On This Day, 3 February 1917

Evening Despatch

Saturday 3 February 1917

LEAVING BIRMINGHAM

Having spent two days and three nights in Winson Green Gaol, Mrs. Alice Wheeldon, her two daughters, Harriett Ann Wheeldon and Mrs. Winifred Mason, and her son-in-law, Alfred George Mason, chemist’s assistant, who are charged with conspiracy to murder the Prime Minister and Mr. Arthur Henderson, left Birmingham for Derby by the 8.45a.m. train to-day.

They were brought from the prison to New-street Station in the motor-van. When it arrived in the station at 8.35 the only people about were a few station officials. Immediately afterwards Chief Inspector Whittingham and three members of the A Division of the city police arrived on the scene. By the time the train steamed in the crowd in the drive was 200 strong.

Apart from the passengers who alighted from the train there were very few people on the platform and as the gates were shut the majority of these were not aware of what was going on outside.

The accused were in charge of Warders Michael McLelhannan and Williams, and the wardresses from Winson Green, and as they stepped out of “Black Maria” they had to push their way through the crowd in the drive. Mason was wearing a heavy grey overcoat, with a cap to match, while all four endeavoured to appear lighthearted. It was true they all managed to smile but it was of a semi-sarcastic sort.

Even when they had taken their seats in a third class compartment, the blinds of which were drawn, a knot of people were not satisfied, but remained on the platform until the train departed. We understand that whatever happens at the trial today the accused will not be brought back to Winson Green tonight.