South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 09 May 1942

Evacuee Child Drowned

Sad Accident at Swinton

William Smith, of 83. Rowing Lane, Swinton, a gas fitter employed by Swinton and Mexborough Gas Board, was commended by the Sheffield District Deputy Coroner (Mr. A. P. Lockwood) at an inquest on Tuesday for his courage in jumping into the 12 feet deep Bowbroom Lock, Swinton on Sunday in an attempt to rescue a little boy who had fallen In.

The inquest was on Alan Parker, a three-year-old Hull evacuee, living at 82, Queen Street. Swinton, who was drowned when he fell into the lock on Sunday while playing.

A verdict of “Accidental death” was recorded.

Mary Isabelle Parker, mother, said Alan and Harry went out to play while she prepared tea, and about 20 minutes later Harry came In and said “Alan’s fallen into the canal, but he’s all right. They’ve got him out.”

Harry Parker (8) said when he missed Alan he went to the lock side and saw him in the middle. He was moving him hands. He did not hear him shout.

Dorothy Briggs, 21, Albert Street, Swinton, said she saw a boy on the opposite bank shouting “There’s someone in the river.” She saw the boy floating. Witness saw a man and shouted and ran towards him. The man lumped into the water and brought the boy out. Smith said he saw the child’s hands above the water. He jumped in and caught the child by the wrists and brought him to the side. He and last witness artificial respiration for about 15 minutes until he was relieved by another man.

Dr. Campbell said he saw no signs of life but administered a hypodermic injection and gave respiration until about 8.15, when he was relieved. The cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning.

The Coroner, after commending Smith, stressed the danger of children playing, or being allowed to play near the canal.