COURT MARTIAL

Evening Star, Issue 24007, 4 October 1941, Page 6

COURT MARTIAL

ALLEGED DRUNKENNESS ON DUTY (P.A.) CHRISTCHUHCiI, Oct. 3. A charge of drunkenness while on duty at Harowbod Air Force Station, and alternative charges of conduct [unjudicial to good order and discipline by becoming unfit for duty through previous indulgence in alcohol and of using offensive and obscene language to three non-commissioned officers, were heard against Flying-officer George Cyril Vincent Buckley at a court martial at Harewood to-day. The alleged offences, to which the accused pleaded not guilty, were said to have taken place on tho night of September 17 last. The hearing was not completed. , Sergeant Michael Redmond Murphy said he was duty sergeant on September 17. He described inspection visits to No. 4 and No. 2 hangars with Buckley. At No. 4 hangar Buckley had some discusion with Flight-sergeant Cutts, who had brought out the fire tender in response to a call from the corporal of the guard. There was a discussion with the corporal of tho guard about failure to open the door to one of the officers. Buckley remarked several times to witness that it was a “ bad show.” Ho was walking about with his hands in his pockets and seemed to be unsteady on his feet. To Mr Thomas, who appeared for Buckley, witness said he did not know that Buckley had trouble with his knee, and, in any case, had a somewhat rolling gait. Evidence was also given by Corporal Henry John Duggan, who was in charge of the guard at No. 4 hangar, and by A/C 2 W. H. Carr, a member of the fire guard crew. The accused, giving evdence on his own behalf, denied having his hands in his pockets when inspecting the emergency party. He used no language which could be complained of. Ho went to the C.G.I. door at No. 4 hangar to test the efficiency of the guard inside. Ho had had some drinks about lunch time, a beer at 4 p.m., and three beers at the sergeants’ mess. He paid for drinks at dinner time, but had none himself. He later inspected tho canteen, having one beer there. From then on he had no liquor at all. Sergeant Roy Josiah Glen, in charge of both the web and dry canteens, said that Buckley was at the canteen for about 15 minutes at 9 p.m. Ho had one “ half handle ” and was sober when he left.

Sergeant James Fdwurd Ahlcy, of the canteen staff, said that ho drew only one beer for Buckley, who was definitely not drunk or turner tho influence of liquor when he left. Captain James Henry Stormont, medical officer on the station, said that lie had had Buckley under treatment tor some time for chronic smovitis. This would affect his gait. Tho court then adjourned until tomorrow morning, when addresses by the prosecutor and defending counsel am! the summing up of the judge advocate will ho hoard.