Sheffield Independent – Wednesday 14 December 1927

Dying Motorist on Common

Mysterious Mishap Near Barnsley

An injured motorcyclist. found on Brierley Common near Barnsley, died while being convoyed to the Barnslev Beckett Hospital, has been identified as Ernest Heber Meacham (18), bricklayer, Exchange street. South Elmsall.

On Sunday night he had taken a young woman. Ivy Pearson of 1, Rotherham road, Great Houghton, for a run on the machine, finally leaving her at her home about 10.55 p.m. During the run, it is stated they experienced a little difficulty with the machine, but it appeared be in proper order when Meacham left her.

On Monday morning Fred Walter Coke, a haulage hand, of White House. Green lane. Havecroft, was cycling over, Brierley Common when he noticed a motor-cycle lying in the road a man moaning.

He found Meacham apparently seriously injured and only semiconscious. Coke hailed a passing boat, and meeting was taken to the Barnsley Beckett hospital, but was dead on arrival

It is stated that some brown hair »a« found adhering to a part of the machine. and it is thought that Meacham might have struck a horse which had strain on the common.