Harrogate Herald - 17th April 1918

W H Breare letter

Norman Lee, who lived at one time in Harrogate, was rescued after about half an hour's experience in the water, clinging to some wreckage. He is in the Navy, but cannot swim. A torpedo was the cause of the trouble. It is surprising how many sailors are unable to swim, yet it is easy enough to learn if one goes the right way about it. Some years ago I was in the Harrogate Swimming Baths, and saw Sam Hempsall, the tenor, making vain efforts to keep afloat. I told him the main principle, and he swam away at the first push off.