South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 02 May 1942

Obituary

Mr. W. C. Winch

Wath Rescue Station Pioneer

The death occurred on Sunday of Mr. William Charles Winch (75) of 30, Wath Wood Road. Mr. Winch, who was for 27 years superintendent at Wath Rescue Station, and for many years an officer in the St. John Ambulance Brigade, in his earlier years wore the uniform of the York and Lancester Regiment.

A native of South Norwood, near Croydon, he !oined the Regiment when 18, and subsequently served abroad. He served 23 years in all and finished with the rank of colour-sergeant.

After returning to England in 1908, he was appointed to Wath Rescue Station. and organised a scheme of training including lectures and tests, and a system of code signals to be used in rescue work, which has been used at almost every rescue station since, and has been officially adopted by the Mines Department.

In recognition of Mr. Winch’s heroism in the Cadeby Colliery disaster in 1912. when 87 men lost their lives, he was awarded the Edward Medal.

Shortly after his arrival at Wath. Mr Winch helped to found the Wath division of the S.J.A.B.  and he rose to high rank and in 1930 was elected a Serving Brother of the Order of St. John.

The funeral took place at WAth on Tuesday. Mourners were: Mrs. Winch (widow), Mr. and Mrs. G. Winch, Mr. and Mrs. A. Winch,  Miss C. Winch, Miss Gladys Winch, Mrs H. E. Winch. Mr. and Mrs. Walton. Mr. J. Parkinson (Supt. Barnsley Rescue Station). Mr. J W Poole (Wath Rescue Station). Mr. H G. Richards (representing Col. M. C. Martyn. Trustees’ Committee, (Wath Rescue Station). Mr. J Ellmer (S.J.A.8.). Mr. Steer (S.J A B.), Mr. Walton. Mr. Parkin, Mrs F. Farthing. Nurse Vernon. Mrs Wilkinson. Mr. Stilton .

Mr. H. E Winch (son) is serving overseas with the Forces and was unable to be present. Funeral arrangements were by Messrs. W. Asher and Son.