PINCHER
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GJCC Minutes (PRO)
22.12.1875 The Chairman reported that a
serious boiler explosion had occurred on board the Company’s steamer Pincher
at Yardley Wharf on the morning of the 21st inst by which the two Engine
Drivers lost their lives and the steamer was entirely destroyed. The Pincher
was on her way from London to Birmingham laden with 13 tons of Potash and
towing a train of five boats; she had
stopped at Yardley Wharf for the purpose of landing some grain from one of the
boats, and had been lying there about an hour
before the accident took place. The cause of the explosion was not known.
The boiler had undergone a
thorough repair in February last and was in very good condition.
1.3.1876 Read a letter dated 24th
February from Mr W J Hodgekins of Birmingham, written on behalf of the parents
of Thomas Hartland, engine driver who had lost his life by the explosion of the
boiler on board the steamer Pincher applying for some relief for
the parents who were represented to be in poor circumstances. The Committee directed that the sum of £5 be
presented to them for expenses of the funeral.