Bolt From the Blue

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 300, 20 December 1935, Page 18

Bolt From the Blue

SHOCK FOR SHEPHERD

LONDON, Nov. 9,

A 17-yoars-old shepherd boy, Jack Thorpe, of Knoddishall, Suffolk, was injured when a bomb exploded near him tho other day as he was looking after sheep on- the marshes.

Part of the marshes is used for secret bombing tests in connection with tho experimental air station at Martlcsham. Thorpe, who was with another shepherd boy, named Trickcr, said afterwards:—

“Thero was a whizzing noise which I knew from experience was a bomb. Tricker shouted, ‘Duck, quick,' and wo both fell to the ground. A big explosion and a black cloud of smoke followed. When it had cleared we found that a bomb had' exploded 15 yards away.

“I found my trousers were covered with blood and that I had been struck I y something. There was a hole in my right thigh big enough for me to gqt my finger into.” Men who net as land scouts on tho bombing ground rushed to Thorpe’s assistance. He was taken to a temporary landing ground, and an aeroplane brought a doctor from Martlcsham aerodrome. Thorpe was treated for injuries and shock.