Mexborough and Swinton Times August 18, 1918

Suicide At 79
Drowning Tragedy at Swinton

An inquest was held at the Free library by Mr J Kenyon Parker, touching the death of George Freeman Sykes (supply), retired chemical worker, 22 Leeds Rd, Castleford, whose body was recovered from the canal at Swinton near the railway bridge immediately north of the station on Sunday.

A workman named William Steel notified the police that he had found a coat and cap on the canal bank and the body was recovered later.

Deceased, who was an old soldier, having served 21 years with the colours, left a note which related to family matters at Castleford.

He came to Swinton on a visit to his neice, Mrs Blount of Crossland Street, and on Saturday he: called on a friend named Hudson of Walker Street.

He left Mr Watson’s house about 6:30 p.m. saying he was going to catch a train home. He was not seen again alive.

A verdict of “Suicide during temporary insanity” was returned.