• Some better behaved mules in Dunstable Road in 1915.

The Army mule's love of frolic at the expense of those in charge of him is proverbial, but this trait of the animal's character might have led to tragic results in an incident which occurred yesterday morning in Frederic Street Passage, Luton, which connects Old Bedford Road and Havelock Road, between Frederic Street and North Street.

Two of these awkward beasts were, it seems, attached to a big Army lorry standing outside the Army stores in the passage, some yards from Old Bedford Road, when, owing perhaps to the noise of a motor in an adjacent factory, they took fright and dashed at a great speed up the narrow path.

They were seen, however, by Special Sgt Harry Wells from his factory, and he immediately gave chase, but could not prevent that imminent smash, for the mules shot across William Street, which crosses the alley, and crashed into the house opposite, smashing two windows and knocking down the brickwork in front of the house.

The fearless 'special' was on them in an instant, and before one of the animals, which had fallen on its side, could regain its feet, he had a firm hold of the heads. In spite of the violent rearing and plunging of the mules, and although he was several times lifted bodily from his feet, the sergeant managed to maintain his hold until the driver came up. Then, with assistance, matters were straightened out.

Sgt Wells was not hurt and, fortunately, no one was in the vicinity at the time. The "alley," as it is called, if a favourite haunt of the children of the neighbourhood, and had any been about at the time a serious accident would have been certain, as there is hardly sufficient space for one to squeeze by such a large vehicle.

The damaged house, No. 20 William Street, is occupied by Mr Walter Hucklesby, and is owned by Mr Dumpleton, of Claremont Road.

[Beds & Herts Saturday Telegraph: April 13th, 1918]