Harry Hambleton

[gnorman]

Hi everyone, I don't think I've ever discussed this question on Rootschat before;

I have a relation named Harry Hambleton who died in 1928. I know at the time he was 27 (born 1901 in Oldham) and that he was married to Eleanor Delaney (born 1905, also in Oldham). Harry lost his arm at some stage in what was rumoured to be a mill accident but I don't know when this was.

I'm just wondering if there is any record of Harry serving in WWI at all. He lived in Oldham his whole life but if he lost his arm before the war he wouldn't have served. Does anyone have the ability to see if any records exist please?

Many thanks, Luke

[Christine53]

From the Manchester Evening News 18 Aug 1916:

Shaw Mill Accident

A piecer at the Rutland Mill, Shaw , named Harry Hambleton , 16 , of Edge Lane Road , Oldham , was cleaning a headstock when his cloth became entangled in the wheels and his right hand was dragged in , the arm being cut off just below the elbow. He was conveyed to the Oldham Infirmary where he lies in a serious condition.

He would have been too young to have served before the accident.

[gnorman]

Christine, thank you so much for this, I would never have found it.
It's very much appreciated!
Luke

[Cas (stallc)]

The Rochdale Observer, Saturday, October 7 1916

A Serious Mill accident.

The Rutland Mill LTD Shaw, were fined £10 and ordered to pay witness expenses at Royton Police Court on Wednesday for neglecting to properly fence an end of scroll mule.

Mr David Walmsley, H.M. Inspector of factories explained on August 18 a boy named Harry Hambleton was cleaning the end scrolls, when his arm was caught and taken off.  At the time there was a guard but not of the latest kind.

Mr R Morton the manager said they were going to place the latest guards on all machines at a cost of £360 to £400

The terrible accident to Harry did make it safer for other future workers it seems.

Cas

[gnorman]

Thank you Cas, another great help!