Mexborough and Swinton Times June 24, 1938
Stirring Climax to Manvers Gala
Thrills of Mock Air Raid
Wonderful Day For Colliery Folk
Mammoth Nine-Hour Programme
Wath Anti-Aircraft Battery (the 188th) and a flight of three R.A.F. bombing aeroplanes thrilled 10,000 people filling the Wath Athletic ground on Saturday for the Manvers Main Collieries’ second annual inter-departmental sports and gala with the drama of Britain’s air defences at work under war conditions. Bombs exploded. Clouds of imitation mustard gas drifted sickeningly across the arena. Antiaircraft guns thundered. Aeroplanes roared in power dives. Tongues of flame leapt from a cottage.
It was a fascinating and terrifying representation of the war in the future.
At The Ready.
From 8 p.m. the personnel of the Battery were at the ready. Some minutes later the R.A.F. flight were heard and the Battery’s Instruments were brought to bear on them. The aeroplanes were soon sighted and the guns swivelled into action position. The invaders first made a re-connaisance of their objective and then swung away to return in formation to release their high explosive bombs. Major P. H. Lloyd, officer commanding the Battery, in an amplified commentary, pointed out that the attackers were travelling at 300 miles per hour and were releasing their bombs three miles away from their intended target. The reports of the guns now joined a confusion of sound, and the waves of yellow smoke began to roll over the objective.
For their second visit the flight broke the V-formation and swooped upon the Battery in a series of power dives. “Hunter Villa” (a realistic temporary structure) was struck by an incendiary bomb and was soon given up to the flames. Members of the Fire Brigade were summoned, and whilst they were quelling the outbreak two were overcome by the mustard gas. Decontamination squads in shining black protective clothing, from head to foot, rushed to the affected area, and ambulance men came to the aid of the casualties. Meanwhile, one of the marauding planes had been hit and brought down by the Battery.
So the struggle continued, and 10,000 people were given a dreadful but exciting foretaste of the heroisms and terrors of war over England. It is difficult to conceive that his display could have been more completely or vividly represented. Saturday’s occasion will stay long in the memories of those who were privileged to see it, and it will at once make them more peace-loving and keener to exert themselves in the defence of their heritage.
Hot Reception.
Major Lloyd, in the course of his commentary, described the work of the Battery, and said that anyone from over the water who ventured against England would get the hottest reception they could imagine. The only safeguard they could have in Great Britain was to have the whole country bristling with guns. In the past the Navy saved the country from any foe across the water, but it must not be forgotten that nowadays it was possible to “cross the river.” He gave a detailed account of the tactics of the attacking planes and the manner in which the Battery proposed to check them.
This was but one exciting feature among many during the day. When Manvers Main Collieries organised their first gala last year they made it clear that in this field, as in all others, they were determined to act in a big way. Saturday’s sports had a comprehensiveness and an Interest throughout which are rarely met with, and—though it is almost unnecessary by now to say this of the Company—the organisation was perfect.
One of the high spots of the actual sports programme was the pony racing. In these events we saw pit lads from 14-17 years of age riding the ponies with which they work underground. They rode bareback round a cinder track, and’ it was the general opinion that some of the lesser race meetings could not provide so many of the thrills as they did.
Competition was hot in every event and the speed of the ponies startled, those who were familiar only with point-to-points. The lads showed an extraordinary aptitude as well as a deep understanding and love of their mounts. The outstanding jockey was J. Gillett who delighted the crowd with the expertness of his “seat,” his daring, and his general accomplished style. But singling out should not be allowed to lessen the impression of all-round virtuosity on the part of these horsemen.
Cycle Events.
Last year some exceptional performances were put up in the cycle events. On Saturday the riding was throughout of exceptional standard, and every event had a very tight finish. Many of the competitors demonstrated that they were not strange to the track, and spectators were able to see much brainy, subtle, and resourceful riding. The final of the two-lap cycle race was a particularly good example. C. Smith rode with strength and cunning all the way. He was always ready to allow others to “break” the course for .him in the early part of the race and resourcefully kept the inner edge of the track. But he made one error. He aimed at keeping a wheel ahead of his closest rival on one side, and while his head was turned R. Wilson shot up on the opposite side and took the lead on the post.
Much interest centred in the four-lap walking race which was won by W. Bullock, of Mexborough. J. Woods was second and A. Bullock third: The Bullock brothers are two of Sheffield United’s most accomplished harriers, and they treated the crowd to some extremely stylish walking. W. Bullock won the Barnsley invitation trophy for the second successive year three weeks ago over a 121 mile course in the Barnsley and Wombwell district, and sportsmen may remember his “hat trick” in the “Times” walk.
Some of the speakers at the close of the day commented on the superb quality of some of the racing, and very properly did not hesitate to say that many of the competitors approached and, in some instances equalled professional standard. The Ovens, Washery and Brickworks had strong entries in almost every event, and at the end they were easily at the head of the department score sheet with 42 points. This department established a lead from the word “Go,” and never relinquished it. The runners-up were Barnburgh No. 6 and Surface, and the Staff, Farms and Estates, who had 20 points each. Manvers Surface were a close fourth with 19 points. Nos. 4 and 3 Underground came next with ‘7 points and NO. 1 underground were at the bottom of the list with two points.
Provision was made for all grades and all ages of employees and the entrants ranged from 114 years old pit lads to a veteran of 74, who was entered for the 60 yards event for men over 50 years.
MANY COMPETITIONS.
Apart from the field and track events there were abundant competitions. For example, a baby competition, fancy cress competitions for children, a beauty competition for wives and daughters of employees and clay pigeon shooting.
All these events attracted strong entries, and the judges had a difficult and unenviable task.