Flitton Boy Killed In Lorry Accident

High Street, Flitton, looking towards White Horse Inn and Church [Z1306/49/6]

Tuesday 20th April 1915: A tragic accident took place yesterday afternoon at Flitton when five year old Ralph Catlin, the only child of Mr and Mrs Cuthbert Catlin was killed by a motor lorry belonging to Royal Engineers who had just arrived to be billeted in the village. The boy and two little friends had been in the cemetery and were on their way home. As the lorry was only travelling at walking pace young Ralph said to his friend “Let us take hold of it!”. As the boys passed the White Horse Inn, Mr S. Wilsher warned them and they let go, but they caught hold of the vehicle again further on. The accident took place just outside Mr Wilsher’s. Young Ralph was hanging on to the truck, having caught hold of an adjustment between the two wheels; as the lorry gathered speed he was thrown under the back wheel, which crushed his head. Mr Wilsher had followed the boys and picked up the youngster after the accident, carrying him to Mrs. Ashton’s opposite. The police and a doctor were called but nothing could be done.

Source: Bedfordshire Times 23rd April 1915