Bradford Observer – Wednesday 24 August 1949

Wombwell Boy Drowned

Michael Hardy (7), son of Wilfred Hardy (45), miner. Stubbs road, Wombwell, was drowned in the canal at “eight locks” between Wombwell and Stairfoot today.

Mr. Hardy was standing in the street near his home when a breathless boy came up with the message, Your Michael has fallen into the canal.”

Mr. Hardy borrowed a bicycle, dashed to the spot two miles away, but was too late. Michael was brought out by another swimmer after he had dived into deep water several times. Police and others tried artificial respiration with success.

Michael, one of a family of eight children, had been fishing with other boys.