OFFICERS KILLED BY SENTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 68, 20 March 1915, Page 16

OFFICERS KILLED BY SENTRY.

M\STERY OF THE MAX .WHO I'IKED THE SHOT. The events that preceded the tiagedy in which two officers—Lieutenant Bertram Hart. R.X.. and Lieutenant Arthur Siinps.cn, A.S.r.—were shot l>y a sell try at Torquay were further investigated when tbo Inquest was resumed on January'2oth. ' Two Territorials—Private Harris and l'ri- \ ate Pullman, of the 7th Devon Cyclist" Reserve—are under remand in connection V Hh the tragedy. Harris is charged with causing the deaths of the officers, and Pullman with aiding ami abetting him. Mr Harold Murtou, the rfrtVpr of the car' !n which the officers were travelling, admitted that all the occun.'uus of the car used bad language during the heat of r.ryument with the sentries. He adhored to his statement that the shot was ured from Hie rifle held by Private Pullman. PoHce-ConstaWe'Mugridgeeaid that when the sentries were arrested Private Harris said it was his rifle tbnt tired the shot, and be added, "It was an accident. People behind knocked my arm, and the rifle went «ff " Fiivaie Cottcrill. R.A.H.C., said that be heard the altercation between I.ientenant Hart end Private Harris. "The sentries." he diUicl "were not satisjUd with the numbering of the oar on , cnrdln'crd, and both held their rides at 'ready.' 'Can't you see I'ai a British naval officer?' said Lieutenant Hart to Harris, and, thrusting his hand into an inner pocket, he added, 'Here are letters to prove that I am Sub-Lieutenant Hart.' "In a discourteous manner Harris said, 'I don't want to sec any letters. Stand there until my colonr-scrgeaut comes. . When the lieutenant spoke again, Harris said to him, 'Stop your yap. , ' "While I was looking In Lieutenant Hart's face n rifle was Ured. am! the officer fell-dead. Turning, round, I saw Ore issning from the muzzle of '1131x13' rifle. "I raid to Harris, 'Whatever did you.do that for?' and Harris replied, 'I can't stand-arguing the matter.'- Afterwards 1 heard Harris explaining to.the crowd thatit was .in aocideut." Charles Low, an electrician, ■ said that when, the sentries stopped the car am) intimated their intention to search it,. one of the officers said: "It's a" fine thing to'be stopped on the road when fighting for ooe!s country." Lieutenant .Hart, gave his name to the sentry as Lieutenant Thompson, R.X. ."After an argument,". said Low, "the naval officer moved tokards Pullman, -and I'saw a flash which I thought came from Pullman's rifle. Hart shouted, 'My God! He has shot mc." "One of the sentries said, 'If yon move the car I shall shoot.' Lieutenant' Hart re-entered the car, and it seemed to be the sentry's impression, .that ~ the officers intended to drive away." The sentries were completely exonerated.