D.S.O. OFFICER'S SUICIDE.

Auckland Star, Issue 123, 24 May 1919, Page 19

D.S.O. OFFICER'S SUICIDE.

The suicide of a gallaut officer as a result of privations he suffered while a prisoner in Germany was disclosed at an inquest held at Brundall, near Norwich. Major Clement William Waite DS O asert 27, of the 13th East Yorks, whose home was at Bridlington, was found in the Itlver Yare. On the outbreak of war he enlisted as a private, but was rapidly promoted. Taken prisoner by the Germans in the spring offensive last year, he was repatriated last Christmas. While with his wife in London, on the way to Hull, he disappeared. His wife later received'the following letter: — "Nearly all the good lads have gone, or have been •crocked. Why should I live? "A miserable prisoner! How could 1 possibly walk aliout in future and meet people who have given their husbands, sons, or 'brothers, while I escape? "IHow I wish I had been killed whilst serving with the dear old 13th battalion." A brether said Major Waite had trench fever and influenza twice in Germany, and was blown up three times by shells. While he was a prisoner he was practically starved.