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Scots Guards keeping guard on Sydney Street, London, 1911
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Scots Guards keeping guard on Sydney Street, London, 1911
Scots Guards keeping guard on Sydney Street, London, 1911. The Sidney Street siege occurred after a gang of heavily armed Latvian burglars shot five police officers who attempted to arrest them as they attempted to break into a jewellers shop. Four of the policemen died. Three members of the gang were cornered at 100 Sidney Street and surrounded by the police. A gunfight ensued, but the police had inferior weapons and reinforcements in the form of soldiers from the Scots Guards were called in by order of Home Secretary Winston Churchill, who arrived to observe the scene himself. After six hours of fighting, the building caught fire and Churchill controversially gave the order that the Fire Brigade take no action. Two of the burglars bodies were discovered in the burned out building but no trace of the third was ever found
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Scots Guards Keeping Guard on Sydney Street, London, 1911
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This powerful print captures a significant moment in history known as the Sidney Street siege. In 1911, a gang of heavily armed Latvian burglars engaged in a violent confrontation with the police while attempting to break into a jeweler's shop. Tragically, five brave officers lost their lives during this encounter. As tensions escalated and the situation became dire, reinforcements were urgently called for. Home Secretary Winston Churchill arrived at the scene himself and ordered soldiers from the Scots Guards to assist. The image shows these courageous guards standing tall and vigilant on Sydney Street. The intense gunfight between law enforcement and the criminals lasted for six grueling hours. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, these valiant men held their ground with unwavering determination. Controversially, as flames engulfed one of the buildings where three members of the gang were cornered, Churchill made an unprecedented decision: he commanded that no action be taken by the Fire Brigade. Ultimately, two bodies were discovered amidst the charred remains while one member remained unaccounted for. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of those who risk their lives to uphold law and order in times of great peril. It stands as a testament to bravery in adversity and highlights both the heroism displayed by our armed forces and Churchill's controversial leadership during this historic event.
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