A learning curve here for me.   I have never heard of a 1″ block chain, I presume the pitch i.e. the distance separating each link was of a different standard to more modern chains, because Charlie’s bike was an old banger in every sense of the word.  In fact I would go so far as to say that after punctures, chain trouble was the next worse thing to spoil a good bike ride.  Which no doubt led to all the cycling clubs in the Northwest being invited to an open day at the Renold bicycle chain factory in South Manchester in, I think, 1923.  Charlie does write about it, but we are not there yet !

Whatever, the long walk back from Chorley to Bolton rather spoiled their day.