Mexborough and Swinton Times January 20, 1940

In Battle on Birthday

Wombwell Boy in River Plate Victory

“Fit and Well” Message

One of the youngest of the gallant British seamen at the battle of the River Plate was one of the five sons of a Wombwell widow—Mrs. Haller, of 27, Pearson Field. A member of the crew of one of the British cruisers, he celebrated his eighteenth birthday at the battle.

For some time after the engagement the family heard nothing of him. Then to his sister in Sheffield he sent a wire, “Fit and well; best wishes. Syd.” Seaman Haller joined up from the

Bluecoat School, Sheffield, at the age of 14. He had always had an ambition to serve in the Navy, and therefore jumped at the chance. Before joining his present ship he had served in the Warspite and Apollo, and had visited ports in all parts of the world.

His ship happened to be off Chile at the time of the great earthquake. and he actually shared in the work of rescue.

Just before the outbreak of war he was having his first leave for two years. In less than a week he had shouldered his pack and was off again.

When Seaman Haller’s father died his mother was left with a large family. It was through the good offices of Canon J. St. Leger Blakeney, Rector of Wombwell, that Sydney was admitted to Sheffield Bluecoat School.