War Horse!
© Queensferry History Group Major, the horse, was a war hero. He was a War Horse! He was bought from the Army after the War, and was found to have a number branded on his hindquarters.
He worked with George Anderson, pulling the Hawkers van. On one unfortunate day around 1921, the roads were snowy and slippery. Major fell at the top of the Loan. Rev, Kerr appeared on the scene in time to sit on Majors head to keep him down, and say a prayer. The breechings and traces were safely uncoupled and the van was pulled away from the horse. He was very lame and was taken back to the stable. Mr Faichen (1866-1948), the Undertaker, had horses for hire and one of the hearse horses was borrowed, but as it was used to walking slowly, it took a lot longer to do a journey. Everyone was glad when Major was declared fit for work again!
He worked with George Anderson, pulling the Hawkers van. On one unfortunate day around 1921, the roads were snowy and slippery. Major fell at the top of the Loan. Rev, Kerr appeared on the scene in time to sit on Majors head to keep him down, and say a prayer. The breechings and traces were safely uncoupled and the van was pulled away from the horse. He was very lame and was taken back to the stable. Mr Faichen (1866-1948), the Undertaker, had horses for hire and one of the hearse horses was borrowed, but as it was used to walking slowly, it took a lot longer to do a journey. Everyone was glad when Major was declared fit for work again!
Photo from 'Back Doon The Ferry' - a Queensferry History Group publication 1992
© Queensferry History Group 2014
