100 years ago

Private A McGillivray, a Highlander, in a letter to his mother wrote: “Of my company only ten were unhit. I saw a handful of Irishmen throw themselves in front of a regiment of cavalry who were trying to cut off a battery of horse artillery. It was one of the finest deeds I ever saw.

"Not one of the poor lads got away alive, but they made the German pay in kind, and anyhow the artillery got away to account for many more Germans.

"Every man of us made a vow to avenge the fallen Irishmen, and if the German cavalrymen concerned were made the targets of every British rifleman and gunner they had themselves to thank.

"Later the Irishmen were finally avenged by their own comrades, who lay in wait for the German cavalrymen. The Irish lads went at them with bayonets when they least expected it and the Germans were a sorry sight. I saw a ghastly affair on Tuesday.

"A German cavalry division was pursuing our retiring infantry when we were let loose on them. When they saw us coming they turned and fled.

"At least, all but one, who came rushing straight at us with his lance at the charge. I caught hold of his horse, which was half mad with terror, and my chum was just going to run the rider through when he noticed the awful glaze in his eyes, and we saw that the poor devil was dead.”


50 years ago

The Chief Constable of York commented on the additions to the “no waiting” restrictions which had come into effect today: “These naturally add to the already heavy burden on police in enforcing traffic laws.

"I hope my fellow motorists will co-operate fully by complying with the regulations. The restrictions are imposed for the benefit of all, to ensure the roads are restored to their original functions as arteries for moving traffic.”

The new restrictions meant that 41 more streets in and around the central area of York had become “no waiting” during business hours.

The verdict from the public was: “A menace to the shopper who wants to stop near the centre shops for a few minutes, but an improvement to those anxious to keep traffic moving through the main streets.”


25 years ago

York’s historic Shambles was threatened by fire early in the day when a blaze ripped through a mediaeval shop building and damaged two others.

Firefighters’ quick action saved the mediaeval shopping street in the heart of the city from further destruction. Every one of the buildings in the Shambles was an architectural treasure.

A major disaster had only been averted by a quick-thinking market trader who had raised the alarm at 4am.