“On Thursday, 15th June 1916, I was present when the Engineer Instructors attempted the destruction of a traverse by means of a sabulite bomb. … Immediately before throwing the bomb, Captain Beekman showed it to me and I examined every part before it was thrown. … I saw him ignite the bomb and hold it in his right hand preparatory to throwing it. It appeared to me that he took a considerable time after ignition before making any attempt to throw it, but knowing that he was an officer of considerable experience in throwing this pattern of bomb before, I thought that he knew the exact time which should elapse before throwing it. He then drew back his right hand to throw the bomb and as his hand reached a point just above his head, I saw it explode in his hand. … I then went forward to the deceased and found him in an unconscious state, with his right hand completely shattered, and a very severe wound in the right side of his neck.” [Extracted from a statement given by Major J L Sleeman, Royal Sussex Regiment -  in service record]