet been recovered. Bell, whose age was twenty three*, resided in Annan, and leaves a wife and one child to mourn his loss; and Graham, who was about the same age, resided with his mother at Hilltop, whose support he was. Much sympathy is felt for those so suddenly bereaved.
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Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 3 March 1880
TWO MEN DROWNED AT ANNAN - The storm of Sabbath night and Monday morning was the fiercest experienced at Annan this winter. A few of the whammel-net fishermen ventured out on the early tide, but the wind and surf were such as to render their vocation impossible. Returning the little fleet was driven by the tempestuous wind with the storm-lashed and rapid tide; and one of the boats, a new one, apart from the rest, got swamped, and its owner, Thomas Graham, and another occupant named Bell, were drowned. The boat was washed ashore; the bodies of the poor fellows have not yet been recovered. Graham, who lived an exemplary Christian life, was unmarried, but leaves a widowed mother; Bell was married, and leaves a wife and child. The utmost sympathy is felt for the bereaved.
* Bell’s death certificate gives his age as 33 yrs
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 22 February 1882
James Nicholson - 15 yrs. & William Woodman - 17 yrs. Drowned 16 February 1882
DROWNING ACCIDENT IN THE ANNAN - On Saturday afternoon a melancholy accident occurred in the Annan, near the Waterfoot, by which two lads lost their lives. Between two and three o'clock five youths got into a boat in order to go for a sail. When in mid-stream a gust of wind caught the sail, causing the boat to heel over and filling with water, it sank. Two of the lads swam to the side, and one was picked up by a small boat but the other two were drowned. The names of the latter were James Nicholson and William Woodman, aged respectively 15 and 17. They were cousins, and the sons of fishermen. The accident was observed from the river bank by two fishermen, who jumped into a small boat and rendered all the assistance in their power. The body of Woodman was found on Sunday morning, a yard or two from the spot where the boat sank.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 24 February 1882
TWO LADS DROWNED AT ANNAN WATERFOOT. On Saturday afternoon a melancholy boat accident occurred at Annan Waterfoot. About half-past two o'clock, when the tide, which was a very high one, was about three quarter ebb, five lads, most of whom were engaged in fishing, got into a boat for the purpose of having a sail. They had scarcely been in the boat a quarter of an hour, and had little more than got the sail set, when a squall struck the boat, causing it to heel over, and filling with water, it sank almost immediately.
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Two of the lads James Baxter and Richard Woodhouse swam to a boat moored near at hand, two others J. J. Woodman and W. Woodman clung to the mast of the sunken boat, and the other James Nicholson, who could not swim, sank at once. The accident was observed from the river bank by two fishermen, who jumped into a small boat and made all haste to the spot, but they only succeeded in saving J.J. Woodman, his brother having sunk before they reached him. The two lads who were drowned were about 16 years of age. The body of Woodman was found on Sunday morning, a yard or two from the spot where the boat sunk. Every effort has been made to recover the body of Nicholson but they have been without avail.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 26 January 1883
Joseph Bryson - 38 yrs. Drowned 19 January 1883
FISHERMAN DROWNED- We have to record today a sad instance of death by drowning in the Solway, the victim being an Annan fisherman named Joseph Bryson. The melancholy event occurred on Friday last, on the morning of which day Bryson went out in his boat as usual along with the other fishermen to trawl in the firth. On the way down, however, his boat got landed on a bank between the Brewing and Rough Scars, opposite Priestside. Bryson remained with his boat, and could easily have left it and got ashore; but when the other boats returned in the afternoon he said he would stay in the boat and try and save it, which he was the more anxious to do because he had lost a boat on a previous occasion. Notwithstanding the weather had been boisterous all day, and had every appearance of becoming more so as the tide rose, he refused to listen to the advice of the other men and leave the boat. He was last seen about five o'clock at the place where the boat had stranded. He did not, however, arrive at the Waterfoot in the course of the evening, as he expected to do, and next morning, an anxious glance was cast down the firth to find if there were anything to dispel the worst fears that were then entertained of the poor fellow's safety. No trace of the missing boat could be seen, but on making a search at ebb tide a piece of it, and a few planks chained together, on which the unfortunate man, overtaken as he happened to be by one of the heaviest gales the Solway has seen, evidently tried to reach the shore when his boat either had failed him or was about to do so, and when it was in other respects too late. Up till yesterday no tidings had been received of the body having been recovered, but it is reported that the remnant of the boat had been cast up about Silloth. The deceased was thirty eight years of age, and leaves a widow and six children to mourn for him.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 24 January 1883
FISHERMAN DROWNED IN THE SOLWAY- Joseph Bryson, fisherman, Port Street, Annan, was drowned in the Solway on Friday last, (Which was 19/1/1883). The Annan fishermen had gone out as usual in the morning to trawl for fish, and it appears that by the action of the ebb-tide Bryson's boat was cast on to the sand bank between Brewing and Rough Scaurs, opposite the parish of Cummertrees, where its
41 unfortunate victim had to remain till the evening. On their return the other fishermen noticed Bryson's dangerous position, and could then have rescued him, but Bryson was confident that he would be able to free his boat, and get home with next tide. No further trace of the man has yet been reported, but as pieces of his boat and other articles - such as a raft, with which he had evidently tried to reach the shore – have been found there is no reason to hope that he has not perished. He was a married man, thirty-eight years of age, and leaves a widow and six children to mourn his untimely death.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 10 September 1886
Captain Barton - 41 yrs. died of injuries and two unnamed seamen. From the Barque 'Mary Graham'. Drowned 14 August 1886
THE DISASTER TO THE BARQUE 'MARYGRAHAM.'- Captain Anderson, one of the Norwegians who were picked up by the Mary Graham a few days before she encountered the storm in which Captain Barton was killed, gives the following account of the occurrence:- All went on right until the 14th of August, when we got a heavy gale from the WN. W, again. On that Day, having a big boil, I was unable to move my arm. I was lying in my bunk reading when, at about five o'clock in the afternoon, I heard a terrible crash and the mizzen mast coming down through the cabin in which I lay, I heard water falling through the main deck and through the way it came I knew that the vessel was underneath water altogether. It proved to be true for during a heavy sea her stern had been ten feet beneath the water. Not having time to remember that the vessel was loaded with timber, I thought she was going down. I was afraid of attempting to liberate myself by opening the cabin door, for in that case I expected the water would rush in and drown me. I was soon liberated, as the fore part of the deck house was suddenly knocked in by pieces of wreckage and timber, one piece of the timber driving right through the cabin. The steward was in the cabin with me, and had the same narrow escape. On coming out on deck I found a man's arm sticking up amongst the wreckage. I got him out, and it proved to be one of the men from the wheel who, when the wheel broke had been knocked through the aft part of the cabin and left amongst the wreckage. He was terribly cut across the nose and eyes. After going aft to help towards righting the vessel I and others came forward and discovered the captain lying quite dead alongside the house, evidently killed by wreckage. When the sea shipped, the captain had doubtless run for the mizzen rigging and was knocked down before he reached it. I then learnt that the second mate and one of the sailors had gone overboard. Two other men and the mate were also badly injured. The vessel only shipped one sea, which caused the casualties mentioned. Extract from The Dumfries & Gal/oway Saturday Standard. 4 September 1886
SAD DEATH OF A ANNAN CAPTAIN - Information reached Annan on Monday that the Barque 'Mary Graham', registered at Newport, but owned by Mr James Graham, Cail's Buildings, Newcastle, bound to the Tyne with a cargo of timber from Quebec had in her voyage across the Atlantic most extraordinary experiences. On the 14th
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August a severe gale was encountered and heavy seas were shipped. During the gale the boatswain and an able seaman were washed overboard, and in spite of all endeavours to save them, were drowned. Shortly after this occurrence another sea swept the decks and carried away a large plank, but by the next sea it was swept on board again, and struck the master (Capt. Barton) such a severe blow on the forehead that he was killed on the spot. Two of the seamen were also injured. The vessel suffered severely from the storm, her cabin being wrecked, her boats swept away, and her after hatches and part of the deck cargo being also carried overboard. Capt. Barton who was the eldest son of Mr. Barton, Watch Hill, Annan, was 41 years of age, and leaves a widow and three children, who reside at Gordon Terrace, Kenziels, Annan. Three days before the gale occurred the vessel picked up in lat. 49.20 N, long 36W, the two Norwegians who about two months ago left Christiania, via Glasgow in a small boat. They had lost most of their clothes and provisions, and all the life tanks but one were leaking. On August 5, in a heavy gale, the boat was turned over and left full of water for thirty hours, the sea being too high to get bailed out.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 3 August 1889
*John Riddick - 11 yrs., William Hastie - 13 yrs. & John Baird - 9 yrs. Drowned 2 August 1889
THREE BOYS DROWNED AT ANNAN. - A very distressing bathing fatality, whereby three lives were lost, occurred yesterday afternoon about three o'clock in the Solway Firth at Annan. Three boys - John Riddick, aged 11, son of Samuel Riddick, gardener, Johnstone Street; William Hastie, 13, living with his widowed mother in Lady Street; and John Baird, 9, living with his grandmother, also in Lady Street - had gone into the Firth near Summergate to bathe, and from information supplied by Andrew Shennan, a boy of eight years, who was in their company and was only a spectator of the sad scene, it appears that the boys, while playing in the water, had walked into a creek, of the close proximity of which they had not been aware. Shennan, on seeing them disappear, immediately ran into Annan and gave the alarm: but before any assistance could be obtained the boys had sunk. The tide, which was full at the time of the accident, having by this period receded, the men who had assembled waded in and found the bodies lying in the creek, in about four feet of water, life being extinct in all the cases. A very painful sensation was occasioned in the town and neighbourhood by the melancholy occurrence, and great sympathy is felt for the bereaved families.
Extract from The Annan Observer. 9 August 1889
*John Bell - 13 yrs., William Hastings - 10 yrs. and John Baird - 8 yrs.
DISTRESSING BATHING ACCIDENT- THREE BOYS DROWNED A sad bathing fatality, resulting in the loss of three young lives, occurred on Friday afternoon on the Merse between Summergate and Seafield, near Annan. Four boys - named John Bell, aged 13, residing in Johnstone Street; Wm Hastings, 10, Thomas Street; John Baird, 9, Lady Street; and Andrew Shannon, 12, Butts Street - had gone to the Merse for the purpose of bathing. They left the town about two o'clock, and went
43 to that part of the Merse through which the creek runs. This creek is well known as a very dangerous place. Its Sides are steep, and are lined with soft, slimy mud, rendering it very difficult to obtain a firm footing. It is from 6 to 8 feet in depth, and averages about 14 in breadth at the top. At ebb tide it is almost dry, but with a tide of an average height there will be a total depth of nearly 12 feet of water, while the course of the creek is quite concealed from view. Leaving their clothes on the bank, the three boys, Sell, Hastings and Baird, went into the creek, while Shannon remained on the sand above. From the account which Shannon is able to give of the occurrences, it appears that the boys all left town together, proceeding by Summergate road, and reaching the Merse about half past two. Here they amused themselves for some time until the tide came further in, and then they stripped, the creek at the time being almost dry. The three deceased ran along the creek to meet the tide, but the water suddenly rushing in, they turned and tried to climb the sides. The boys never cried for help, the only one whom Shannon heard speak was Hastings, who asked Bell to take hold of his hand. Baird was the first to sink, while Hastings kept himself longest above water, and repeatedly attempted to catch hold of the bank. Shannon then dressed, and ran towards the town for assistance. Near Summergate, he met Mrs and Miss Boyd of Petane, to whom he related what had happened. They accompanied him back to the creek, where they saw at a glance by the three piles of clothes that his story was only too true. Bidding him run to the town and inform the police and the boy's friends, they remained by the spot ready to hail any person who might happen to come in sight. The boy reached Annan at 4.45 nearly an hour after the occurrence, and Sergt. Moffat and Constable Menzies, accompanied by a number of townspeople who were more or less in a state of excitement and uncertainty, hurried down to the scene of the accident. Before a search could be instituted for the bodies, fully an hour and a half had elapsed, and the tide having then ebbed a considerable distance it was practicable to wade in the water. Two fishermen - Amos Walker, Butts Street, and John Johnstone, Scotts Street - went in up to their middle and brought all the bodies to the surface without much delay. A crowd of people had by this time much increased, and among those who had come from the town were Dr Cox and some friends and also some relatives of the deceased, for whom the deepest sympathy was expressed. Dr Cox, assisted by the police officers present, attempted to resuscitate the bodies, but it was soon given up as useless, as there were unmistakable signs that death had set in some time previously. The bodies were all found lying within a few feet of each other, and would probably have been in the water for nearly two hours before being recovered. Covered with a white cloth, they were conveyed to the houses of their relatives in a small cart, which had been brought from Summerhill. A large number of people witnessed the arrival of the sad procession many of whom were unable to suppress their emotion at the mournful spectacle. On Sunday, reference to the sad event was made in the various churches of the town, both in the prayers and otherwise. The funeral took place on Monday. The remains were buried separately, that of Hasting being interred at Cummertrees at twelve o'clock, while Baird and Bell were both buried in Annan Cemetery, the former at one o'clock and the other at two. A large turnout of the general public attended each of the funerals. A number of the juvenile Rechabites, under their superintendents, attended that of Baird's, of which body the deceased was a member. The solemn processions were watched in silence by numerous spectators.
* Please note that the two news papers are reporting the same incident although the names of the boys as reported are different. I have accessed the death certificates of
44 the boys involved in the incident and can confirm that the correct details are as reported in the Annandale Observer of 9 August 1889.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 23 July 1890
Thomas Connor. Drowned 20 July 1890
FATALITY IN THE SOLWAY- While a fishing smack containing six men was proceeding from Port Carlisle to Gleeson on Sunday afternoon it was overturned while one of the number was adjusting the sails, with the result that all the occupants were thrown into the water. Five of the men were picked up by another boat which happened to be in the vicinity, but the other - Thomas Connor, labourer, Watchhill, Annan - sank before assistance could reach him. The men who were saved all belonged to Annan.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 24 January 1891
William James Bell - 53 yrs. Died of injuries 21 January 1891
FATAL ACCIDENT AT ANNAN HARBOUR - William James Bell, quarryman, residing in Butts Street Annan, fell into the harbour at Newbie Quay between four and five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon and sustained injuries which proved fatal. He was in the act of stepping on board the vessel Try for some of his tools, when he slipped and fell between the vessel and the pier. In his descent his head must have come in contact with the quay or one of the piles, for when he was rescued from the water by means of ropes, Dr Black, who was quickly summoned, found that there were two large wounds on the back of the head. At the doctor's request deceased was conveyed home in a lorry. Although everything possible was done to save his life, he soon became unconscious and breathed his last about three o'clock next morning, the cause of death being fracture of the skull. Deceased, who was in the fifty-third year of his age, leaves a widow and family.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 21 October 1891
Walter Warwick. Found drowned 17 October 1891
FOUND DROWNED.- On Saturday afternoon while a little girl was gathering sticks on the shore near the farm at Waterfoot, Annan, she saw the body of a man lying on the beach. She told her mother about it, and several parties went to the place, and found the man, who was afterwards identified to be Walter Warwick, a labourer, residing at Brydekirk Village. He had been at Annan fair the previous day, but nothing further was
45 known about his movements after that, and it is conjectured that while going home he had fallen into the river, which was in flood. He was seventy-one years of age, and a widower, and lived alone at Brydekirk. The only mark on the body was a cut on the nose from which blood was oozing when the body was got, and it is likely it was caused by his face coming in contact with the stones; and as there was a few shillings in his pocket, there is no suspicion of foul play.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 15 March 1893
John Lawson - 74 yrs. Found drowned 13 March 1893
SAD FATALITY AT ANNAN- THE INSPECTOR OF POOR FOUND DROWNED. Yesterday morning, between seven and eight o'clock, the body of Mr John Lawson, inspector of poor for the parish of Annan, was found in the dam at the Old Quay, Welldale, Annan. At a late hour on the previous night the police were informed that Mr Lawson was that he had been amissing, and a search was made for him in the direction of Battlehill, about a mile and a half out of Annan, and in the direction of the Solway Firth, where the deceased lived. His coat was found lying at the roadside near Beechgrove, but when it was heard that he had been seen in the town about nine o'clock the search in that direction was given up. No trace of him, however, was discovered, although a diligent search was made. Towards eight o'clock the following morning the police were informed that a body had been discovered in the quay at Welldale, and on their arrival it was identified as Mr Lawson's. He was lying face downwards in the quay, with his arms out stretched and his stick beside him. It is not known how he had fallen in, but it is conjectured that he had wandered out of his way in the darkness and stumbled over the wall. As it was high water about half-past nine the previous night, and he had been seen going in the direction of Welldale about that time, this supposition is probably correct. Deceased, who was greatly respected in Annan, had held the office of inspector of poor for about twenty years, and had also acted as collector of rates to the Police Commission. He was seventy-four years of age, and leaves a widow, for whom much sympathy is felt in her sudden and sad bereavement.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 10 October 1896
Benjamin MCCubbin- 16 yrs. Drowned 8th October 1896
LAD DROWNED AT ANNAN – DAMAGE TO CROP- HOUSES FLOODED At Annan a number of casualties took place, and it is feared that a lad of sixteen years of age, named Benjamin McCubbin, has perished. Early on Thursday morning two or three of the Waterfoot boats went out fishing. The lad told his companions that he
46 would go and see if his father's boat was all right, and for this purpose he got into a small punt. No more was seen of him, and the punt was afterwards found upturned .... Other items of flood damage in Port Street and Annan
... From Waterfoot eastwards the ruin of the embankments was a common experience and the boats were strewn up and down the banks. Search parties were out yesterday along the shore looking for any trace of the missing lad. This morning the worst fears were confirmed, when, about seven o'clock, his dead body was found on the sands at Seafield.
Annandale Observer & Advertiser. 9 October 1896
The report starts with a picture of heavy and continuous rainfall, high winds and a tide of 21 ft 3 ins
An unfortunate occurrence also appears to have taken place at Waterfoot in the small hours of yesterday morning. It would seem that two or three of the boats had gone out fishing. Some of the fishermen who went down with that intention did not venture. Among these was a young lad, about seventeen years of age, named Benjamin McCubbin, whose father, bearing the same name, is well known. When on the way home he told his companions that he would go and see if his father's boat was all right. For this purpose he got into a small punt. No more was seen of him, and unfortunately, when the morning came round, the punt was found overturned, and there were no tidings of the young man. Up to last night there was no trace of him, and the worst fears are entertained.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 6 July 1898
Captain James Walker & Robert Ferguson - 20 yrs. From schooner 'Try' Drowned 3 July 1898
WRECK OF AN ANNAN SCHOONER - LOSS OF TWO LIVES. On Sunday morning, during the prevalence of a strong wind, the schooner Try, of Runcorn, bound from Liverpool to Annan, and belonging to Messrs Robinson & Sons, millers, Annan, with a cargo of Indian corn, was on her voyage down the river. There was a rough sea at the time, and it was noticed that the boat had a dangerous list. The Captain, however, proceeded to navigate the vessel so as to lessen the danger, if possible, and was tacking about, evidently with the intention of returning to port, when there was a heavy squall, the Try was thrown on her beam ends, and immediately afterwards sank in mid-channel between Waterloo and Crosby. Mr James Walker, the captain, and a young man named Furguson, were drowned, but the only other member of the crew, a man named Quillian, succeeded in keeping himself afloat until he was rescued by the crew of the tug Flying Falcon. He was brought to the landing-stage, and properly cared for. The reason of the sad occurrence is supposed to be the shifting of the cargo owing to the bad weather encountered as the vessel was leaving the river. It transpired
47 that Ferguson kept himself afloat until he was thoroughly exhausted, and sank in the sight of Quillian, to whom he had previously mentioned his helpless condition. Captain Walker belonged to Dalbeattie, and leaves a widow and five of a family. He was well known in Annan, and held in high regard. Robert Ferguson, who was twenty two years of age, was a seaman of Whitehaven.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 7 December 1898
James Rae - 51 yrs. Drowned 6 December 1898
ANNAN FISHERMAN DROWNED. Yesterday Afternoon James Rae, of middle age, residing in Sutherland Terrace, Annan; was drowned in the Solway Firth, on the English side, opposite Muirkirk, while trawling with his son John, a lad of sixteen years of age. Along with a number of other boats, they left home about six o'clock in the morning, and everything went well until shortly after midday, when in lifting a trawl rope he overbalanced and fell into the sea. The boy was so stupefied that he was unable to do anything to save his father, who, encumbered with heavy fishing boots and oilskins, soon sank. About sixty yards away another boat was fishing, and though, quickly attracted by the boy's cries, it was quickly on the spot, nothing could be seen of Rae. Other boats were called and they began trawling for the body. Within half an hour it was caught in the trawl attached to a boat sailed by John Robinson and Richard Woodhouse, about fifty yards from where he fell into the sea. Deceased leaves a widow and a grown-up family
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 9 December 1898
ANNAN FISHERMAN DROWNS - Shortly after midday on Tuesday an unfortunate accident took place on one of the Annan trawl boats in the Solway opposite Moorbeck, resulting in the death by drowning of Mr James Rae, a fisherman of middle age, residing in Sutherland Terrace. About six in the morning, along with several other boats, he sailed from Waterfoot, accompanied by his son John, a lad of sixteen years of age. Everything went well until about half-past twelve, when the boat was near the Bar Point, a steep and dangerous bank on the English side. To keep the boat clear, Rae had brought in a length of trawl rope, and after having got off, he was lifting a rope when his son saw him slip and fall into the sea. The young lad naturally was so overcome by the unexpectedness of the occurrence that he was scarcely able to realise what had happened, and was unable to do anything to save his father. John Woodhouse and James Irving, who were fishing about Sixty yards away, were attracted by the boy's shouts, and Woodhouse saw Rae in the water, his head and one arm, which he was holding up, being only visible. Woodhouse quickly brought his boat alongside, and though little more than a minute had elapsed, he never saw Rae again. The boy said his father rose twice before he finally sank. It is probable that Rae, encumbered by his heavy fishing boots and oil-skin clothes, was greatly hampered in his movements, and was soon drawn under. Woodhouse at once called other boats that were near at hand to lower their trawl nets, and drag in a line near the place where Rae was last seen. In less than half an hour John Robinson and Richard Woodhouse
48 picked up the body and placed it in their boat. It was thought that Rae had possibly been stunned in falling, but on examination afterwards it was found that he was not marked in any way. The tide at the time was at dead low water, and there being little movement, Rae's body was recovered practically at the scene of the accident. The boats at once returned to Waterfoot, and Dr Lindsay Howie was summoned, but he could do nothing. The Rev. George Hayton gently broke the sad news to Rae's wife and family, and remained in the house for several hours doing his utmost to bring solace to them. Several theories are advanced as to the exact cause of Rae loosing his footing. Perhaps the most plausible is that he was struck with force by the rope while unwinding it from the knob, as once this rope is loosened the weight of the net, and weight of the boat causes it to run out sometimes with great speed and necessitates extreme caution on the part of the fisherman.
The funeral takes place this afternoon at two o'clock. "
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 13 December 1899 ,.
Elizabeth Lawson - 70 yrs. Found drowned 9 December 1899
DROWNING FATALITY AT ANNAN. - The body of Mrs Lawson, the old lady who had been missing from her house in Annan for nearly a week, was found on Saturday morning. She appears to have wandered to the harbour and fallen over the quay wall and been drowned. The discovery was not made sooner on account of a freshet in the river.
Extracts from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser.
Joseph Bryson - 17 yrs. Drowned 18 October 1901
19 October 1901
DROWNING FATALITY AT ANNAN. "Yesterday afternoon (18/10/1901) a sad drowning fatality occurred at Annan. George and Joseph Bryson, fishermen, Port Street, Annan (father and son) went out as usual in the forenoon to follow their occupation. About one o'clock they were proceeding homewards, and were a little south of Newbie lighthouse, about two miles from Annan, when the son, Joseph, (aged 17) who was on the deck of the boat, was knocked over by the sail jibing. By the time the father had tacked his son had disappeared, and all efforts to discover his whereabouts failed. He proceeded to Annan for the purpose of obtaining help, and trawling was engaged in the afternoon, though without success. The sad affair created a painful sensation in Annan, there being a large influx from the country owing to its being the half yearly hiring fair. The deepest sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents,
49 who are highly respected in Annan, the father being precentor in the Congregational Church."
23 October 1901
THE DROWNING FATALITYAT ANNAN: RECOVERYOF THE BODY – On Saturday morning about eight o'clock Richard Houghton and his son Samuel, were out trawling for flounders in the Solway, when they discovered the body of Joseph Bryson, the young fisherman who was drowned on Friday afternoon. They had cast their nets at Howgarth, on the Scotch side of the channel, and trawled down to Brewin, and on hauling in their net they found the body of the unfortunate lad. They at once proceeded to Newbie, where a number of fishermen were trawling for the body, and told them of their discovery. The body was then conveyed to Waterfoot, and from there to the house of the parents.
13 November 1901
FATALACCIDENT INQUIRY: A public enquiry was held in Dumfries on Friday by Sheriff Campion and jury - with regard to the death of Joseph Bryson, fisherman, Annan, a young man of 17 years who was drowned in the Solway on 18 October. Mr Thomas McGowan, solicitor, attended on behalf of the relatives. George Bryson, father of the deceased, said that the two of them were out with the trawl boat. They were going home at flood tide about half past twelve and his son was standing on the deck washing the net when they were opposite Cummertrees between Powfoot and Newbie. The wind suddenly shifted from south to the north west. The sail swung round and the boom caught his son; he did not exactly see him but thought it caught him by the breast. It did not knock him overboard but rather carried him overboard. Witness reached out as far as he could but could just touch his foot with his hand. He was unable to get hold of him. The boat was still going on. His son could not swim, neither could the witness. The boat had gone perhaps 50 yards before he got it turned. He saw his son was sinking and called to him to keep his hands up. His son took his sou'wester off and held it up. When witness got the boat turned, he ran straight towards him - he thought he was going to run over him. He ran forward, got hold of the rigging, and reached out to him again, but the boat luffed with the wind. He managed just to touch the sleeve of his coat, but could not grip it. There was only the right hand out of the water; if it had been the left he could have caught it. Before he had got the boat turned round again, he had disappeared. William Nicholson, whose boat was 3 or 4 hundred yards off, said that Bryson had called to them that his son was in the water, but there was no wind at the moment and they could not get near. They afterwards got so close they could see him in the water and saw him disappear after every effort was made to save him. In answer to Mr O'Brien, one of the jury men, witness said he was unable to swim. Richard Houghton, fisherman, stated that the body was got in the trawl of his boat next day at the Brewing Scaur. Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence and directed their fees should be paid to Dumfries Infirmary.
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Extract from The Annandale Observer. 25 October 1901
SAD DROWNING FATALITY NEAR ANNAN - SON DROWNS BEFORE FATHER'S EYES. On Friday afternoon a sad accident took place in the Solway, whereby a young fisherman named Joseph Bryson, aged 17, lost his life. On Friday morning George Bryson, fisherman, Port Street, left home with his son Joseph to go to fish with their boat and nets for shrimps in the Solway. They commenced to fish about seven o'clock on the English side of the Solway until they came nearly opposite Silloth. They continued fishing there until eleven o'clock, when they commenced to drift towards Annan Waterfoot, but still keeping to the English side of the channel. About half-past twelve they had their fish all cleaned, and by this time they were nearly opposite Newbie, but on the South side of the channel. Joseph was standing on the deck with a bucket in his hand washing it down. The wind, which had been blowing strong, with heavy rain, from the South, had been gradually dying away, but it suddenly shifted to the north-west and caused the sail of the boat to jibe, and the boom striking Joseph, carried him overboard. The father thought at first that he could get him, but when he reached out as far as he could, he just managed to touch his boot. He cried to the lad to keep himself up out as far as he could, as unfortunately he was unable to swim. Before the father could get the boat round it had drifted about fifty yards from the lad, who held his sou'wester hat up with one hand. He ran the boat straight for him, but was afraid that it would go over him, so he put the tiller little down, but as he did so the boat luffed up into the wind, and when he leaned over as far as he could he only managed to touch the sleeve of his son's jacket. He then took an oar and held it between the lads hands, but he made no effort to grasp it. All this time the lad was under the surface with the exception of one of his hands, which he held up to the last. If the hand had been next the boat the father could have got hold of it, but unfortunately it was one furthest off. Before he could again turn the boat his son had disappeared. Reluctantly, and overwhelmed with grief, the father had to return home without his son. Trawling operations were engaged in during the afternoon, but without success. On Saturday morning, about five o'clock Richard Houghton, fisherman, residing at Upper Kenziels, went out to trawl in the Solway along with his son Samuel. They commenced an hour later to fish Howgarth, on the Scotch side of the channel and trawled down to opposite Brewin Scaur, a short distance below Powfoot. They here hauled the net into the boat and again sailed up to Howgarth, where they once more put out their net and came down to Brewin. On hauling in the net into the boat here they discovered the body of Joseph Bryson. This was about eight o'clock and as there were a number of fishermen trawling for the body near Newbie, they proceeded thither and told them that they had found it. They took the body to Waterfoot, and it was afterwards conveyed to the house of the parents in Port Street. The deepest sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents, who are well-known in Annan, the father being the precentor in the Congregational Church. They have received many letters of sympathy, among others being one from Sir Robert Reid. On Tuesday afternoon they received a letter of sympathy from Lady Reid, along with a beautiful wreath from her and Sir Robert, which was sent by special messenger. The funeral took place on Tuesday to the Cemetery, when there was a large attendance.
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Extract from The Annandale Observer. 13 February 1903
Alexander Bryson - 20 yrs. & James Hunter - 26 yrs. Drowned 6 February 1903
DROWNING FATALITY IN THE SOLWAY- TWO ANNAN FISHERMEN DROWNED On Friday afternoon a sad drowning fatality occurred outside the harbour at Annan Waterfoot, whereby two young fishermen lost their lives, and three others had a narrow escape from a similar fate in attempting to rescue the less fortunate men. Four flounder boats were out in the Solway fishing during the afternoon, and shortly after three o'clock they returned to the harbour. One of the stiffest south west gales that has been experienced for a long time was blowing, while a strong tide was also running. Three of the boats reached the harbour in safety. The fourth was carried up the channel with the gale and current and a short distance from the mouth of the harbour it struck on a sandbank and was swamped. The occupants James Hunter, aged 26, and Alexander Bryson, 20, stepson and son of Mr George Bryson, fisherman, Port Street clung to the rigging. Unfortunately, only Hunter was able to swim. The catastrophe was witnessed by a large number of fishermen, and two open boats and a whammle boat were launched to the rescue. The first to reach the scene of the disaster was manned by Louis Willacy, James Woodhouse, and William McEwan. Meanwhile the wrecked boat had turned over and the two men were holding on to the keel. The rescuers got to within an oars length, and one of the men actually caught an oar held out to him, but he failed to leave hold of the upturned boat, and the spar of hope was soon dashed away. To add to the excitement and distress of the scene the craft that was attempting the rescue fouled with the upturned boat and was upset. Its three occupants were thrown into the water, and they also were for a time in great jeopardy: but they were happily rescued. Willacy had been carried under the boat, and he was got to shore with difficulty and in an exhausted condition. All efforts to render effectual help to Hunter and Bryson were unavailing. As their boat sank and the water deepened, only their heads were seen for a short time, and the inflowing tide soon covered them. The whole of the sad incident transpired within little more than a quarter of an hour, and within four hundred yards from the shore. An effort was made to render help by means of spars from the land, but it was impossible to make headway against the gale. Louis Willacy, after being brought ashore, suffered severely from cramp and was in an exhausted state; but remedies were soon applied, and he has completely recovered. The others who risked their lives in the effort to save their comrades did not suffer any injury. A younger brother was drowned while out with his father's boat on Friday, 18th Oct. 1901. Now all three sons of the family have found a watery grave. A brother of Mr Bryson was also drowned in the Solway twenty years ago last month. The sad incident caused quite a gloom to fall over the town, and the sympathy of the whole community was extended to the bereaved parents in the calamity which had overtaken them. Sir Robert Reid, M.P. arrived in Annan at half past five for the purpose of addressing his constituents, but on learning of the sad occurrence he at once expressed his strong desire that the meeting should be postponed. He proceeded to the desolate home, to express personally his sympathy with the bereaved family and remained there for a considerable time, in company with the Rev. Mr Hayton of the Congregational Church,
52 in which Mr Bryson is precentor, and Mr John Holmes, one of his intimate personal friends. Mr Bryson has received a very sympathetic letter from Mr Souttar, ex M.P. STRANGE PRESENTEMENT- Both the parents were overwhelmed by the double sorrow, but Mr Bryson states that he was in part prepared for the blow. On the previous night he had a persistent and inexplicable impression, which he mentioned to several people, that Sir Robert Reid was on occasion of his meeting coming to their house to speak to his wife and himself on some subject connected with the boys. Another form of presentiment was connected with a journey to Edinburgh, which he intended to take on Saturday. He felt throughout Friday forenoon, when there was no apparent reason that he would have to send a telegram saying he could not undertake the journey. This, when he learned that a brother fisherman who lives in the same street had returned, and saw that his wife was coming towards their house, he went to meet her with sorrowful apprehension of the news she was bringing. THE SEARCHFORTHE BODIES - On Friday at midnight a large number of people gathered on the shore near Waterfoot to search for the bodies of the unfortunate fishermen, but no trace of them could be found. On Saturday the search was continued. The Creek and the Seafield Hole were dragged with lines and hooks, but all efforts to recover the bodies were fruitless. On Monday trawling operations were carried on. A mishap occurred to one of the boats thus engaged, through striking the mast of the boat which was sunk on Friday, with the result that some slight damage was done to it. PULPIT REFERENCES- In all the churches on Sunday reference was made, in prayer, to the sad calamity. Before the sermon in the morning, Canon Douglas said: 'The entire community is stirred with deep sorrow at the loss of these two young lives, and I am sure that this congregation will unite with me, joining with the rest of the community, in offering our heartfelt sympathy to Mr and Mrs Bryson in their sorrow, and that the congregation will all join in prayer this morning, that he without whose permission not one sparrow falleth, and who in His love and in His wisdom has seen well to call these away now and to call them thus, will bestow upon the afflicted parents that consolation and support in their sorrow, which He can bestow and which He alone can bestow.
Extracts from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser.
17 February 1903
ANNAN FISHERMEN DROWNED- A tragedy of peculiar sadness, involving the loss of two young lives,' and bringing such sorrow to a home, already heavily saddened by the toll of the sea, occurred yesterday afternoon (which was 16/2/1903) in the Solway, just outside the harbour at Annan Waterloot. Four flounder boats returned a little after three o'clock, running before one of the strongest south-west gales that, has been experienced for a long time, and with a strongly running tide. All save one ran safely into harbour. The last was occupied by two brothers Jas Hunter, aged 26, and Alexander Bryson, step-son and son of Mr George Bryson, fisherman, Port Street. The gale and current had carried the boat six or seven yards too far up the channel, with the result that it stuck on a bank a short distance out from the mouth of the harbour, and was swamped. The two young men (neither of whom was able to swim) clung to the rigging, and their comrades on shore proceeded with alacrity to attempt their rescue.
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Two open boats and a whammle boat were dextrously launched and scudded down the river under sail. The first to reach the scene of the disaster was manned by Louis Willacy, James Woodhouse and William McEwan. Meanwhile the wrecked boat had turned over and the two men were holding on to the keel. The rescuers got to within an oar's length, and one of the men actually caught an oar held out to him, but he failed to leave hold of the upturned boat, and the spar of hope was soon dashed away. To add to the excitement and distress of the scene, the craft that was attempting the rescue collided with the upturned boat and was upset. Its three occupants were thrown into the water, and they also were for a time in great jeopardy; but they were happily rescued. Willacy had been carried under the boat, and he was got to shore with difficulty and in an exhausted condition. All efforts to render effectual help to Hunter and Bryson were unavailing. As their boat sank and the water deepened, sadly their heads were seen for a short time, and the in-flowing tide soon covered them. The whole of the sad incident transpired within a quarter of an hour, and within four hundred yards from the shore. An effort was made to render help by means of spars from the land, but it was impossible to make headway against the gale. The bodies have not yet been recovered. A younger brother was drowned while out in his father's boat in November 1901. Now all three sons of the family have found a watery grave. A brother of Mr. Bryson was also drowned in the Solway about twenty years ago. The family are held in high estimation in Annan, and the whole community was moved with a deep feeling of sorrow by this fresh and striking calamity. Louis Willacy, after being brought ashore, suffered severely from cramp and was in an exhausted state; but remedies were soon applied, and he had recovered to a considerable extent last night. The others who risked their lives in the effort to save their comrades did not happily suffer injuries".
18 February 1903
THE SAD FATALITY IN THE SOLWAY- SERMON BY MR HAYTON PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL TO MR BRYSON. The Rev. George Hayton, of Annan Congregational Church, preached a special sermon on Sabbath evening bearing upon the recent drowning of two young fishermen in the Solway. On the Sabbath immediately following the sad occurrence the Rev. gentleman had by previous arrangement occupied a Carlisle pulpit. His text on Sabbath evening was Second Samuel, 1 : 23 - "Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided." Having discoursed upon the words in relation to their Biblical context, Mr Hayton proceeded : There are mysteries in Providence we cannot understand. There are people who have found reasons for this terrible calamity; they know the why and the wherefore of it. I can't, and won't profess to give such. When I went first into the presence of the bereaved ones I must confess I never felt so helpless in my life. After sitting some time, like those who visited Job, seeing how great their grief was, the passage came to my mind - "I was dumb. I opened not my mouth, because Thou didst it." I repeated the words aloud. Mr Bryson clutched at the last three words - "Thou didst it." And I saw they were more than a long sermon on being submissive to God's will. "Thou didst it." It is something to have got firm hold of a fact. A great deal is gained when the sorrow has been traced up to God. "Thou didst it." Ah, yes, the words are pregnant; they have in them treasures of knowledge for us. As we go round it we make discoveries. "God did it." Yes Then I know that infinite wisdom did it; God did it. Yes. Then I know that infinite
54 love did it. Another day I said the passage in my mind was "Lovely and pleasant in their lives; in death they were not divided." When I called on Wednesday last I found these words had taken hold of them, and the father repeated "Jemmy and Alick were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in death they were not divided." How appropriate! And yet how uncommon for half-brothers when grown up to be so lovely and pleasant in their affection. True friendship is best described by the same words in which true charity is described. True friendship envieth not, vaunteth not itself, is not easily provoked, rejoiceth in the truth, and never faileth. This aspect of their life has often struck me, and I have greatly admired it. Since their loss I have heard illustrations bearing out this. They slept in the same room, and quite recently Jimmy confided to Alick that he hoped this summer to be able to purchase the boat (now lost) from his father; that he had now got so many pounds saved from his two-thirds share in the boat's takings, and looked forward to that time with eager anticipation. Then the two, in all the confidence of truest friendship, discussed what would follow the purchase. And now these dreams of the future are among the "might have beens." We remember the afternoon of the fatal Friday. The gale while it lasted was fearful. Just about the time the tragedy was taking place Mrs Hayton and I were watching the spray and surf from the windows, and I made the remark, "I hope the fishermen will get in all right; it's fearfuL" And when my wife left the room I said audibly, "God bless the fishermen." I always feel a kind of proprietary right in all that is of interest to them, and an intense desire to be of service to them. I little thought when I uttered that prayer how much it was needed - aye, and needed on behalf of two of the choicest young men amongst my circle of acquaintances. I never heard anyone speak a disparaging word about either of them; but on the contrary, I have heard both spoken of by those who associated with them in the highest terms of praise; and that not when this catastrophe occurred, but when they were still with us. Who with an eye to the beautiful in character could not but admire in Jimmy Hunter the shy, kindly, unselfish loveliness and pleasantness that marked him in all the relations of his life. His spare hours from fishing were not wasted, as the "boat" he fashioned with his own hands, and which was so ungrudgingly given to our last sale of work, testified. I almost envy Alderman Williamson, of Carlisle, the possession of that boat, for my friend Mr Williamson bought it at the sale. I was shown another boat, in the house of a companion, in which Jimmy Hunter had taken great interest. He had helped by his counsel, and it may be in other ways in the making of what is really a beautiful piece of work. I am sure his companion who was the principal in its construction will never look at it without being reminded of his friend. Another boat he had just finished. And much might be said of the loveliness and pleasantness of Alick's personality. There was nothing of doubleness in him. Free, outspoken, bluff, but no unkindness in it. Where was there another whistler like Alick Bryson? I suppose that at the engineering works, where for several years he was employed, he was loved and respected in quite an unusual way by his fellow workmen. This was manifested in the spontaneity of the movement amongst them which resulted in the gathering of a considerable sum of money to buy some floral tribute, to place on a grave, which alas, alas, does not exist on land. That grave, as well as Jimmy's (for in death they were not divided), is one of the "graves of ocean." So beautifully described by Horatia Bonar in his poem, and from which our friends have got great comfort since the probability of the recovery of the bodies seemed to grow less likely. It is written from the words, "The sea gave up the dead which were in it."
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THE SEA GAVE UP THE DEAD WHICH WERE IN IT.
Deep down beneath the unresting surge There is a peaceful tomb: Storm raves above, calm reigns below; Safe, safe from ocean's wreck and woe, Safe from its tide's unceasing flow, The weary find a home.
Calm shelter from time's vexing winds, Sure anchorage at last! The blinding sea-drift blinds not here, No breakers boom the sleeper's fear, No angry typhoon hovers near; Their latest storm is past.
Done now with peril and with toil, They sleep the blessed sleep; The last wild hurricane is o'er, All silent now life's thunder roar; All quiet now the wreck-strewn shore; Tis we, not they who weep.
Who dies in Christ the Lord dies well, Though on the lonely main; As soft the pillow of the deep, As tranquil the uncurtained sleep, As on the couch where fond ones weep - And they shall rise again.
The loss is great. (1) To the family; to father and mother and sisters. The father's condition now is one which calls out our deepest sympathy. All the sons claimed by the sea - the need in the home is greater than it has been for years past, and the power to provide for the home's necessities less. Nothing has given me greater thought than how a livelihood is to be obtained by the breadwinner. Brought up to the sea, what is there to do on land with almost every occupation overcrowded? For himself he would face it again; but think of what it will mean to his broken hearted wife. It is, to my mind, something tragic to contemplate. Sixteen months already of intense suffering, and no likelihood that the heart will ever be cured of its ache. I doubt if true mothers ever forget their lost children. I wish to say a few words here, which I hope will not be misinterpreted, but I feel it my duty to refer to it. Whether Mr Bryson goes back to fishing or gets some employment on shore, it will be some time before he can do either, his wife's condition being such that he cannot well leave the house. We cannot forget that there are eight of them to be provided for altogether. The family are not in immediate want, but the circumstances are such that a little help at this time would be of service both bodily and mentally; it would keep them from that anxiety, which with sad blow they have received might be very hurtful. I think that the present is an
56 opportune time for the community to show its appreciation of the services that Mr Bryson has rendered to it. I am certain of this, that few towns-people realise what he has done personally, and also in conjunction with others, in rendering services to the fishing interests in Annan. Both by voice and pen (without fee and reward) he has fought for those interests; and Sir Robert Reid - whose touching kindness the family will never forget - has more than once testified to the fact that Mr Bryson has been of immense service to the Fishery Board of Scotland, when the Act prohibiting trawling within the three mile limit in Scotland, was before the House of Commons. I think the fishermen will bear me out when I say that our friend Mr Bryson was the one chiefly instrumental in making the Solway an exception. What I want to demonstrate is this, that in helping the fishing interest in this and many other ways Mr Bryson has benefited the community - for interests of the fishermen are the interests of all. Mr Bryson has in other ways contributed to the public good - politically and socially. Whilst precentor of this church he has at the same time always been ready to render willing service during the last 25 years in undenominational evangelistic services and meetings of various kinds - not mentioning the poetic gift which has so often delighted us by its contributions to the local paper. Mr Bryson would be the last man to approve of my making an appeal which would savour of charity; that I am not doing; but I do think that a testimonial from the community and all those who have directly or indirectly benefited from his labours in the past would be greatly appreciated at such a time as this, and would tend to relieve in some measure that anxiety about the future which must even now be harassing them. We could not expect the fishermen themselves to do much financially. They have been hard hit by the judgement in regard to whammling, and it takes them all their time to make ends meet. If this had happened five years ago they would have been the first to start such a fund. As honorary agent of the Shipwrecked Mariners' and Fishermen's Society, of which James Hunter was a member, I may say that the committee would doubtless do something substantial to help such a movement. The matter has been in the minds of many. I met one gentleman who wished to make out a cheque as a contribution a few days ago, but I desired him to wait until the matter had taken shape. I commend this to those who might lead in such a movement.
(2) The loss is great to their companions, both on land and sea, but specially to the fishermen. They will never forget it. It seemed sad that with so many within a short distance of the young men they should be lost; but it was not through lack of willingness and effort. In the short time between the boat running on to the sandbank and the young men being washed off the keel a great deal was done: and we are grateful that the lives of the three whose boat capsized were spared. God be praised! I for one am heartily sorry that through a certain reading of the fishering law in regard to drift nets that "whammling" has been stopped. Few townspeople realise the difference it has made to the fishing community. I cannot help but think that, humanly speaking, it was indirectly responsible for this calamity. The fishermen now have less opportunity of making a livelihood, as the decision throws all the fishermen to shrimping and flounder fishing. This makes the fishermen take risks in regard to weather that a few years ago they would not have taken. And, again, if whammling had been allowed as heretofore, several of the boats at this season would have been ballasted and ready for the sea. These boats are miniature life boats, and I have very little doubt that with such skilful and brave fishermen as we have at Waterfoot this sad accident would not have happened. Might I suggest that in future one of these boats be kept in readiness for emergencies? I am certain the Lifeboat Institution would, if
57 necessary, make a grant. We sympathise with those who have lost their comrades, and who since the accident have done everything in their power to recover the bodies. We pray God to shield them from harm and danger.
(3) The loss is great to the church and congregation. Both were members of my Bible- class. Aleck had taken twenty-six prizes for regular attendance at Sabbath School and collecting for the London Missionary Society. One of the last things these young men did for me was to help in taking the census of church attendance on a Sabbath evening not many weeks ago. It was done with willingness, which in Hunter's case was somewhat remarkable, as he had a natural shrinking from anything of that kind. Aleck Bryson was one of the young men who a short time ago undertook to raise a pound in sixpences for the New Church Hall fund. We shall miss then greatly, for we could always depend on their seats being occupied morning and evening. Aleck Bryson was the secretary of our Band of Hope up to the time we lost the Welcome Hall. The loss to the congregation is probably greater than we at present realise. One of the discouraging things in a country pastor's life is the drain upon the young life of the church in regard to removals to cities and large towns. This is the case here, and we are glad when a young man finds suitable employment in the district. It is to such that we look to take the place of those who have borne the heat and burden of the day. We have lost two probable pillars of the future Congregational Church in this town. The call comes to the young men who are still with us to consecrate their talents to the service of God's Church. These brothers were not on the roll of members of this church; but I am glad to think that there are those belonging to the Church of Christ outside the churches - those of the company the prophet foresaw when he said, "A man shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, as the shadow of a great rock in the weary land;" men and women who had found peace, and were one in Christ Jesus.
18 February 1903
PRACTICAL SYMPATHY- When speaking at Sir Robert Reid's meeting, on the evening of the day on which two young fishermen had been drowned within sight of Annan harbour, Provost Muir spoke of the trebly bereaved father - for another son had perished in the Solway fifteen months before - as one of the most useful and respected of Annan's citizens. Mr Bryson's services to his own class, by his directing counsel and manly, intelligent championship, have been great; and the town has reaped the advantage as well as the fisherman, the rev. George Hayton, in a very sympathetic sermon which he preached on Sabbath evening, suggested that, in view of the peculiarly sad circumstances of the stricken home, it would be an opportune and a gracious thing to make tangible acknowledgment of obligations conferred on the community. It is a hint to which we would expect a ready response.
Note The date of deaths has been confirmed from the two men's death certificates.
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Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 12 August 1903
Robert Edger - 25 yrs. (Captain), David Milroy - 26 yrs. (Mate) and John Marshall - 18 yrs. From the Schooner 'Mary' Drowned 8/9 August 1903
WRECK IN THE SOLWAY- LOSS OF THREE LIVES On Sunday morning a large amount of wreckage, which ultimately proved to be parts of the schooner "Mary" owned by Messrs. John Charlton & Sons, grain merchants, Bank Street Dumfries, was found on the Newbie shore near Annan by some fishermen. The vessel, which was proceeding from Liverpool to the Old Quay, on the Nith, had been caught in the fierce storm on the previous night and floundered, and as yet no trace of the crew, consisting of the captain, Robert Edgar, the mate, David Milroy, and a young lad named John Marshall, has been found. The storm, though of comparatively short duration, was one of the wildest experienced on the Solway this year, and there can be little doubt but that the crew have perished. The wreckage found on the Newbie shore consisted of parts of the deck, two jackets, some life-belts, and two hatches, on one of which was a postcard with the words "Mary, Dumfries," and on the other the name "Edgar". A considerable amount of wreckage was also washed ashore in Gillfoot Bay, Southerness. The pieces, which seemed to correspond with the description of the "Mary", included a number of planks, a "fiddle-head" with green and yellow scroll work, and the stump of one of the masts, broken off just above the deck. The mast probably went soon after striking, as it was splintered off. There was also thrown up on the Kirkbean shore, at Arbigland, a large portion of the side of the vessel, about thirty feet in length. The "Mary" left Liverpool at noon on Friday accompanied by the "Ocean Gem", another of Mr Charlton's ships. They were both laden with guano, and had a fine passage until midnight, the breeze veering from south-south-west to south-west. About noon on Saturday the "Ocean Gem" was off St Bee's Head, and at three o'clock she was abreast of Maryport, when "Mary" passed close. Anticipating a gale, the "Ocean Gem" beat down the firth again, but the "Mary" and another schooner, the "General Havelock", which had just left Whitehaven, held up before the wind. When darkness settled it blew with hurricane force, and as there was not water enough across the banks the ill-fated ship must have foundered and been dashed to pieces by the fierce storm. Meanwhile the "Ocean Gem" held down against wind and flood tide, the crew observing what they thought to be either the "Mary" or "General Havelock" at anchor. Undoubtedly this was the last seen of the schooner, her position as she foundered being to the north and east of the Solway lightship. The "Ocean Gem" kept down the firth and at high tide ran back safely. The "General Havelock" which was bound for New Abbey Pow with coal, also weathered the storm, but ultimately was driven on to the Blackshaw Bank between Powfoot and Ruthwell, and it is probable she will not get off for a considerable time. Her cargo is being taken off in carts. She is owned by Mr Kingan, merchant, New Abbey. Captain Robert Edgar was only 25 years of age, and was a son of Captain Edgar, Kippford, master of the "Maggie Kelso," owned by Messrs. George Wilson & Son, Dalbeattie. He had only sailed "Mary" for about six months. The mate Mr David Milroy, was a native of Port William and was 26 years of age. Both men were unmarried. The lad who sailed with them belonged to Brighouse Bay, Kirkudbright, and was eighteen years of age.
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Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 4 November 1903
Thomas Coultart - 49 yrs. Drowned 3 November 1903
MAN LOST IN A QUICK SAND - Early this morning Thomas Coultart, a married man residing in Scott's Street Annan, was returning from the river Esk at Bowness-On- Solway, in a cobble boat. The boat having grounded on a sandbank opposite Glasson, Coultart got out to push it off, and evidently stepped into a quick-sand, as he disappeared in a moment and his companion never saw him again. The body has not yet been recovered. Deceased was about sixty years of age, and had a large family.
Extracts from The Annandale Observer.
6 November 1903
MAN DROWED IN THE SOLWAY - OLD MAN'S TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE ALONE IN A BOAT FOR 8 ½ HOURS - The heavy toll paid to the Solway is still increasing. Year after year the loss of lives by the treacherous waters is deplored, and the sympathy of the community is extended ever and anon to bereaved relatives. Annan has already suffered a serious loss of life in this way, and yet one more was added to the death-roll on Tuesday night. Thomas Coulthart and Peter Hunter, who for a number of years have been employed as bridge-men on the Solway Junction Railway, left Annan on Tuesday morning to go to the Metal Bridge for their boat, which they had been using in conjunction with the repair of the bridge. On arrival they found the boat all right, and they proceeded to row along the English side of the Solway in the direction of Bowness. As they neared Port Carlisle they ran aground owing to the tide receding. Unless they made an effort to get into the run of the channel they felt that they would be in a disagreeable plight, as it would be many hours before the tide could float them. Coulthart, being the younger man of the two, got out of the boat in order to see if he could find the channel. He walked about 400 or 500 yards from the boat, the water in which he was wading being about knee deep. Hunter meanwhile was sitting in the boat, anxiously waiting the return of his comrade. As he glanced along the water he saw the outline of Coulthart's figure clearly stand out. Suddenly, however, that figure disappeared, and he realised that Coulthart was lost. As he sat there alone while the twilight deepened his feelings can be better imagined than described. Owing to the dangerous nature of that part of the Solway, Hunter was unable to do anything but await the incoming tide. It was about half-past four o'clock when Coulthart disappeared, and it was nearly one o'clock on Wednesday morning before Hunter was able to get away. On landing at Bowness, where he resides. Hunter reported the matter to the police. The body was found on Wednesday morning within 50 yards of the Solway Viaduct on the English side. The body had been in a measure 'sanded up.' Coulthart had had wading trousers on, and the filling of these by the water doubtless helped to drag him down to death. The body was first discovered by a platelayer named Sell, who resides at Newdyke, Annan. He was going to his work on Wednesday morning, and happened to look over the bridge. He noticed a dark substance which had the appearance of a human figure, and on making closer inspection he found that it was the body of Coulthart. He then got Hunter, who assisted him to remove it to Bowness Station, where an inquest was held in the evening. A verdict of 'accidentally drowned' was returned and the jurymen kindly handed over their fees to the widow,
60 who resides at 27 Scott's Street, Annan. Deceased, who was 51* years of age, also leaves a family of three sons and a daughter. The funeral will take place to-morrow afternoon to Annan Cemetery, when the members of the local lodge of Oddfellows will accompany the remains to their last resting place.
11 November 1903
FUNERAL - The Solway drowning accident - On Saturday the funeral of Thomas Coultart, who met his death last week by drowning in the Solway, took place to Annan cemetery, when there was a large attendance of mourners, including about forty members of the 'Solway' Lodge of Oddfellows. The Rev. Dr. Crichton conducted the service at the grave.
*The grave marker gives the age as 49 years
Extract from the Annandale Observer. 8 January 1904
Robert Lockhart - 41 yrs. Drowned 4 January 1904
ANOTHER MAN DROWNED IN THE SOLWAY. Disappeared Before His Mates Eyes Within the past few days yet another name has been added to the record of those who have lost their lives in the Solway. This time the victim was a workman in the prime of life - 41 years of age. Robt. Lockhart was the name of the unfortunate man and he was employed for a number of years as a joiner on the Caledonian Railway. Lockhart resided at Port Street, Annan, and had a wife and six children, the youngest child being only nine or ten weeks old. He left home on Monday morning about seven o'clock. Along with Peter Hunter and another workman named Nelson he went on the viaduct to replace plates which had become worn. The bridge is an iron one, and these plates which are placed between the rails and the footpath are 6 ft by 3 ft in dimensions, and are riveted together. The work had proceeded all right, and at about half-past ten the men were within five bays of the Bowness side. The rivets of a 'buckled' plate had been cut and the plate was ready for removal, Lockhart for a moment turned his back to the side where the plate was on, and suddenly stepping backwards he put his feet on the loose plate. The plate went down, and the other workmen were horror-stricken to see Lockhart disappear also. The whole thing happened in the 'twinkling' of an eye'. Rushing to the side of the bridge Hunter and Nelson were just in time to see the poor fellow rising to the surface. They threw him a plank. Lockhart made desperate efforts to reach it, but he was no swimmer, and he sank once more. Again he came to the surface and another plank was thrown to him, but again he failed to grasp it and he then disappeared from view. The tide was flowing, and as there is a current at this part, the body was swept to the upper side of the bridge. The water was icy cold and no doubt had a numbing effect on the drowning man and this added to his inability to swim and the fact that he was hampered with his clothes increased the difficulty of his being saved.
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The old man Hunter had seen one of his comrades (Coulthart) disappear in the treacherous Solway but eight weeks before, and his feelings may be imagined when he once again saw a mate go down into the dark waters. It was Hunter who found Lockhart's body that afternoon. As soon as the tide had ebbed, a party went in search of the body and Hunter discovered it about 200 yards above where Lockhart went down. The body was partly 'sanded up' and by another tide, it would have been well neigh impossible to have recovered it. An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon in the Bowness Station waiting room, when a verdict of 'Accidental drowned' was returned. The jurymen kindly gave their fees to the widow. The funeral, which was a public one, took place yesterday, when there was a large attendance of mourners. Mr. John Rutherford, Contractor, etc, Scott's Street, had charge of the funeral arrangements. Lockhart was a relation of the late M.W. Lockhart B.A.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 28 November 1906
John Baxter - 18 yrs. Drowned 25 November 1906
ANNAN FISHERMAN DROWNED. John Baxter, fisherman, son of Mr John Baxter, retired fisherman, Annan, was drowned on Sunday in the Solway. He, along with Beaty Hodgson, went out from Maryport in a small boat to visit the wrecked steamer 'Greyfield', and in returning the boat got upset and Baxter was drowned. His companion clung to the upturned boat and was rescued. Deceased went to reside at Maryport three months ago.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 30 November 1906
THE WRECK IN THE SOLWAY- RESCUE BY ANNAN FISHERMEN The wrecked steamer 'Greyfield' having been abandoned by the salvage steamer Linnet, of Liverpool, with the approval of Captain Bachelor, of the Liverpool Salvage Association, some of the Maryport fishermen undertook salvage operations on their own account. The weather on Saturday morning was not so boisterous as on the previous two or three days, but the wind was squally and there was a nasty choppy sea. The first salvage party consisted of William Baxter, snr. Wm. Baxter, jnr., W. Fisher, and D Hardon, who returned between nine and ten o'clock on Saturday morning with their boat well loaded with boxes, trunks and various articles from the wreck. With the exception of a bag which was lost while being transferred from the wreck to the fishing boat, all the crew's belongings have been recovered. Another party who went out were William Kirkbride, Snr., William Kirkbride, jnr., and Thomas Raby, who took an open boat in tow of their fishing boat. The three men succeeded in getting a considerable amount of material off the wreck into the open boat when a squall carried away the gear of the fishing boat, in which was the elder Kirkbride, and drove it up the Solway towards the lightship, leaving the younger Kirkbride and Raby to do the best they could for themselves.
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About ten o'clock on Saturday two Annan fishermen named Martin Ewen and George Haddon had left Maryport in their fishing boat with the intention of going home, and when well out in the open water they noticed something floating which they at first thought was wreckage from the 'Grevfletd', They headed their craft in the direction of the object, and on getting nearer saw it was an oar boat being tossed at the mercy of the waves and in momentary peril of being engulfed. The boat contained Kirkbride, jnr., and Raby with the spoil from the wreckage, including compass, clocks, binocular glasses, signalling flags, sails, two canaries in their cages and a quantity of other materials. With the greatest difficulty the two Annan fishermen got hold of the drifting boat and succeeded in transferring the two men and the contents of the boat to their own craft, and this being done, headed for Maryport with the rowing boat in tow. On reaching the vicinity of the South pier end the rowing boat foundered, but was dragged under water by the fishing boat up the channel to the corner of Senhouse Dock basin. Almost the same time Kirkbride, Snr. reached the harbour from the upper part of the Firth, whither he had been driven, and the two fishing boats were moored together in the dock basin soon after eleven o'clock. The fishermen reported that Greyfield was broken in two and down aft. Nothing was seen of the pigs, rabbits, or cats. A MARY PORT YOUTH DROWNED - The success of the salvage operations conducted in connection with Baxter and Kirkbride's fishing boats on Saturday induced others to visit the wrecked Greyfield on Saturday, with the result that a youth named John Baxter, 18 years of age, was drowned. The tug-boat Netherhall was also out in the morning in the vicinity of the wreck. It appears that Thomas Hodgson and Tom Dixon, each in their fishing boats, went out accompanied by Captain Tyson, of the stranded 'Greyfield', and two youths named Beaty Hodgson and John Baxter. The party had a small rowing boat with them with the object of establishing communications between the fishing boats and the wreck. On returning from the wreck one of the fishing boats had the small boat in which were the youths Hodgson and Baxter, in tow, when the boat was suddenly capsized. Hodgson clung to the overturned boat and was rescued, but Baxter disappeared underneath the boat and was not seen again. On attempting to enter the harbour Hodgson's boat grounded, drifted on to the north bank, and had her bowsprit damaged. Baxter formally belonged to Annan.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 30 March 1906
Richard Lupton - 42 yrs. Died of injuries 6 May 1907
ACCIDENT AT ANNAN HARBOUR - While Richard Lupton, along with three others, was engaged in the 'hold' of ss Fulwood, belonging to Messers Tyrer & co., in discharging cargo, two 3cwt, bags slipped from the hoisting apparatus and struck Lupton with considerable force. On medical aid being summoned, it was found that the unfortunate man had sustained fracture-dislocation of the back. Lupton was afterwards removed to Carlisle Infirmary.
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Extracts from The Dumfries & Galloway Saturday Standard. 31 March 1906
SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO A FISHERMAN- A very serious accident occurred to Richard Lupton, a fisherman residing at 83 Port Street, Annan, on Wednesday, while he was engaged in unloading a cargo of oil cake in bags from the steam ship Duchess at Annan harbour. He was working in the hold of the ship, along with another fisherman, and the bags were being lifted by means of a rope tied round them. Three bags which had just been tied, and were being pulled up, slipped out of the rope and fell back into the hold. One of them struck Lupton on the back and knocked him down. He was unable to walk, and on being taken home it was discovered that his spine was dislocated. He was afterwards removed to Carlisle Infirmary.
10 May 1907
FOURTEEN MONTHS WITH A BROKEN BACK - The death took place at Annan on Monday of Richard Lupton, fisherman, who in the end of March last year sustained fracture-dislocation of the back. He had been engaged, along with three others, in the hold of a steamer belonging to Messre Tyrer & co., in discharging cargo, when two 3- cwt. Bags slipped from the hoisting apparatus and struck lupton with considerable force. He was removed to Carlisle Infirmary, but subsequently was taken home, where he died as stated.
5 June 1907
FATALITY AT ANNAN HARBOUR - A public enquiry was held in Dumfries on Friday regarding the death of Richard Lupton, fisherman, who died on the 10th ult. as the result of an accident which occurred at Annan, harbour on 28th March of last year. Sheriff Campion was on the bench, and the members of the jury were Mr John Grierson, provision merchant, High Street; Mr John B. Macgregor, wholesale merchant; Mr E. P. Boyle, spirit merchant; Mr Alex McCourtie, Royal Oak Hotel; Mr Robt. Black, posting master; Mr S. P. Anderson, clothier; and Mr John Lauder, shoemaker. Mr Phyn, P-F., conducted the examination of witnesses. Mr Murray Little, solicitor, Annan, appeared on behalf of Messrs Henry Tyrer & Co., shippers, Liverpool, in whose service deceased was at the time of the accident; and Mr G. Mitchell, solicitor, Annan, represented his relatives. William Wilson, ship's carpenter, Annan was the first witness. He stated that on 28th March last year he was engaged along with Lupton and two others in the hold of the steamship Duchess at Annan harbour in unloading her cargo. It was a general cargo, and included a quantity of oil cake for Messrs Robinson, millers. Lupton and he had put three bags of oil cake in a sling for purpose of being lifted on to the quay by means of a derrick crane, which was on the deck. When the bags were about six feet up, and clear of the hold, they slipped out of the sling, and fell back into the hold. Lupton and he was standing in the hold that they were taking the bags out of. One of the bags which fell lighted first on some others that were banked up in the hold: then it rolled against Lupton and knocked him over. He fell upon other bags in the hold. He complained of his back being injured, and they had to carry him home on a hatch. There was nothing wrong with the fastening of the bags so far as he could tell; they were just fastened in the usual way. There was nothing wrong with the jib of the crane. A doctor was brought immediately Lupton was taken home, and he was sent to Carlisle
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Infirmary the same night. In reply to questions by Mr Murray Little, witness said that Lupton had considerable experience in this work; much more than witness The bags were being handled just in the usual way, and there was no carelessness on the part of the man who was working the steam winch. It was usual to sling up to three bags of cake at a time; indeed, there were generally as many as five. A bag often did slip out. He accounted for that by the greasy nature of the cake; and at other times the cakes were laid long ways in the bag, so that the sling did not grip so tightly. Some kinds of cake might slide down in the bags and make them not so firm at the top. - By Mr Mitchell: The jib of the crane was guyed to the shore. There was no man was no man on shore; there was only a man on the ship to work the crane. It was usual only to have one man. It would be very unusual thing to have a man on the shore also. He had been engaged at similar work since this accident happened, and he did not think two men had ever been employed at the crane. - By Mr Murray Little: The steam winch was on board, not on the shore, and not attached to the shore in any way. It was being worked just in the usual way. John Wilson, fisherman, who was working in the hold at the time of the accident along with Christopher Baxter, said the three bags seemed to surround Lupton and then knock him down. They struck something else first, and then knocked him down. The bags appeared to have been properly slung together. He did not notice, but they were always supposed to be safe when they called to the man at the winch to 'heave up.' He had seen bags slip many a time. They would weigh two cwts each. In reply to Mr Murray Little, he said, so far as he saw, the sling was all sound. They kept working on it the whole day, and there was no further mishap. Mrs Lupton, the widow, stated that her husband, who was forty two years of age, was in Carlisle Infirmary for twenty-one weeks. He was then brought home, and never rose from his bed again. Dr William Lockerbie, Annan, stated that Lupton suffered from cystitis, following upon fracture of the spine, and from laceration of the spinal cord and paralysis. William Wilson, Sen., harbour master, Annan stated that at the time he was acting as warehouseman for Henry Tvrer & Co., of Liverpool. He engaged Richard Lupton to assist in the disloading of the cargo. In doing so he was acting on behalf of Tyrer & Co. - By Mr Murray Little: He made enquiry regarding the accident, and reported to the harbour trustees that there was nothing wrong with the sling, and that every care seemed to have been exercised in the slinging of the bags. There was no fault attaching to anyone, so far as he could see. The jury in their verdict found that no blame was attributable to anyone. Mr Anderson, the foreman, stated that they wished their fees to be given to the widow.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 28 September 1907
William Wilson - 11 yrs. Drowned 27 September 1907
DROWNING FATALITIES AT ANANN - A sad drowning accident occurred yesterday afternoon at Annan. William Wilson, eleven years of age, son of Thos. Wilson, fisherman, Welldale, went a missing, and on his cap being found on the deck of a fishing boat which was moored at Annan harbour, dragging operations were
65 commenced. After some time the body of the boy was found in eight feet of water. It rested on a ledge about a foot from the bottom. The boy was subject to epileptic fits, and it is supposed that he had been taken ill at the water's edge and fallen first onto the deck of the boat and then into the water.
The other drowning was in the mill leat on the River Annan
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 4 October 1907
DROWNING FATALITY AT ANNAN - A sad drowning accident occurred on Friday afternoon at Annan. William Wilson, thirteen years of age, son of Thomas Wilson, fisherman, Welldale, went amlsslnq, and on his cap being found on the deck of the fishing boat which was moored at Annan harbour, dragging operations were commenced. After some time the body of the boy was found on a ledge, about a foot from the bottom. The boy was subject to epileptic fits, and it is supposed that he had been taken ill when standing at the edge of the quay and fallen first onto the deck of the boat and then into the water.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 10 August 1908
Michael Sharkey - 16 yrs. Drowned 8 August 1908
DROWNING FATALITY AT ANNAN - SAD SEQUEL TO BOY'S ESCAPADE. A distressing drowning fatality occurred in the Solway near Annan late on Saturday night, the victim being a Dumfries lad named Michael Sharkey, sixteen years of age, son of Michael Sharkey, labourer, 60 Burns Street. The occurrence was reported to the police by James Pearson, son of David Pearson, labourer, 26 High Street, who was the only witness of the sad affair, and who ran a narrow escape of meeting a similar fate. Pearson, also sixteen years of age, states that along with Sharkey he left Dumfries for Annan with the 2.1S p.m. train on Saturday. On arriving at their destination they walked down by the river Annan, and saw the viaduct across the Solway to Bowness. They decided to cross the viaduct that night, and they therefore retraced their steps, and spent the afternoon and evening in Annan. They again left the town about twenty minutes to ten, and proceeded to the shore by way of Summergate Lane. The night was very dark, and the lads, being strangers, had considerable difficulty in finding their way. On reaching the shore Sharkey suggested that they should cross the Merse for a near cut, and this they decided to do. Unknown to them the tide, an eighteen foot one, had begun to flow, and when they had walked for some distance they suddenly found themselves surrounded by water. They attempted to reach the shore, but found they were getting into deeper water. They then made for a patch of sand which the tide had not yet reached. The water was of too great depth, however, and it took them up to the shoulders. The strong current soon caused them to lose their footing. Both lads were able to swim, but in the darkness were unable to determine whether they should strike out for the land or the viaduct. Sharkey cried to his companion that they had better swim for the shore, and turned to follow out his intention, when a large wave swept over him and he
66 disappeared. Pearson swam with the tide, and reached the viaduct some distance from the shore. With considerable difficulty he was able to clamber up the side, and swinging himself over the top, he ran to the shore in search of his companion. He shouted and searched along the shore for some time, but there was no response and Sharkey was nowhere to be seen. The lad, who was completely exhausted by his thrilling experience, proceeded to a hay shed nearby, where he spent the remainder of the night. Shortly after daybreak next morning he again made a fruitless search for his companion, and thereafter set off on foot for Dumfries. He arrived at the town about one o'clock in the afternoon, and apprised Sharkey's parents of what had happened. The police were at once informed, and the news was telephoned to the officials at Annan. An uncle of the deceased set off for Annan, and along with the police searched the shore opposite the place where the accident had happened, but no trace of the body was found. The fishermen and water bailiffs on both sides of the Solway also joined in the search, but without result. This is a very dangerous part of the shore, a deep semi-circular pool extending between the bank and the viaduct; and it is thought that the boys must have got into it.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 21 March 1913
Samuel Woodhouse - 20 yrs. Drowned 20 March 1913
ANNAN FISHERMAN DROWNED- WASHED OVERBOARD A drowning fatality occurred on the Solway Firth yesterday morning, Mr Samuel Woodhouse, fisherman, Gordon Terrace, Annan, being washed overboard off his fishing boat. It appears that Richard Woodhouse and his younger brother Samuel have been fishing this week in the Solway Firth near Maryport, and yesterday morning they left Maryport harbour on their way across the firth to Annan. A strong wind and heavy seas prevailed, and when the boat was abreast of the Maryport tanyard the fatality occurred while the boat was negotiating a heavy wave. Richard saw his brother washed overboard and immediately disappear. So heavy was the sea at the time that any attempt at rescue was impossible. Richard Woodhouse was compelled by the wind and weather to continue on his way to Annan, where he arrived safely with the distressing intelligence. A rumour current at Maryport last night that the body had been picked up between Maryport and Saltpans, but on inquiry this morning it was stated that the body had not yet been recovered. Deceased, who was only twenty years of age, was well known in Annan and in the various fishing towns on the Solway Firth. He was a member of the National Naval Reserve, and held an interesting position in that arm of defence, being one of six brothers, all of whom serve in the Reserves. Much sympathy is felt for deceased's father, Mr Richard Woodhouse, who was himself for many years a Naval Reservist.
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Extract from The The Annandale Observer. 11 March 1921
James Woodhouse - 35 yrs. Drowned 7 March 1921
ANNAN FISHERMAN DROWNED - The Annan fishermen in the pursuance of their calling considering the dangers that attend it, have had for years a wonderful immunity from fatal mishaps, but one took place on Monday afternoon about three o'clock, when James Woodhouse, aged 35 years, was drowned during trawling operations in waters of the Solway near the entrance to the river Nith. He was a son of Mr and Mrs Thomas Woodhouse, Lower Kenziels, and the eldest of a family of twelve, of whom seven daughters and two sons are still living. James left the Waterfoot on Monday forenoon about eleven o'clock, and exactly how the mishap occurred is only a matter of conjecture as no one witnessed it. His father and he were working the trawl together. They had just cleared their net, and let it out again. Mr Woodhouse being in the stern of the boat, and James on the bow about 20 feet away, at his fathers back. Mr Woodhouse noticed that his son's portion of the net was running slack, and looked round to see what he was doing, having heard neither splash nor cry he never suspected what had happened till he had looked and discovered that James was not in the boat. In alarm he looked on the surrounding waters and caught only a glimpse either of his face or cap about forty yards away from the boat, and called for help. There was an immediate response from the other boats, and all round for hours the waters were searched and dragged with the nets, but it was a futile effort. No trace of the missing man could be found. It is thought that Woodhouse may have had an epileptic seizure, as he had been subject to them for over 30 years, and slipped off the bow of the boat, which would explain the absence of sound. He was one of the quietest of men, able bodied, and an expert fisherman, respected by all who knew him. He was also of devout nature, and a simple Christian Faith. As a mark of their respect and sympathy the fishermen did not sail from Waterfoot on Tuesday. Hopes in regard to the recovery of the body, at any rate on an early date, are not very bright. On the last occasion when a young fisherman was drowned it was nine weeks before the waters gave up their dead, and they did so about forty miles from the spot where the accident took place. On this occasion the misadventure occurred at a place where the sands are exceptionally shifting and might speedily cover the body.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 7June 1930
James Rae Hunter Weild - 17 yrs. Drowned 6 June 1930
BATHING TRAGEDY AT ANNAN - Last night a young man named James Weild, seventeen years of age, belonging to Annan, was drowned while bathing along with four companions in the Solway Firth, near the viaduct at Annan. The young man was
68 unable to swim, got caught by the treacherous current of the incoming tide. The body had not been recovered at a late hour last night. The young men who accompanied Weild were Tom Dickson, Bleneathra; Robert Wilkins, Carlyle Place; Davidson Graham, Bruce Street; and Robert Bryson, Port Street. His companions made heroic efforts to save him, but failed. Weild was an apprentice grocer, employed with the Annan Co-Operative Society, and was the son of Mr. J J Weild, Greencroft Wynd.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 13 June 1930
BATHING TRAGEDY- Annan youth Drowned - Fatality near viaduct. A bathing tragedy took place in the Solway at the viaduct, Seafield, Annan, on Friday night. A youth of seventeen years of age, James Rae Hunter Weild, apprentice grocer, son of Mr. and Mrs. John James Hunter Weild, Wynd Place, Green Croft Wynd, Annan, losing his life. Along with four companions - Robert Bryson, Port Street; Thomas Dickson, Blencathra, Hecklegirth; Robert Wilkin, Carlyle Place; and Davidson Graham, Bruce Street, Weild went to the Solway to bathe shortly before half-past eight. The lads entered the water on Summergate side of the viaduct about the time the tide was rising. They had been in the water less than five minutes when the tragedy took place. Weild and Bryson went further out than the other three. Bryson was swimming in deep water between 10 and 20 yards from the shore, and Weild, who was unable swim, was wading immediately behind him. When he was up to his shoulders, Weild, it was thought walked into a hole. Finding himself in difficulties, he made a grab for the shoulder strap of Bryson's bathing costume and pulled Bryson with him. Having shouted for help, Bryson made an effort to support Weild but finding himself growing weaker, he had to shake himself free and scramble to the shore, which he reached in an exhausted condition. The lad Dickson, who had been sporting about with a wooden stake, threw this in the direction of Weild, but it fell out of reach, and before anything further could be done in the way of effecting a rescue, Weild had disappeared, and was believed to have been carried away. The bathing of the lads was observed from the railway embankment by Mr. James Tait, Moat Road, but he did not think anything untoward had happened until he was informed by the boy Wilkin of what had occurred. It was then too late for him to make an endeavour to effect a rescue, in view of the dangerous character of the place, and he proceeded to Seafield House, occupied by Mr. Irving and telephoned to the police at Annan. Inspector Morrison and Sergeant Hendry, accompanied by Dr. Smith, were soon on the scene, but they too were powerless, as still no trace of Weild had been seen from the time of the tragedy. It was presumed that he had been carried under the water through the viaduct, and that he might have been caught in the stake nets on the Seaforth side of the viaduct. News of the sad occurrence quickly spread through the town, and a large number of people gathered on the shore. Between 10.30 and 11 o'clock - it was then high tide - a number of fishermen put out in a boat, and used a net as a drag, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Many of those who had gathered on the embankment afterwards dispersed , but a few waited into the early hours of the morning, when following the ebbing of the tide efforts were again made in the hope of recovering the body. It was not until 2.15, when the tide had almost subsided that the body of the lad was found at the spot where the sad affair had taken place. The discovery was made by Mr. A Woodman, Back of the Hill, one of the fishermen who was wading near the spot. The point where the body lay was at the side of a steep banking, which leads into what is known as the 'West Hole' about fifty yards from the viaduct. At this point, it was
69 estimated that the depth of the water at high tide would be about 20 feet. The body was afterwards taken to the lads home by Mr. G. M. Sweet, Seafield Avenue, in his car. The tragic occurrence cast a shadow over the town and much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Weild and family in their painful and irreparable loss. The lad was of a bright and cheery disposition and was popular with everyone.
THE FUNERAL - The funeral took place to Annan Cemetery on Monday afternoon, and was of a private character. The cortege was preceded by the male members of the staff of Annan and District Co-Operative Society, where the lad was employed. Mr A. Wilson, manager, was unavoidably prevented from attending on account of an important business engagement. Both at the house and at the grave the service was conducted by the Rev. Jas. Dobbie, minister of Annan Congregational Church. The keen sympathy which was felt for Mr. and Mrs Weild in their sad loss was reflected in the large gathering of the general public who assembled to witness the funeral and also in the many beautiful wreaths from neighbours and friends. Among the wreaths were tributes from the families of the staff of Annan and District Co-operative Society, Mr. and Mrs. Pagen and family, Wynd Place: from the neighbours; the chums of deceased; from Mr. and Mrs Logan, Charles street, and the staff of the Picture House; Mr. and Mrs. Geachy and family, Midlothian; girls in Annan Glove factory; Miss Jean Woodhouse Back of the Hill; Mrs. Irving and staff, Gracie's banking. Cloud Of Sorrow - Reference to the tragic event was made by Rev. Jas. Dobbie at the forenoon service in Annan Congregational Church on Sunday. Mr. Dobbie gave an appropriate Whitsuntide address from the text, John Vii : 39, 'For the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet glorified.' And concluded he said, 'We are met this morning under a great cloud of sorrow; even the glory of this Whitsuntide cannot dispel that cloud.' The tragic loss which befell Mr. and Mrs. Hunter-Weild and their family on Friday evening has cast its shadow over the whole district, and over the congregation in particular. Young Mr. Weild was adored in his home circle, loved by his companions, esteemed by his fellow workers, and respected by all who knew him. I am sure that every heart goes out this day to his father and mother, brother and sisters in their tragic bereavement and I am sure everyone endued with the divine gift of sympathy will imitate the saviour of whom it was said, 'Surely he hath borne our grief's and carried our sorrows,' and will fulfil the apostolic injunction to bear one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ. May God enrich us all so to do. The praise was appropriate to the occasion and a memorial voluntary was played by the organist Mr. James Sewell. At the service in the evening Mr. Dobbie spoke from Acts XXiV: 25, 'Go the way for this time - when I have a convenient season I will call for thee,' the text of the address bearing upon the tragedy. By request a solo, 'The Old Rugged Cross,' was submitted very tastefully and sympathetically by Mr. Fred Farish, a member of the choir. At the close of the service the congregation was upstanding while Mr. Sewell gave an effective rendering of the Dead March in Saul.
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Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 21 June 1930
Eric Hood - 13 yrs. Drowned 18 June 1930
NEWBIE DROWNING FATALITY- Moffat Lad Loses His Life A distressing tragedy occurred in the Solway Firth near Newbie on Wednesday afternoon, when Eric Hood, a young lad 13 years of age, who was wading about near the shore, suddenly stepped out of his depth and was drowned. The victim of the tragic affair was a son of George Hood, joiner; Milburn, Moffat, and was one of a number of scholars attending Moffat Well Road Church Sunday School; who were visiting the Newbie shore for their annual summer outing. About a quarter to six in the evening, after tea had been served at Newbie Farm, a number of the party, including Hood, went down to the water to wade, the tide at this time being almost at its height. After paddling about for some time, the waders all made tracks for the shore with the exception of Hood, who said that he would wait a little longer. All went well for some time, until someone noticed that Hood appeared to be in difficulties, but before anything could be done in the way of rescuing him the unfortunate lad disappeared. Efforts were made to secure the body, which was found about two hours later in a small creek, where, it was stated, the depth would be between seven and eight feet at the time the incident occurred. After an examination by Dr Elder, Annan, the body was removed by the ambulance wagon to Moffat. The place where the tragedy occurred is extremely dangerous at high tide, especially to strangers, as the veritable network of creeks and holes caused by the channel of the Pow burn are then covered and hidden from the eye. It is thought that while Hood was wading he suddenly stumbled on one of the innumerable creeks, and as he was a non-swimmer was unable to regain his footing. Had his plight ben noticed sooner, there is no doubt that the lad would have been saved, but he disappeared from sight before anyone could reach the shore to offer assistance. The sad event cast a gloom over the former happy company of trippers, as Hood was one of its cheeriest and best liked members.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. July 28 1933
Ivan Edgar - 25 yrs. Drowned 21 July 1933
BATHING FATALITY- ANNAN YOUNG MAN'S SAD DEATH CARRIED AWAY BY EBBING CURRENT A distressing bathing fatality occurred near the Solway Viaduct, Annan, On Friday afternoon, the victim being Ivan Edgar, 25 years of age, only son of Mr and Mrs Joseph Edgar, Beechgrove Cottages, Carlisle Road, Annan. Accompanied by a girl- friend, Edgar had gone to the Solway to bathe about 2 o'clock. The tide had been in and at the time he arrived there was an exceptionally strong ebb. He undressed near a wooden hut close to the railway line, which is now disused and which overlooks the
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Solway. Proceeding down the steep stone slope forming the railway embankment on the Seafield side of the Viaduct he walked backwards into the water from the shore waving to his girlfriend, who was also intending to bathe, to follow. On gaining deeper water he was then seen to suddenly throw up his hands and disappear. The only witness of the occurrence was his girl-friend, Miss Mary Warwick, 31 Scott's Street, Annan, 24 years of age and Mr George Stewart Hutton, Solway Junction, Annan. Mr Hutton was standing on the railway, and knowing the extremely dangerous nature of the spot, which has been the scene of drowning accidents in the past, he shouted a warning to Edger. Mr Hutton, however, was unable to make himself heard. He is receiving medical treatment to his throat and his voice did not carry. When Edger disappeared Miss Warwick thought that he was in jest and hastened over to the other side of the Viaduct, thinking she would see him there. There were no signs of him, however, and it then became evident that he had been caught by the powerful ebb current and carried away. A 'phone message was immediately sent to Annan Police from Seafield Farm, tenanted by Mrs Irving, and which is situated in close proximity to the Viaduct. Sergeant Gillespie and Constable Sinclear were soon on the scene, and with the aid of several of the stake net fishermen and others efforts were made to locate the body. It was feared that this would be a futile task in view of the strength of the current and that the body would have been carried away, but two hours later, about four o'clock, it was discovered by two fishermen, Mr James Warwick, Howgill, and Mr W. J Thorburn, Howgill. It had become lodged against the iron stanchions of the Viaduct near the water's edge, a short distance from the spot where he entered the water, and but for this it would probably not have been found for some time. The body was immediately removed and was later conveyed to the young mans home. News of the sad occurrence cast a shadow over the Town and the deepest sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Edgar in their tragic bereavement. Edgar was well-known in the locality and well respected. He had been out of work for a time. He was a well-built young man and a fairly good swimmer, and the reason for the non-appearance in the water can only be conjectured.
THE FUNERAL- The Funeral took place to Annan Cemetery on Monday afternoon and there was a large attendance of mourners. The service at the house and the grave were conducted by the Rev. James Dobbie, minister of Annan Congregational Church. The pall bearers were – Mr Joseph Edgar, Beechgrove Cottages, Annan (father) Mr John Edgar, Carrutherstown (uncle) Mr Wm. Edgar, Shawhead (uncle) Mr Ben Graham, Jedburgh (uncle) Mr John Graham, Kirtlebridge (uncle) Mr John Samson?, Butts Street, Annan (uncle) Mr W. J. McKay, Ednam Street, Annan (uncle) and Mr R Warwick, Scotts Street, Annan. There were many beautiful wreaths from relatives and friends, including tributes from the inhabitants of Watchhill and Howgill.
PULPIT REFERENCE- At the morning service in Annan Congregational Church on Sunday the Rev James Dobbie, prior to the delivery of his sermon from the words, "My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation and in sure dwellings and in quiet resting places" (Isaiah, 32,18) made reference to the tragic loss sustained by Mr and Mrs Edgar in the death of their son. Ivan was a member of their church and had worshipped with then a fortnight previous. He left home in all the vigour of early manhood, and in a brief space of time his life on earth had closed with tragic suddenness. No heart could remain unmoved in the presence of such a catastrophe, and he was sure he
72 could bespeak for Mr and Mrs Edgar, their family and friends, the sympathy and prayers of the congregation in their bereavement.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 29 March 1935
George Walker - 24 yrs. Walter Morgan - 34 yrs. William Adam - 28 yrs. Drowned 23 March 1935
BOATSUNK AT VIADUCT DEMOLITION – THREE WORKMEN DROWNED NEAR ANNAN- TWO BODIES RECOVERED Tragedy has marred the demolition of the Solway Viaduct, and the murky waters of the firth have added three more victims to their grim toll of the past. One of the most distressing drowning calamities in the district for many years took place in the close proximity to the viaduct, Annan, on Saturday morning, when three of the men engaged in the work of dismantling the bridge lost their lives, the occurrence creating a feeling of deep gloom in the town and neighbourhood. The victims of the accident were Mr George Walker, 24 years of age, Carlisle Road,Annan; Mr Walter Morgan, 34 years of age, Nellfield Street, Barrhead, Glasgow; and Mr William Adam, 28 years of age, Crewe Cottages, Craigleith, Edinburgh. DEMOLITION OF THE VIADUCT- The viaduct, which spanned the Solway from Seafield Farm, Annan, to Bowness, Cumberland, was fully a mile and a quarter long, and was for many years used by the RailwayCompany as a branch line for passengers and goods traffic from both sides of the Border. The line was closed by the Company fourteen years ago on account of the dangerous condition of the bridge, and has since remained in disuse. Some time ago the L.M.S. Railway Company decided to demolish the viaduct, and this undertaking was entrusted to Messrs. W. l. Arnott, Young and Company, Fullerton Iron Works, Tollcross, Glasgow. Operations in the dismantling of the structure have been in progress during the past year, and all had gone well until Saturday. The work, which commenced on the Bownessside, has proceeded apace, and the greater part of the bridge has been taken down, the remaining portion to be completed extending into the firth from Seafield for a little over half a mile. To assist in the carrying through of the work, the contracting firm have employed a certain proportion of local labour. Walker was among those thus engaged, and had been working at the viaduct for the past six months. Morgan, who had also been employed there for some time, was in the service of Messr Arnott, Young and Company, and acted as foreman. Adam, who held the office of clerk of works, was in the employ of the Railway Company, and commenced duty at the viaduct only a fortnight previously. The task of demolishing the bottom foundations of the bridge is carried out during low water, the only convenient period when blasting operations to split the heavy metal piles below the water can be undertaken in safety.
SMALL ROWING BOAT USED - A dredger fitted with a steam winch was formally employed for this work, but this method proved unsatisfactory and was discontinued. Since then the work has been performed with the use of a small rowing boat secured to the framework of the viaduct by a rope, and the columns and piles were raised out
73 of the water by means of a steam crane on to a bogey and tractor and conveyed along the railroad of the viaduct to the Seafield end. As a safeguard against any undue risk the rowing boat has generally been in charge of Mr Samuel Rae, fisherman, Back-of- the-Hili, who is among those engaged on the work of demolition. In the course of his work on Friday he met with a slight accident and sustained a cut to his right hand, the injury necessitating the insertion of three stitches, and he was unable to take his accustomed place in the boat on Saturday. Morgan and Walker were present at the whist drive in the Victoria Hall, Annan, on Friday evening under the auspices Annan Fishermen's Association, and left for home before the commencement of the dance. Saturday's operations at the viaduct involved lifting of extra columns forming the foundation of the structure at the extreme point about half a mile from the shore. Morgan was anxious to have as many of these raised as possible during the morning before the tide forced the suspension of their labours.
CHOPPY WATER - Up to fifteen minutes of the tragedy, Morgan and Walker were in the boat attending to the removal of the columns and piles. Adam at the time was on the railroad of the bridge above, but in response to a request by Morgan who, it is stated, wished to take his advice on some matter, he was lowered into the boat by the crane. The three men were still in the boat, when about 11.15 a.m. they decided to cease work below the bridge. The tide had been coming rapidly in for almost three- quarters of an hour previously, and lashed by the strong south-west wind, the water was very choppy.
BOAT SWEPT AWAY - The crane had just released its last length of column for the day on to the boqev, and was swinging round with the object of raising the boat and its three occupants to the deck of the viaduct, when the rope holding the boat to the bridge supports gave way before the strain imposed upon it by the tremendous force and severe pounding of the waters of the tide swirling round the bay columns. Before the men in the boat could take further action they were swept away in their little craft by the powerful current. The accident was witnessed by three of the workmen at the end of the bridge who were assisting in the removal of the columns - A Cain, driver of the crane, and W. Cavens and T. McWilliam, who were employed as acetylene burners - but they were unable to render any assistance. The breaking away of the boat from its mooring was also observed by the local squad of workmen at the Seafield end of the viaduct - A. Hunter, Seafield, engineer: E. MCGauchie, weedies Court: A. Walker, Back Lady Street: Donald Atkins, Downie's Wynd: and Sydney Brown, Ecclefechen. Mr Rae, fisherman, who was incapacitated from work on account of the injury to his hand, arrived on the scene about the same time. They quickly realised the grave peril which their colleagues were in.
COMPANY UNABLE TO HELP - All they could do was to look helplessly on, and proceeding along the shore they anxiously followed the course of the little boat as it careered swiftly onwards in the grip of the current, bobbing up and down in the billowy· waters of the firth. That the men in the boat were themselves aware of their dangerous plight was evident to the onlookers on the shore. Morgan was seen to take off his stormproof overcoat, and with the use of the single oar available, sculled vigorously to steer the boat to safety. Adam also picked up a piece of board lying in the boat to use as an oar, but this proved of little advantage. All three men were standing in the boat. The powerful cross currents and force and speed of the incoming tide churned up by
74 the wind made their task one of very grave difficulty, more especially as it was noted that the boat was being carried in the direction of the burgh poke nets, extending line after line into the estuary between two and three hundred yards apart, and parallel with the viaduct. Here lay their greatest danger. The nets are affixed to iron stours measuring nine feet in length and erected fully a yard apart-three feet of the posts being below the sand and six feet above. At the time of the occurrence the posts and nets nearer the shore were almost completely under water, but each line as it stretches out into the Solway rises in a gradual slope according to the nature of the sandbank. At the extreme points the tops of the stours and nets appeared above water varying to over a foot.
BATTLE WITH THE CURRENT- There was nothing of a heavy nature in the boat which could have been thrown out to serve as an anchor or a drag, and in his battle with the current, Morgan had to rely entirely upon the use of the oar to guide the boat along. The first lot of poke nets is approximately five hundred yards from the viaduct. The boat safely negotiated these. After clearing them Morgan succeeded in bringing the bow of the boat round to face the shore, and it was apparent that his intention was to manoeuvre it in that direction, between the first and second line of nets. As it was, the pressure of the current forced the boat over to the second lot of nets. When more than half-way down the line the boat was dashed broadside on against one of the iron stours, and was momentarily submerged. It was seen by the watchers on the shore to come up again with three men clinging fast to the little craft, now obviously almost filled with water.
BOAT DISAPPEARS- The boat was swept clear of the nets to the other side, but after being carried another ten yards, it completely disappeared and nothing more was seen of the unfortunate men. Had the boat been forced across the second line of nets a few yards nearer to the shore, the chances are that it would have cleared the top of them, as they were totally under water, and the men would, no doubt, have succeeded in their fight against the elements. All that was needed was sufficient depth of water to carry the boat over the nets. The danger would then have been greatly reduced, and the tide would in all probability have taken the craft to the shore. On the other hand, it is stated that if the boat had been swept against the nets bow on the force of the water would have carried it through between the stours.
RESCUE HOPELESS- Another rowing boat, lying about twenty yards from the shore near the stake nets, suggested the idea to the workmen there of attempting a rescue. S Raeand A Walker waded in waist deep, but the boat was beyond their reach, and they were beaten back by the incoming tide. Even if they had succeeded in procuring the boat their task would have been a hopeless one, as the strength of the current would have proved too much for them. Several of the fishermen stated that it was practically impossible for the most expert oarsmen to row against the Solway currents, and there would have been great danger of a second tragedy had a rescue effort been made in this fashion. All that the workmen could do was remain on shore and watch their companions drown. When it was observed that their colleagues were past all human aid, one of the men, A Hunter, hastened to Seafield Farm House, from which a 'phone, message was sent to the Annan Police, and Inspector Barnett and members of the local Constabulary took charge of affairs.
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WATCH FOR THE BODIES - The height of the tide on Saturday was 19 feet, high water being at two o'clock. There was a six hour's ebb, and until late at night a strict watch was kept by the police, fishermen, and a number of the general public, who gathered at the spot, in the hope that the receding waters would lead to the discovery of the bodies. It was thought that the bodies might be found against the poke nets, but a search made after the ebb proved unavailing. The only result was the finding of a hole in the poke net at the part where the men disappeared, and the conclusion arrived at was that this had been caused by the boat being forced through the network. The first indication of the probable whereabouts of the bodies was the discovery of the rowing boat at Port Stormont, near Gretna, about six miles from the scene of the tragedy. The boat had been washed ashore by the tide, and had suffered comparatively little damage. The broken part of the rope attached to the boat was also found.
DRAGGING OPERATIONS- Following the ebb on Sunday morning efforts to locate the bodies were renewed. Dragging operations were carried through in the channel by a number of the fishermen from Battlehill to the viaduct, but without success. It then became known that one of the bodies had been found lying on the sand near the nets at the Loch Fisheries, Eastriggs, about two miles away. The discovery was made about a quarter to eleven by Mr Robert Proudfoot, fisherman, who, while walking along the beach, came upon the body, which was partly buried in the sand. The police were at once informed, and the body was afterwards identified as that of William Adam by his brother, Mr Adam Somervile Adam, Carnwath, who along with another brother, had been summoned to the spot on Saturday, and had witnessed the efforts made in searching for the bodies of the unfortunate men. The body of Walter Morgan was found about eleven o'clock on Monday forenoon lying on the channel edge at Loch Fisheries, Eastriggs, over four hundred yards from the spot where that of Adam was located the previous day. The discovery was made by Mr James Pool, fishermen. Unceasing efforts have been made during the week in the hope that the body of the young Annan man, George Walker, might also be found, but so far these have proved unavailing. A large number of fishermen, local unemployed, and other people have taken part in the search, which extended over a considerable stretch of the Firth east of the viaduct. Dragging operations were again carried through in the channel at the Loch Fisheries, Eastriggs, where the other two bodies were discovered, were thoroughly combed.
REPORTED DROWNED - Mr Archibald Walker, Back Lady Street, Annan, one of the workmen who witnessed the tragedy from the shore, when interviewed, said:- A short time ago my people were mourning for me. I had been reported as one of those drowned. The accident happened about 11.15 this morning at the far end of the viaduct in the centre of the Firth. The men in the boat were having piles slung out of the water on to the bogey on the deck of the bridge by the crane, when, to my horror, I heard someone shout, "The boat's away," The boat was caught by the current and carried rapidly away." My workmates and I ran to the shore. I tried to get another boat to go to their rescue, but after wading up to the waist I realised it was futile. The boat containing the three men was swept over the poke nets, the tops of which at the far end were showing above the water. They had only one oar between them, and Morgan was struggling hard with it to work the boat between the nets to the shore. They would have probably about thirty or thirty-five yards to go to reach the shore end of the nets, and we thought they
76 were going to succeed, when suddenly the boat struck one of the stours of the nets. It went below the surface, but came up again, and seemed to wobble and be lifted over the nets by the waves. The boat was carried a few yards further on, and then vanished. That was the last we saw of the men. In my opinion, it was impossible for the most experienced oarsman to handle the boat with any proper accuracy in such conditions.
A HEARTBREAKING SCENE- Mr E McGauchie,Tweedie's Court, another of the workmen, said that everything was over within ten minutes. The single oar was the only thing they had in their possession to help them in fighting the current. The accident could not have happened at a worse moment, as the tide was not sufficiently high for the boat to pass over the nets in safety. Had it occurred ten minutes earlier the sandbank on which the poke nets are erected would not have covered to any depth by the tide, and the current encircling the nets along shore would have taken the boat in that direction. On the other hand, if the tide had been higher at the time the boat would have cleared the nets and all might have gone well with the men. Each of them was fitted with thigh-high rubber wading boots, which, when filled with water, would be a very heavy weight. It was heartbreaking to stand on the shore and watch; them drown without being able to do anything. Mr A Cain, Commercial Close, Annan, who was in charge of the steam crane on the railroad of the viaduct, stated that if the rope had held another few minutes the accident would not have happened, as he was just preparing to lower the hawser to lift the boat and the men on to the bridge. About eleven o'clock, he said, shortly before the tragedy occurred, Morgan and Walker were in the boat, and Adam was standing beside the crane on the bridge warming his hands at the boiler fire. At that time Morgan called upon Adam to go down and have a look at something about which he evidently wanted to discuss with him. Adam was then lowered into the boat, and about ten or fifteen minutes later, when the men were on the point of ceasing work, the rope suddenly snapped and the boat was swept away by the current.
THE VICTIMS - George Walker was the youngest son of Mr James Walker, fisherman, Carlisle Road, Annan, who by a sad coincidence is foreman in charge of the burghs nets where his son met his fate. Walker was for a number of years employed as a butcher with Messrs G.D. Vivers and Sons, Dornocktown. During the past three years he had been unemployed from time to time, having been chiefly engaged in laying under-ground electricity cables in the district, and for the past six months at the Solway viaduct. Up till the last three weeks his work at the viaduct had been mostly devoted to breaking up the columns and piles, etc, brought to the Seafield end of the bridge after being demolished. Since then he had been assisting with the dismantling work in the boat at the extreme point of the viaduct. He was of a very cheery disposition, and much respected by all who knew him. Only last summer one of his closest friends, Mr Ivan Edgar, Beechgrove Cottages, Annan, was drowned while bathing in the Solway at the viaduct. A brother, Mr Jos Walker, died ten months ago, and the other brother, Mr John James Walker, was killed in Belgium during the war. There are three sisters - Miss Bella Walker, Carlisle Road; Mrs Campbell, Stanley Place, Scott's Street; and Mrs Warwick, Howgill Bridge. Mrs Walker, deceased's mother died about ten years ago. Morgan, who belonged to Oxford, was a very efficient workman and was popular with the men. He was employed at the viaduct for about two months during the summer. He was then engaged for a -short spell at Dundee, but returned to act as foreman at the viaduct in September, and had remained there since. He joined the Navy when
77 sixteen years of age, and served as a stoker for eighteen years. He was a member of the Royal Naval Reserve, and was due to return to complete his training. He was a widower, and after his wife's death had resided, while at home, with his brother, Mr Charles Morgan, Barrhead. He leaves two of a family. Adam was also married, and is survived by his widow and two children. During the fortnight he had worked at the viaduct he lodged with Mrs Morran, Lady Street. The funeral, which was accorded Masonic honours, took place on Wednesday afternoon to Carnwath Cemetery.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 12 January 1940
Thomas 'Tom' Woodman - 79 yrs. Robert Andrew Woodman - 69 yrs. Drowned 10 January 1940
FEAR FOR ANNAN FISHERMEN'S SAFETY- Much anxiety is felt at Waterfoot, Annan for the safety of two well-known fishermen, Mr Thomas and Mr James* Woodman. They left Waterfoot on Wednesday morning and did not return at night as was expected, and nothing further has been heard of the missing men. Yesterday a number of boats put out to sea and searched the Solway in the hope of gleaning news, but they returned home disappointed. Mr Thomas Woodman was over seventy years of age, and his brother was a little younger. Mr Thomas had been secretary of the Annan Fishermen's Association for many years.
ANNAN FISHERMEN'S FATE. NO TRACE OF MISSING MEN - As yesterday passed and no news was received of the two Waterfoot fishermen who left Waterfoot on Wednesday morning, and did not return, the anxiety of the community of Waterfoot and surrounding district was increased, and the fear deepened that the two men had perished in the Solway. Mr Thomas Woodman and his brother, Mr R A Woodman, left Waterfoot about three o'clock on Wednesday morning in their five ton motor boat. The vessel was thirty feet long and drew three and a half feet of water. They set out a quarter of an hour earlier than Mr John and Mr Andrew Rae, who heard them starting up their engine. As events turned out that was the last they heard of them. There was a dense fog over the Solway. Messrs Rae proceeded on their way to fish for flounders opposite Skinburness Hotel, where the winter fishing is located. In the course of the passage they stopped their boat to listen for the beat of their friend's motor, but they heard nothing and as daylight came they could see no trace of them. There are two channels - one on the English side and the other on the Scottish side, and when the second boat arrived on the scene of the fishing without seeing any trace of the men in the first boat, they concluded that they had gone to operate on the Scottish Side. When they returned to Waterfoot and there was no news of Messrs Woodman they felt a good deal of alarm, but clung to the hope that for some reason they had been held up. Yesterday they made the journey again to Skinburness, and so far as the foggy weather would allow, made a close examination of all the big scaure where Messrs Woodman's boat might have encountered difficulties. However, no trace of the men nor their boat was found. Other boats also searched the Solway but without any trace of the missing fishermen.
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Last night word arrived at Waterfoot that as the tide ebbed the mast of a fishing boat could be seen some distance from the shore opposite Silloth, and it was thought that this might be the missing boat. It was arranged that a boat would put out in the morning, and try to solve the question. Mr Thomas Woodman is 79 years of age and his brother is 69.
*The newspapers printed the wrong name in this first report and it was in fact Robert Andrew Woodman not James who was lost.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 15 November 1940
Wilfred Woodman - 44 yrs*. Thomas Woodman - 60 yrs. And Railton Rae - 18yrs * * Drowned 12th November 1940
SOLWAY TRAGEDY- THREE ANNAN FISHERMEN DROWNED Boat Swamped Near Allonby - News reached the Back of the Hill on Tuesday evening of a disaster resulting in the death of three well-known fishermen - Wilfred Woodman, 42* years of age, Thomas Woodman, 60; and Railton* Rae, 18. The men left Waterfoot, Annan, on Monday morning to take part in the herring fishing in the Solway, and they used a trawl boat 32 feet long. It was reported at Maryport on Tuesday morning that a fishing smack had been caught by a sudden squall and been swamped. Its mast was seen above the water about half a mile from Maryport. Maryport lifeboat was immediately launched and manned by members of the regular crew augmented by fishermen in port under Second Coxswain John Ferguson. The lifeboat was driven at top speed into the teeth of the wind and seas, for the report stated the smack had sunk in the shallower reaches of the Solway not far from Dubmill POint, near Allonby, and the three men were clinging to the mast. The lifeboat made the journey and went in close to find the mast protruding from the water, but there were no men, and the mast was thrashing from side to side as the heavy seas struck it. There was nothing they could do except return to the station. It was thought a Silloth boat might have picked up the men in the meantime, but an inquiry brought an answer in the negative. The men have been occupied at the herring fishing for the past few weeks, and it was their custom to leave Waterfoot on Monday morning and return at the end of the week. The tragic news cast a gloom over Waterfoot and district, where the men who had lost their lives were well known and highly respected. The accident is all the more distressing as it follows so closely on the accident of January last when two veteran Annan fishermen, Thomas Woodman and Robert Andrew Woodman, two brothers, were drowned by the boat foundering on the sandbank opposite Maryport. The body of Mr R A Woodman was recovered after several months, but the body of Mr Thomas Woodman has not yet been found. The two Woodman's were married, and Wilfred Woodman is survived by his wife and three daughters, and Thomas Woodman by his wife and three sons and four daughters. Railton* Rae is unmarried, and is a son of Mr Andrew Rae, fisherman. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved families in their tragic loss.
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STOP PRESS- THE SOLWAY TRAGEDY- BODIES OF THREE MEN RECOVERED The bodies of the three men who lost their lives in the Solway on Tuesday were recovered on Wednesday afternoon in the vicinity where the boat went down, off Dabmill Point, Allonby. The ill-fated boat, which was named The 'Olive', was deeply laden with a heavy catch of fish, and being unable to make Maryport on account of rough sea, was proceeding towards Silloth. In Allonby Bay the boat was hailed by the Skipper of the Eliza Jane, also of Annan, two of whose crew were brothers of the skipper of the Olive. The latter boat reported "Everything OK", and said she would follow Eliza Jane into Silloth. The Olive was later seen from the shore to be foundering near Dubmill Point, with the crew clinging to the mast. In response to calls for assistance, a fast launch was put out from Silloth, and the lifeboat was also dispatched from Maryport, but no trace of the crew was found. On Wednesday night at low tide near where the boat had foundered, the three bodies were found by police and fishermen who were searching the coast. An inquest was held last night at Dubmill Farm, when a verdict was returned that the three men died from drowning as the result of accidental sinking of the boat from which they were fishing. There was no further evidence to show how the boat sank, but it is presumed that it was due to the heavy seas and the exceptional catch of fish which they had on board. It was thought that the sea broke in and the boat went straight down, only the mast being left sticking up above the water. Evidence was given to show that the boat was in very good order, with the best of tackle, and in charge of expert men.
*The age given in the news reports is incorrect Wilfred was 44 years of age as confirmed by his family. **In the original newspaper report Railton Rae is incorrectly named as William Rae
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 9th June 1944
William Beattie ‘Beet' Woodman - 36 yrs. Died of injuries 1st June 1944
SOLWAY FATALITY- Annan Fisherman's Tragic Death Mr William Beattie Woodman, fisherman Lower Kenziels, met his death under tragic circumstances while fishing in the Solway on Thursday afternoon. Along with Mr William Pool, Galabank Avenue, salesman with Messrs M Glasson, High Street, he went out to fish for flounders at Blackshaw Bank, in the parish of Caerlaverock . At four o'clock they had succeeded in making what was regarded as a very good haul, and they proceeded to draw in the net. Mr Pool was at the tiller, and his companion was at the other end of the boat. The former heard a shout, and on looking round he saw that Mr Woodman had met with an accident. He at once switched off the engine and ran to Mr Woodman's assistance. He then found that his right leg had been caught in the ropes and capstan, the equipment that brings in the haul. It was apparent that the injuries were of serious character, and Mr Pool's first impulse was to make for Glencaple with a view to securing medical attention as soon as possible. He, however discovered that at the state of the tide this was not possible, and he was compelled to return to Waterfoot.
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On the way back he encountered Mr Fred Woodman, an older brother of his companion. His boat was grounded on a sandbank but he managed to get off, and they proceeded on their way. After the accident Mr Woodman was conscious, but it was found that his leg was badly fractured at the thigh, and internal haemorrhage supervened. Within an hour he succumbed to his injuries. It was half past eight when the boat reached Waterfoot. The sad news created a painful sensation in the district, and much sympathy is felt for Mrs Woodman, their son, thirteen years old, and other members of the family. Mr Woodman was thirty eight years of age, and was greatly esteemed by the community, where he was well known. He is the fourth member of the family to have lost his life in the Solway, other brothers being James, John and Wilfred. The last mentioned was drowned on 12th November, 1940, along with Mr Thomas Woodman (60), and Mr Railton Rae (18), in the same fishing boat, The Olive, a 30 ton vessel, in which Mr William Woodman met his death. Mrs Woodman belongs to Aspatria. Mr Woodman was a man of fine character, and was a member of St. Andrew's - Greenknowe Church. The funeral, which was of a private character, took place on Monday to Annan Cemetery. The service at the house and grave was conducted by the Rev. A.D. Brown. The pall-bearers were Mr Thomas Woodman, Mr George Woodman, Mr Fred Woodman, and Mr Jack Woodman - brothers Mr T Duckett, Mr John Woodman, Mr John A Woodman, and Mr Fred Steele - brothers in law. There was a large number of floral tributes from relatives and friends. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs K Chalmers and Co., Annan..
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 8 June 1945
John Joseph Thompson * - 40 yrs. Drowned 8th June 1945
ANNAN FARMER DROWNED - A distressing occurrence took place on Friday evening in the Solway, opposite Seafield, near Annan, resulting in the death by drowning of John Joseph Thomson, farmer, Toppinghall. About half-past eight Thomson, who was 40 years of age, was engaged in haaf net fishing along with James Rae, boilermaker, 10 Ednam Street, Annan. The part where the men were fishing is a dangerous one owing to the shifting sands. Suddenly Rae found him-self in deep water. Thomson went to his rescue, and by putting the frames of their nets together they managed to keep afloat for some time. Thomson gave a cry, "I can hold on no longer," and went down. Three fishermen from Bowness who were some distance away got a boat and went to the rescue, and got both men. They were taken to the shore and Rae revived. Artificial respiration was continued for some time on Thomson, but without success. Thomson is survived by his wife and two daughters aged 16 and 18.
* In the newspaper the ‘P’ is omitted from Mr Thompsons name. the correct spelling has been confirmed from the death certificate
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Extract from The Annandale Observer - 21 November 1947
Emily 'Emma' Rae - 60 yrs. Drowned 18 November 1947
WOMAN'S TRAGIC DEATH - Mrs Emily Rae, 4 Sutherland Terrace Back of the Hill, Annan was found dead on the Merse about a mile from her house on Tuesday morning. Mrs Rae who was about 60 years of age had been in bad health for some time. Her husband went fishing about 5.30 that morning leaving her in the house alone. A sister-in-Law came to the house, found her gone, and raised the alarm. A number of fisherman organised a search party and her body was found washed up on the shore. Mrs Rae sustained a severe loss by the death of her son some months ago. Much sympathy will be felt for Mr. Rae in his bereavement.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 4 March 1960
William 'Billy' Denner - 15 yrs. Died of injuries 2 March 1960
"CHANCEIN A MILLION ACCIDENT" - Annan Boy Dies on Way to Hospital Ginger haired, 15 year old William Denner, of Annan, died on his way to hospital after a "chance in a million" accident as he worked. It happened on Wednesday when he was working with a pile of wooden fishing stakes - they toppled over and he was hit on the head by one. One of the fishermen he was working with John Newlands of Newbie Bams, said there were nine men and Billy, as he was better known, removing the stakes from a pile of about three hundred. They were each carrying away a stake from the cone-shaped pile to sort them into different sizes. "Billy was last to take one and we had all moved off when one of the men glanced back and saw the pile collapse. He shouted a warning, but it was too late. They ran back and found Billy pinned by three stakes. He was unconscious and had a head injury. A doctor was called, and then an ambulance, but Billy died on his way to hospital. The stakes were being used for the erection of stake nets belonging to the Newbie Salmon Fisheries, Ltd, and the pile of 15 ft stakes weighed about six tons. Mr Newlands said:- " The stakes have been stacked in this cone shaped fashion for a century and I have never known of an accident before". A spokesman for the firm commented: "it was a chance in a million accident" Billy, of 13 Newington Avenue, was the eldest of a family of three boys and three girls. He left school at Christmas and worked for a time delivering milk before he took this job five weeks ago.
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Extract from The Annandale Observer. 28 July 1961
Elizabeth 'Betty' Airlie - 11 yrs. Drowned 21 July 1961
SCHOOL GIRL DROWNED IN SOLWAY- BODY FOUND IN NETS The Solway has claimed another victim. An 11 year old school girl, Betty Airlie, of 19 Muirbeck Road, Newbie, Annan, was drowned last Friday afternoon while playing in the water at Newbie Barns, only a mile or so from her home. Her body was recovered early on Saturday morning. The stretch of sand and shingle near the fishermen's salmon nets is a favourite spot for Newbie children, and Betty had played there for years. She had gone there early on Friday afternoon just as the tide was on the turn. She and her best friend Marion Newlands, of Newbie Barns were in the water with three other girls. The two friends, neither of whom could swim, were playing in water well within their depth, seeing who could jump the highest. "I jumped up and went under the water", said Marion, "and so did Betty, when she came up, she suddenly fell backwards and went under. I tried to get hold of her, and managed to catch her hand, but she didn't seem able to grip it. Then she was carried away from me by the current. I could hardly get out of the water myself to tell the others, the current was so strong." Little Linda Panzac ran to tell the boys further up the shore that Betty was in difficulties. Ten year old Robert Barr fetched his father, Mr John Barr, a foreman welder, who lives at Three Trees Road Newbie. Mr Barr was on the bank above the shore and was on the scene within a very few minutes, but there was no sign of Betty in the muddy water. He ran fully clothed into the water in a desperate effort to rescue the girl. Fishermen continued the search for Betty, but the water was rising and it was obvious that no more could be done at the time. They thought it possible that she had been swept out into the deep channel where the current was running swiftly. But in the early hours of Saturday morning the fishermen recovered her body from the salmon nets. Betty's father works in Chaplecross Power Station, and he and his wife have three other children, two boys and a girl. Betty was in her first year in the Secondary department at Annan Academy.
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 15 December 1961
George William Irving - 72 yrs. & James Chalmers - 54 yrs. From the boat 'The Jean' Drowned 13 December 1961
ANNAN FISHERMEN LOST IN SOLWAY TRAGEDY Annan's fishing community has been stunned by the tragic loss of two of its best known fishermen who on Wednesday went missing, presumed drowned, in the Solway. The two men, Mr George W Irving, who at 72 was Annan's oldest fisherman, and his brother-in-law, 54 year old Mr James Chalmers lived next door to each other at 5 and 6 Sutherland Terrace.
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They left about 5 am on Wednesday morning in their 32 foot trawler, the 'Jean' to go shrimping and were due back up in the early afternoon. Shortly before mid-day, boats of the Silloth fleet found wreckage - an engine hatch, a mast and a boiler lid with the name of Chalmers on it which they recognised as belonging to an Annan boat. The Workington lifeboat, which was on exercise with the district inspector of lifeboats, Commander Leslie Hill, on board, was alerted by the coastguard, and searched the area for three hours. They were hampered by rough seas, poor visibility and driving rain and when they finally gave up the search at 7 pm they had found no trace of the men or wreckage. Annan fishermen, some of whom had also been out shrimping on Wednesday morning set out in the afternoon to aid the search. They returned after dark with no news of the missing men, and hope gradually disappeared. It is not yet clear what happened to the 'Jean' in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Heavy rain was falling and visibility was very poor and it is surmised there was a collision in which the trawler was broken up. They may have run into the sandbank called Robin Rigg, about seven miles north of Workington, or a marker buoy near Silloth, or some large pieces of driftwood brought down by flooding rivers. Even if the men managed to stay afloat on the crippled craft, there was little chance of their surviving long in the adverse conditions, Lifeboats were not called out again yesterday in what appeared to be a hopeless mission. Instead the search was concentrated on the Cumberland and Dumfriesshire coasts, Police ask everyone on the coast to keep a look-out for any traces of the missing men. Annan fishermen were out searching again yesterday and found one of the oars. They also had a look at the buoy near Silloth and Mr John Willacy said last night that there was evidence that a boat had been in contact with it. George Irving was one of Annan's most experienced fishermen. He had the 'Jean' built in 1912 and fished in her almost continuously since, with a break during the First World War when he served with the Royal Naval Reserve. He was the eldest of a family of ten, and James Chalmers married his youngest sister. After the Second World War, Mr Chalmers, who had previously been a baker with the Co-operative Society, joined Mr Irving and they had fished together in the 'Joan' ever since. Originally a sailing ship, the 'Jean' was converted to diesel and fitted out with modem equipment. Mr Irving was a former member of Annan Town Council, serving for six years, and he did much work for fishermen, he was local agent for the Shipwrecked Mariners Society. Both men were married, and Mr Chalmers had three children, two of whom George and *Vina, are married, the youngest, **Isabel, is sixteen years of age. Mr Irving and Mr Chalmers were much respected and well-loved citizens of Annan and the sympathy of everyone in the town will go out to their wives and families in their time of anxiety and sorrow.
* Vena ** Isabelle
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Extract from The Annandale Observer. 7 January 1966
Joseph 'Joe' Rae Wilson - 64 yrs. Drowned 5 January 1966
ANNAN THURSDAY - SEARCH FOR ANNAN PILOT IN SOLWAY The search, continues today for one of the best known pilots on the Solway Firth, Mr Joe Wilson, Waterfoot Road, Annan, who was lost in the Solway off Workington on Wednesday night. Mr Wilson, a Trinity House pilot for nearly thirty years, was boarding the motor vessel Basildon leaving Workington on the night tide for Silloth from his pilot boat when it is believed he fell from the boarding ladder into the sea. The sea was rough at the time, and although he managed to get an arm through a life buoy which was thrown to him he disappeared. Workington lifeboat was alerted and with the pilot boat searched for over five hours but were unable to find any trace of Mr Wilson. Annan fishermen continue the search as we go to press
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 30th April 1971
Fredrick 'Fred' Woodman - 20 yrs. Drowned 27 April 1971
ANNAN FISHERMAN DROWNED - A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday evening about 10 o'clock. When 20 year old Fred Woodman of Rigg View, Back of the Hill, Annan, was swept into the sea and drowned when fishing with the Annan trawler "Alice Wood" 10 miles out from Kirkcudbright Bay. The boat set out on Tuesday with Fred acting as skipper of a four man crew, David Monk and Eric Hollis, both from Annan, and Byron Anderson and Michael Cwynar from Dumfries. The sea was not really rough at the time, but quite choppy. The accident happened as the crew were shooting their last dredge for shellfish. It is the custom to shoot three dredges one after the other. David Monk, who joined the boat on Monday after leaving Newbie Works, said that the normal practice was for the skipper to stand on the rope to keep the dredge from turning, and Fred left the wheel house for this purpose. Said David, "It looks like he got his foot caught and it took him overboard." Byron Anderson, aged 19, said he heard a shout but Fred was overboard when he looked. David Monk said, "We kept Fred in sight for two or three minutes but we could not turn quickly because the two dredges which were out would have fouled our propeller and rudder. Fred was wearing ordinary clothes and had no sea boots on. We turned the boat round slowly and made for where we thought Fred had been. Obviously there was a strong tide running and we must have missed him. A sister boat, "Marwood", was in the area and both boats searched, but to no avail. An S.O.S. was sent out to the coast-guard. The Kirkcudbright lifeboat was called out and a search was carried on all night. At daybreak an R.A.F. helicopter joined in.
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Normally Fred fished with his father, Mr John Woodman, but on this occasion his father was unable to take charge because of illness in the family. Fred was a trained fisherman. Mr Fred Woodman, his 68 year old, grandfather, who has lost three brothers through drowning in the Solway Firth or the Irish Sea in the last 40 years, said, "The lad was a good swimmer and he must have been knocked unconscious as he was dragged overboard." Young Fred was an only son and much sympathy will be felt for his family and for his fiancee, Miss Rosina Dalgleish, Matheson Terrace, who works at James North. It is understood they were going to get married next year.
Extract from The Daily Record. Thursday 29th April 1971.
TRAGEDY OF YOUNG SKIPPER WHO MADE THE SEA HIS LIFE By Frank Ryan Rosena Dalgleish sat at home yesterday as an air-sea search went on for the young fisherman she was to marry next year. But after an all-day hunt, 20 year old Fred Woodman was officially reported "missing, presumed drowned." Fred, acting skipper of his father's trawler, Allis Wood, fell overboard in the Solway Firth late on Tuesday night. He was seen to surface once. Then he disappeared. The four crew members immediately began searching for him. Kirkcudbright lifeboat and the fishing boat Marwood, skippered by Fred's uncle, Jim Woodman, also joined in the search. A helicopter and two ferries continued the hunt yesterday, but later it was called off. The 53-foot Allis Wood was usually skippered by Fred's father, 44 year old John Woodman.
WAITING - But when Fred and the crew set off last Sunday he stayed behind because his wife was ill. Mr Woodman of Riggview, Annan, was waiting at Kirkcudbright harbour for the boat to return on Tuesday night when he heard someone had fallen overboard. He did not learn it was his son till the crew came ashore. Fred's grandfather, Mr Fred Woodman of Firthside, Annan, said yesterday: "He was a very experienced fisherman." "He had been going on boats since he was a boy, and he was very much at home on them."
Rosena, who had been going out with Fred for three years, was being comforted by friends yesterday at her home at 4 Matheson Terrace, Annan.
PLANS - Her mother, Mrs Agnes Dalgleish said: "Fred called here by ship-to-shore phone at 6.30 on Tuesday night. "But Rosena was at work and he said he would phone again at 1l.30. She waited for the call, but it never came." "Fred often used to call up when he was out on a trip. He and Rosena were planning to wed next year."
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Extract from The Annandale Observer - 4 July 1980
George Willacy - 75* yrs. Drowned 30 June 1980
SEARCH FOR MISSING FISHERMAN DRAWS A BLANK - An Annan fisherman was still missing and feared drowned yesterday after a full scale search of the Solway Firth. 75 year old Mr. George Willacy, of 10 Waterfoot Road, was washed out to sea as he opened his poke net in the River Annan estuary at Waterfoot on Monday Morning. A fellow fisherman, who witnessed the accident, told the 'Observer' afterwards; 'There were several of us working on the haaf-nets close by when we saw Mr. Willacy slump forward as if he had lost his footing. He appeared to become stuck in the net for a time and was then carried out on the outgoing tide.' He added, 'Several of us tried to reach him but there was little we could do.' A full scale air-sea search was launched involving a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from Prestwick, the Coast Guard, Police and local fishermen, including members of Mr. Willacy's family. A police spokesman said yesterday that Mr. Willacy had still not been found. Mr. Willacy, who has been a fisherman all his life, had a wife and two sons and a daughter. His son George is a member of Annandale and Eskdale District Council.
COUNCIL'S SYMPATHY EXPRESSED - The sympathy of members of Annandale and Eskdale District Council was expressed yesterday to councillor George Willacy and members of the family on the tragic accident in the Solway earlier this week when Mr. Willacy's father unfortunately went missing. Councillor Willacy was absent from the meeting but the convener, Councillor Richard Greenhow, of Gretna, said that, 'On behalf of the council, he wished to express to Mr. Willacy and the family their condolences and sympathy in the tragic loss they had suffered.’
Extract from The Dumfries and Galloway Standard and Advertiser. 2 July 1980
ANNAN MAN: SEARCH CALLED OFF - The air and sea search for a 75 year old Annan fisherman was called off yesterday. Mr George Willacy, of Waterfoot Road, Annan, had gone down to open his poke net at Waterfoot, on Monday after the weekend close period. Haaf net fisherman, Mr Sam Adamson, of Rosemount Crescent, Annan, said, "I and three others were haafing near the poke net when I saw a tide burst unbalance Mr Willacy. I saw him grab the net and I shouted to him to hang on. We could not get round the front of the poke net because of the force of the tide and the depth of the water. When we got near him I saw his hands slip from the net and he floated away. I got to within 10 to 15 feet of him and I tried to catch him with my haaf net but I was unable to reach him . I saw his yellow oil skin come over his head as he floated past." Mr Adamson said that he got a lift in a tractor to a nearby telephone at Waterfoot and raised the alarm. A helicopter joined fishing boats and coast guards in a search over a wide sweep of the Solway but there was no trace of Mr Willacy. Mr Willacy is a member of a well-known Solway fishing family with a wide experience of the Firth.
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His son George is a member of the Annandale and Eskdale district council for the Galabank ward. Although the full-scale air and sea search was called off yesterday, a vigil is being maintained on both Scottish and English coasts for Mr Willacy's body.
* The family inform me that Mr. Willacy was in fact 76 yrs. of age
Extract from The Annandale Observer. 25 February 1983
Ian Simpson - 32 yrs. Drowned 22 February 1983
ANNAN SOLICITOR'S TRAGIC DEATH - An Annan solicitor was found dead on Tuesday on the Solway foreshore near Loch Fisheries, Dornock. Mr Ian Simpson, 32, a solicitor with Murray, Little and Knox, of Bank Street, Annan, lived at 4 Seaforth Avenue, Annan, with his wife and two children. He was reported missing on Monday, after he had gone for a walk, and a major police hunt followed. Police rule out suspicious circumstances, and a report is being submitted to the Procurater Fiscal. Mr Simpson was Chairman of Annan Round table and Secretary of Powfoot Golf Club.
Extracts from The Annandale Observer.
Stuart Henry Longfellow Dobie - 19 yrs. Died of injuries 27 January 1987
30 January 1987
ANNAN MAN IN SEA TRAGEDY - Police have been carrying out a full investigation into the death on Tuesday of a 19 year old Annan fisherman, who was married only last year. Stuart Dobie of 12B Eden Place, Annan, died despite a rescue mission by an RAF helicopter which flew to Kirkcudbright based fishing boat 'Fredwood II' which was 20 miles off Great Ormeshead point, Llandudno. Coast Guards were alerted by crew after Stuart was badly injured while they were hauling in fishing gear on the 64 foot boat which was trawling for Queenies. The helicopter flew from RAFValley in Anglesey and picked up the injured fisherman but by the time they arrived at Bangor hospital he was found to be dead. A police spokesman at Bangor said a full report on the accident had been prepared and the facts had been reported to the Coroner at Caernarfon, Mr. Prichard Jones. An inquest opened yesterday for identification and was adjourned until a later date.
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6 February 1987
TRIBUTES TO SEA TRAGEDY FISHERMAN - Members of Solway fishing communities this week paid tribute to Annan fisherman Stuart Dobie, who died in an accident at sea. Fishermen from a number of ports, including Annan and Kirkcudbright attended his funeral service on Monday in Annan Old Parish Church. where he was wed seven months ago. Many boats had not gone to sea that day so that crewmen could pay their last respects. Stuart, 19, of 12B Eden Place, Annan died on Tuesday past, after an accident as the Kirkcudbright based fishing boat 'Fredwood II,' which was 20 miles off Great Ormeshead point Llandudno. He was buried at Annan cemetery.
Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard & Advertiser. 14 September 1990
Jon Marsden RAF - 29yrs. Died 12 September 1990
JET CRASH IN THESOLWAY· Calls for end to low flying An RAF pilot was killed this week in an aircraft crash in the Solway Firth, bringing renewed calls for an end to low flying. The pilot 29 year old Jon Marsden from Middlesboro came down with his single seated Jaguar aircraft five kilometers south east of Southerness on Wednesday afternoon. Although it is still unclear whether the aircraft was involved in low flying manoeuvres, the accident sparked an alarmed response from those who are campaigning for an end to the practice. Labour's spokesman on defence George Foulkes, told the Standard: 'Assuming that it is a low flying accident then it reinforces our call for a reduction and a move to end the practice.' He added: 'We are trying to get the Ministry of Defence to accept the recommendations of the Defence Select Committee that low flying should be phased out over two years.' Sandy Steel, who has been campaigning against low flying locally for over two years, concedes that the risk of a serious accident involving civilians is very low. However, she feels that even one accident would be enough to convince most people that low flying should be stopped. 'It just needs one of these things to come down on a school, a shop or a hospital and the devastation would be enormous/ she said. 'After Lockerbie a lot of people realised that a plane coming out of the sky can fall over a great distance. It is almost inevitable that at some stage one will come down in the wrong place and then the outcry will be phenomenal' 'We have to ask how other countries can justify their military strategy without low flying at this level' Galloway M. P. Ian Lang, in whose constituency the Jaguar aircraft fell, said that the crash was very tragic and that he would be looking into the details of the accident. The unarmed aircraft, on a routine training exercise from RAF Coltishall in Norfolk, came down shortly before 11.00 am.
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The rescue co-ordinatlon centre at Pitreavie Castle despatched four helicopters, two RAF Pumas, an RAF Sea King and a Royal Navy Sea King which were in the area to the scene of the accident. The pilots body, found on a sand bank, was taken to RAF Carlisle and then onto Cumberland Infirmary. A board of inquiry has been set up to investigate the circumstances of the accident. 'I believe that the aircraft was part of a formation,' said Craig Lindsey, press officer for the Air rescue Services. 'We have no details of whether they were high or low flying.' A statement issued by the Convener and members of Dumfries and Galloway Regional Council expressed their distress at the accident and extended their sympathy on behalf of the people of the region, to the RAF and family of the deceased.
Extracts from The Annandale Observer.
Bryan 'Soldier' Little - 53 yrs. Drowned 13 April 2000
14 April 2000
CREWMAN FOUND DEAD - Oban harbour tragedy - Tragedy struck an Annan fishing boat crew yesterday when a member was found dead in the water at Oban Harbour. The body of Brian Little was discovered between 5.30 and 6am close to the pier at the Wet Highland town where the crew had moored while working aboard the Queensberry. A Strathclyde police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a man was found off Oban Harbour. Enquiries are continuing but there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death." Mr Little, who lived at Ecclefechan, was well known among Annan's fishing community and had worked for the Queensberry's owner, Annan businessman Gordon Clark, for more than 30 years. Last night, Mr Clark said: "The skipper has reported back to me but no one's really sure what happened. "All we know is they found him in the water early this morning. He's worked for me off and on for more than 30 years. He'd been fishing all his life and definitely knew what he was doing. The lad was a grand worker and you couldn't dislike him, he was a real character. It's a sad loss."
21 April 2000
FISHERMAN TRIBUTE - The funeral of popular Ecclefechan fisherman, Brian Little, was held in Annan's Old Parish Church yesterday. Mr Little was found dead at Oban Harbour last Thursday. Strathclyde police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
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Extract from The Dumfries & Galloway Standard. 19 April 2000
BOAT CREWMAN DIES IN OBAN HARBOUR TRAGEDY - The Funeral of the Annan fisherman whose body was recovered from Oban harbour last week will be held tomorrow. Dumfries born Brian "Soldier" Little, aged 53, was found last Thursday morning in the water at the port's Railway Pier. The crew of the Queensberry, owned by Annan businessman Gordon Clark, had moored at the pier to carry out work aboard the vessel. Strathclyde police said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Little's death and a report is to be submitted to the procurator fiscal. The father of three was a well-known figure in Scotland's fishing communities. The third youngest of a family of seven children he spent his early life in Parkgate before moving to Evertown near Canonbie with his family. Educated at Langholm Academy, he became a farm worker and moved to Kirtlebridge. He started a new career as a fisherman when he settled in Annan in the 1970s and during the past 30 years he worked on and off for Mr Clark aboard the Ocean Hunter and the Queeensberry. Five years ago he moved to Ecclefechan's Hoddom Court. "His death has come as a big shock, it is a real tragedy and he will be very badly missed," said his sister, Meg Ferguson; of Annan. "Brian enjoyed socialising, football and darts and was quite a character. There was no-one like him." A funeral service will take place at the Old Parish Church, High street, tomorrow at 12.30 pm.
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ALPHABETICAL
INDEX OF NAMES
A Adam William 23 March 1935 73 Ainsworth James 24 July 1873 36 Airlie Elizabeth 'Betty' July 1961 83 B Baird John 2 August 1889 43 Barton (Captain) Barque 'Mary Graham' 11 August 1886 42 Baxter John 25 November 1906 62 Beattie Robert 22 March 1838 26 Beck John 20 August 1851 28 Bell James 1 March 1880 39 Bell John 19 August 1833 25 Bell John 2 August 1889 43 Bell William James 21 January 1891 45 Boyd 8 August 1820 22 Brough Joseph 16 August 1851 28 Bryson Alexander 6 February 1903 52 Bryson Joseph 19 January 1883 41 Bryson Joseph 18 October 1901 49 C Chalmers James 'The Jean' 13 December 1961 83 Cleminson James Sloop 'Anne' 21 June 1800 19 Connell John 26 April 1868 32 Conner Thomas 20 July 1890 45 Coultart Thomas 4 November 1903 60 Copeland 27 September 1840 27 Craik Samuel 25 June 1835 25 D Denner William 'Billy' 2 March -1960 82 Dobie Stuart Henry Longfellow 27 January 1987 88 E Edgar Ivan July 1933 71 Edger Robert (Captain) Schooner 'Mary' 8/9 August 1903 59 F Ferguson Robert 3 July 1898 47 Ferrier Rev James Gordon 12 August 1873 37 Ford John 31 March 1819 21 Frood John 31 March 1819 21 Furguson James 31 March 1819 21
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Furgusson George 28 February 1824 23 G Gardiner William 16 February 1860 30 Gordon James 28 February 1824 23 Graham William 31 March 1819 21 Graham Thomas 1 March 1880 39 H Hastie William 2 August 1889 43 Hastings William 2 August 1889 43 Hatfield William 20 June 1875 38 Henderson George 12 November 1843 28 Hood Eric 18 June 1930 71 Houghton Joseph 28 March 1874 38 Houghton Samuel 28 March 1874 38 Hunter James 6 February 1903 52 I Irving Charles 26 April 1868 32 Irving George (Master) 15 March 1819 21 Irving George 18 August 1871 35 Irving George William 'The Jean' 13 December 1961 83 Irving William 15 March 1819 21 J Johnstone Thomas 25 April 1859 29 K Kelly Mary 10 November 1822 23 Kerr George 26 April 1868 32 Kirkpatrick Agnes 28 February 1824 23 L Lammas Robert 28 February 1824 23 Lawson John 13 March 1893 46 Lawson Elizabeth 9 December 1899 49 Little Bryan 'Soldier' 13 April 2000 90 Lockhart Robert 4 January 1904 61 Lummas Robert 28 February 1824 23 Lupton Richard 6 May 1907 63 M Marsden Jon (Pilot RAF) 12 September 1990 89 Marshall John Schooner 'Mary' 8/9 August 1903 59 Marshall William 24 July 1835 25 Maxwell Francis (Captain) 15 May 1867 31 McCubbin Benjamin 8 October 1896 46 McKemmings November 1866 31 Milroy David (Mate) Schooner 'Mary' 8/9 August 1903 59 Morgan Walter 23 March 1935 73 N Neavy Andrew 27th October 1816 20 Nicholson James 16 February 1882 40 P Patrickson 31 March 1819 21 Porticous Edward (Master) Sloop 'Christiana' 2/3 February 1825 24
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R Rae Emily 'Emma' 18 November 1947 82 Rae James 6 December 1898 48 Rae Railton 12 November 1940 79 Riddick John 2 August 1889 43 Ross Joseph 26 April 1868 32 S Scott George 'Syren Lomas' date unknown 39 Scott John and wife 16 August 1851 28 Scott Simon Sloop 'Anne' 21 June 1800 19 Sennitt Walter (Master) 'Dennis of Dublin' August 1879 18 Sharkey Michael 8 August 1908 66 Simpson Ian 22 February 1983 88 Skelton John 27th October 1816 20 Steel Richard Sloop 'Christiana' 2/3 February 1825 24 T Thompson John Joseph 'Joe’ 8 June 1945 81 Thorburn Joseph 26 April 1868 32 Turner Thomas Henry 15 August 1864 30 W Walker James (Captain) 3 July 1898 47 Walker George 23 March 1935 73 Warwick Walter 17 October 1891 45 Weild James Rae Hunter 6 June 1930 68 White Miles May 1841 28 Willacy George 30 June 1980 87 Willacy John Bravery Award 19 February 1913 16 Wilson Joseph 'Joe' Rae 5 January 1966 85 Wilson William 27 September 1907 65 Woodhouse James fisherman Bravery Award 19 February 1913 16 Woodhouse James fisherman 7 March 1921 68 Woodhouse John Jnr Bravery Award 19 February 1913 16 Woodhouse John Snr Bravery Award 19 February 1913 16 Woodhouse Samuel 20 March 1913 67 Woodman Fredrick 'Fred' 'Allis Wood' 27 April 1971 85 Woodman Robert Andrew 10 January 1940 78 Woodman Thomas 'Tom' 10 January 1940 78 Woodman Thomas 'Tommy' 12 November 1940 79 Woodman William 16 February 1882 40 Woodman William Beattie 'Beet' 1 June 1944 80 Woodman Wilfred 12 November 1940 79
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Acknowledgements
This work would not have been possible without the help and advice of a great many people.
The families, relations and friends of those who's stories are recorded in these pages.
George Chalmers, John Thompson, Jim Hawkins, George Willacy, Connie Bonner Minister Annan URC, George Lind Minister St. Andrews, Hugh Steele Minister Annan Old Parish Church and Members of Annandale Churches Together.
I also thank lain Pollock, Deputy Editor Dumfries and Galloway Standard and Bryan Armstrong, Editor Annandale Observer for permission to use the press articles from their newspapers.
The staff both at Annan Library and Ewart Library Dumfries for putting up with my requests and fetching and carrying some very large tomes of bound newspapers.
Ian Johnstone for the very fitting carving work on the memorial and David Smart for his invaluable help and advice in the graphic design of the book.
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