Uncovering the Ettrick Robbery Spree: A Shocking Crime in Avon – What Really Happened
In the autumn of 1924, a riveting incident occurred on the River Avon that left the streets of Bristol in a state of chaos and disbelief. The SS Ettrick, a majestic steamship bound for Belfast, found itself stranded in the thick fog on a fateful Saturday morning. As the vessel neared the famous Horseshoe Bend, disaster struck, and the ship ran aground on the Gloucestershire bank, near Sea Mills railway station, becoming lodged in the mud.
The Dramatic Unfolding of Events
The Ettrick, a massive vessel measuring around 73m in length and over 9m at its widest point, was a sight to behold with its distinctive black hull and brown cabins. Under the command of Captain White, the ship carried a crew of 25 men and eight passengers, including women and children, along with a cargo of various goods. However, the tranquility of the early morning voyage was soon shattered by the unfolding chaos.
As the tide changed, the Ettrick swung around, blocking the river and causing significant disruption to maritime traffic. Efforts to refloat the vessel with the assistance of steam tugs proved futile, leading to the decision to lighten the ship by jettisoning its cargo into the river. The scene quickly descended into pandemonium as people from surrounding areas rushed to scavenge the goods washed ashore, leading to a chaotic spree of looting.
The Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
The aftermath of the Ettrick incident culminated in a legal hearing at the Bristol police court, presided over by Stanley Badock, a prominent local figure. Twenty men faced charges of theft and receiving stolen goods, with accusations of engaging in a mass robbery of the ship’s cargo. However, testimonies from the accused revealed a mix of confusion and opportunism, with many claiming they believed the goods were discarded or being sold as salvage.
Mr. Badock’s ruling reflected his belief that the men were unaware of the criminal nature of their actions, leading to a binding over to keep the peace for twelve months. The legal proceedings shed light on the complexities of the situation and the moral ambiguity surrounding the looting of the Ettrick’s cargo. Ultimately, the ship was salvaged, and its remaining contents auctioned off, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter in Bristol’s maritime history.
A Humanizing Touch
Imagine waking up to the sight of a massive steamship stranded in the heart of your city, its cargo strewn across the riverbank like a scene from a pirate movie. The allure of free cigarettes and chocolate proved irresistible to many, turning an unfortunate mishap into a frenzied spectacle of looting and chaos. While the legal proceedings sought to address the culpability of those involved, the incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of human behavior in times of crisis. As the ship was salvaged and its contents auctioned off, the echoes of that chaotic morning lingered, leaving behind a mix of curiosity, intrigue, and moral contemplation for the residents of Bristol.