HISTORICALEIGH - 1909 Fleet Review – A Nasty Consequence?

October 27, 2015 by Carole Mulroney

1909 FLEET REVIEW – A NASTY CONSEQUENCE?

In July 1909 the Home and Atlantic Fleets were reviewed in the Thames at Southend. Pier Hill and the Pier itself were awash with flags and bunting and a huge crowd of sailors and the public. Paddle steamers took people out to get a closer view.

Not only the big ships, but the submarines were anchored. The main fleet included the HMS Dreadnought and the fleet stayed in the Thames for a week with many visitors coming by train.

One unexpected consequence of the Review, was an unfortunate accident to a fourteen year old Leigh lad, George Collins. George was watching the Review and the illumination of the Fleet from Leigh cliffs when suddenly something struck him in the left eye, knocking him unconscious. Taken to the local doctor it was found that his injury was serious and he was taken to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

The local paper reported that the blow to George occurred immediately after the firing of the signal rocket from the Dreadnought!!!!!

This article is by Carole Mulroney