On This Day, 15 November 1917

Birmingham Mail

Thursday 15 November 1917

BOY’S PLUCKY RESCUE AT STIRCHLEY

YOUNG GIRL CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTING SUICIDE

The magistrates in the Birmingham Children’s Court, today complimented Arthur Bourne (15), 41, Hunt’s Road, Stirchley, upon rescuing from drowning Laura Emma Greenfield (14), 25, Frances Road, Cotteridge. The youth and the girl both work at a factory on the canal side at Stirchley. Hearing screams the lad ran out and saw a hand above the water in the middle of the canal. Jumping in fully dressed he seized the hand and dragged the girl out. At this part the water was about six feet deep. Charged with attempting to commit suicide the girl complained that the work for which she claimed she was entitled to payment had not been booked to her. She went out on to the canal side on Friday afternoon, her head went round, and she recollected that she was crying, but she also remembered nothing more. Ethel Chatwin, who worked with Greenfield, said the girl had previously told her she was going to drown herself. Witness replied: “Don’t do that: think of your mother.” Five minutes later Greenfield left the factory. Before she did so witness asked: “Where are you going?” The girl replied:”I am going outside.”

The magistrates adjourned the case for eight weeks placing her under the care of a lady during that period.