BATTERY DISASTER
A GUNNER KILLED,
At Sydney on September 19th a shocking accident deprived District-Gunner William Wright of life while he was on duty at the practice battery, South Head. With Assistant-gunner Mahoney—sole witness of the disaster—he was preparing an 80----pounder, muzzle-loaded, 5 ton gun. The military authorities state that he had previously been directed or advised to place a rope on the muzzle, in order to obviate any possible danger during the operations. It seems that the rope was not adjusted, and when the nut on the friction cone was removed the counter weight at the breech end fell upon him. He was terribly crushed about the body, the weight resting above his heart, and pinning him between the carriage of the gun and the gun itself. Assistance was summoned, and the unfortunate gunner was extricated with all possible expedition. It was evident, however, that he was in a dying condition. Dr. Preice was sent for, but before he arrived Wright was dead. He was 41 years of age, a single man, and resided at South Head barracks.
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 225, 28 September 1897, Page 2
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179BATTERY DISASTER Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 225, 28 September 1897, Page 2
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