19 September 1907 – Arthur Barnes

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From the Wiltshire Telegraph on Saturday the 21st of September 1907

On Saturday night in Burnivale, Malmesbury, Arthur Barnes aged eight years, son of William Barnes, packer on the G.W.R, met with a painful accident, the circumstances of which should prove a strong warning to boys who are addicted to a dangerous practice.

A heavy brewery waggon with chain roller behind (the property of Colonel C. R. Luce) was proceeding homewards in charge of driver Frederick White, when the boy Barnes commenced swinging on the roller. In some way, his foot slipped in between the spokes of the wheel, and he was instantly drawn in between the wheel and the springs. His brother, who was running close by, saw the child’s peril, and shouted to the driver to stop as his brother was in the wheel.

A view along Burnivale in Malmesbury, looking from the Bristol Street end towards the town. The narrow street is lined with historic stone cottages, including one with a sign reading "Ridgeback Cottage." The street is slightly sloped, with parked cars on the left side and a mix of greenery and stone walls on the right. The scene is tranquil, with overcast skies above, giving the area a peaceful and timeless atmosphere.
A view along Burnivale, from the Bristol Street direction towards town. Sunday the 25th of August 2024.

White instantly stopped his horses, but the poor child was completely jammed in the wheel and the latter had to be taken off and the lynch pin cut before the boy could be extricated. Several persons rendered assistance, and P.S. Cruse, who was soon on the spot, bandaged the boy, and sent for the hospital ambulance.

Dr. Robert Pitt, who attended the poor lad at the Cottage Hospital, found that his injuries included a fractured right thigh, lacerated wounds in the groin, and an injury to his right ankle. For two days he remained delirious, but has now become quieter and more comfortable, and it is believed that he will recover.

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