3 MISSING BOYS

Wallfield mercury

Three schoolboys involved in near-death accident hill-walking during half term.

Last week in North Dale adventure hostel, Dalesmoor, Mr Philip Landsman and Mr Walter Crane took a group of 20 school boys hill-walking during half term. Ending the week the boys completed long hill walks and held orienteering competitions despite the cold weather. On the last day of the trip, the group spent the afternoon in the town ‘South Dale’. That particular evening the boys were said to have ventured off to hold what was suggested as an ‘impromptu’ party and concert. They were missing the following day at breakfast with peers unaware of their whereabouts. Mr Crane commented “as a senior member of staff I accept full responsibility for the incident.”

Mr Landsmere stated ‘Mr Crane and 10 boys formed a search party. When Mr Crane had not returned after two hours, I telephoned the police at South Dale, and the sergeant there called out the Dalesmoor Rescue Team.’

The boys later described as ‘silly young sods’ due to a ‘silly dare that could have ended in tragedy’ involving a race around the North Dale Crags in the dark, were found later that evening. Sergeant Mike Spiller stated, “A mist came down and they got hopelessly lost”. “The Rescue Team found the three after an hour or so and took them to South Dale Hospital. All three were suffering slightly from exposure but no one was injured.” Mike Spiller added; “It’s just as well they were miles off course; if they’d fallen from the Crags they could have been killed.” It was noted that previously three students died on the Crags last December. “These lads were very lucky”. Sources have indicated that the three young boys are “very fit” and are being released from the hospital soon. 

Mr Crane added “I’ve telephoned the parents of the three boys, and my headmaster, to explain the situation and to let them know we will be a day late in returning to WaIlfield. I’ve also spoken to Sergeant Spiller who has been very helpful."

Sargent Spiller later expressed his views “They probably think it’s a great adventure, the Wallfield trip was well planned, and it’s a pity the supervision broke down at the end of the holiday”.