“A verdict of accidental death was returned by the Coroner yesterday afternoon at the inquiry into the death of Private Donald Francis Robertson, of Stratford, a member of the Guards Vital Points camp at Miramar, who died as the result of a rifle shot wound on June 19.
Evidence given by Dr. P. P. Lynch, who examined deceased, was that the bullet had entered the left breast, and that death would have been almost instantaneous.
Private William Nelson Baker said that at 4.50 p.m. on June 19 he fell in with the guard and took up guard duty with deceased at 5 p.m. Each was equipped with a .303 rifle and five rounds of ammunition in the magazine, and side arms. They were patrolling the compound, and when they came together they started to discuss what they would do if they found someone in the compound. Witness explained to deceased what he would do, and went through certain movements with the rifle. Deceased was facing witness, and was about three or four feet away, and was going through the same movements. Witness did not know exactly what happened, but his rifle went off. He saw his mate drop. Deceased did not speak when he bent and shook him. Witness then gave the alarm on his whistle. He was placed under arrest and returned to the guard house under escort.
Witness added that he had left the camp that afternoon at 1.30 and had returned about 3.40. He had had four handles of beer, but he was in no way under the influence of liquor. He was quite sober when he went on guard duty. He had never had any argument of any kind with deceased. They were the best of friends.
Corporal Thomas Reeve Ebbett said he heard a report between 5.10 and 5.15 p.m., and he thought it was a car backfiring. Then he heard the alarm sound. No man had any signs of having had liquor. Baker and deceased were the best of friends. Sergeant Edwin Moran Taylor said I that none of the men had the appearance of being under the influence of liquor.
RESIDENT'S EVIDENCE. A resident who lived opposite the gate of the compound, Gustav Arvid Saren, an engine-driver, said he noticed two soldiers standing inside the compound. Later he heard a shot, and saw a soldier fall to the ground. He offered his assistance, and was told to get the sergeant. Evidence was also given by Sergeant Leslie George Thornton and Lieutenant Albert Charles Ernest Loadsman, who was in charge of the camp. .Loadsman said he asked Baker what the matter was. and Baker had replied in a low voice, "I have shot my mate." He placed Baker under arrest. Baker did riot show any signs of having had liquor. He was an excellent soldier and reliable, said witness. He had been in the Royal Navy for 18 years, and was anxious to get back to it again. Deceased was, well liked and of a happy disposition. It was the practice of some of the older men to demonstrate the, use of the rifle to younger men.
Detective N. J. McPhee gave evidence as to the examination of the body and the circumstances, and said there was a complete absence of any evidence of foul play. The occurrence was purely accidental. The Coroner said that from the evidence he was satisfied that the unfortunate occurrence was an accident, and that Baker was entirely free from blame. "Though, of course, this question of whether a private should, without authority, attempt to demonstrate what should be done, should be a matter of some concern to the military authorities," he added. [Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 3, 3 July 1941, Page 6 ]
