STOIC SCHOOLBOY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 27, 1 February 1941, Page 13

STOIC SCHOOLBOY

HAND LOST BY EXPLOSION

(By Trans-Tasman Air Mail, from "The Post's" Representative.)

SYDNEY, January 11

Remarkable, stoicism was shown by Jack Russell, 13, after his Jeft hand had been Mown off in an explosion at a Sydney public school. His-right thumb was also_ blown off and he was seriously wounded in the body and thighs. Doctors are fighting to save his life.

With two other, boys, Russell entered the science room of the school, which is closed for vacation, and prepared a mixture of potassium chlorate and sulphur. He was carrying the mixture away in an aluminium 'container when it exploded. The explosion was heard half a mile away. One of Russell's companions was slightly injured and the other unhurt. Russell walked 20 yards before he collapsed.

He asked his rescuers if they thought he was going to die and pleaded with them to tell his mother, who is a widow. He showed the same fortitude at the hospital and greeted his mother with: "Gee. Mum. it was a beaut, explosion!" When he learnt that his^ hand had been blown off he remarked: "This one's gone, but I've still a few fingers on the right."