Wire Gallery

Harold Abrahams wins 100m - 1924 Olympics

Harold Maurice Abrahams, CBE, (18991978) - a British athlete of Jewish origin. He was champion in the 100 metres sprint at the 1924 Olympics in Paris (July 7th), France (a feat made legendary in the 1981 movie 'Chariots of Fire'). His time was 10.6 seconds. Jackson Scholz (second from right) was second and Arthur Porritt (far left) was third. The other named athlete was the World Record holder at the time, Charles Paddock. The other two competitors featured were fourth placed Chester Bowman (second left) and sixth placed Loren Murchison (third from right).
1924

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Belfast riots, August 1920

A double page spread from the Illustrated London News, reporting on rioting in Belfast that began on the night of the 23rd August, and continued for a week. The feature is entitled "The worst rioting in the history of Belfast disturbances, which causes 500, 000 damage".Armoured cars and Lewis guns were used to quell the factions, with barbed wire barricades erected in the streets. Pubs and shops were set alight, and effigies were hung from lamposts by Unionists. Date: August 1920

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Germans surrendering, Western Front by Matania, WW1

Surrendered German being marshalled by British soldiers following the defeat of their counter-attack at Trones Wood. The incident depicted took place near an advanced trench in the British line. The trench had been badly battered and many casualties had been caused when the German made their final attack. The first wave got through the British barrage and were held up by two Lewis guns which had survived the bombardment and by rapid rifle fire, characteristic of British infantry. The second wave did not advance any further, having been broken down by the British barrage which included shrapnel from aeroplanes overhead. Date: 1916

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans