Southampton witnessed a most unusual incident 110 years ago, a peculiar collision that could only be described as a 'bank raid' - even if it was by accident.

A steam tractor, owned by the Direct Motor Transport Company Ltd, of Southampton and Portsmouth, somehow managed to crash into the National Provincial Bank on London Road.

One can easily imagine the scene: the monstrous machine, with its gears grinding and steam hissing, careening into the stately facade of the bank.

It's a wonder the entire building didn't come crashing down!

Photographs from the Southampton and District Pictorial show the extent of the damage to the bank's exterior, with bricks dislodged and the walls themselves seemingly bowed inwards.

Yet, curiously enough, the manager's window, though pushed inwards a considerable distance, remained intact.

It seems even amid the chaos, there was a touch of improbable luck.

The engine itself suffered only minor damage and thankfully, no one was injured in the commotion.

In other news within that same August 1914 newspaper, the presence of large numbers of troops on Southampton Common led the Daily Echo to announce the closure of the western part of the Common to the public.

This measure, the paper explained, was intended to allow the military authorities to carry out their duties unimpeded.

The Echo also pointed out the inherent dangers of having an army camp situated in such a public space, particularly in a time of war.

Runaway horses and other hazards posed a significant risk, making the area unsuitable for women and children.

On a sombre note, the Echo also carried news of the death of Pope Pius X, who passed away in the early hours of the morning.

The Pope, who had reigned for eleven years, appears to have been deeply affected by the outbreak of war in Europe. His health, already fragile following a heart attack in 1913, deteriorated further with the escalating tensions leading up to the conflict.

It is said that the events sent the 80-year-old pontiff into a state of melancholy.

Just before his passing, the Pope is reported to have said, "Now I begin to think the end is approaching. The Almighty, in his inexhaustible goodness, wishes to spare me the horrors which Europe is undergoing."

These poignant words reflected the deep sorrow and concern that the Pope felt for the unfolding tragedy.

The Italian newspaper Tribuna went so far as to declare the Pope a "victim of the war," highlighting the toll that the conflict had taken on him. He had, after all, spent his last days desperately trying to avert the war, sending countless telegrams in a futile attempt to maintain peace.