GUNNER’S DEATH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20625, 5 August 1941, Page 3

GUNNER’S DEATH

FATALITY AT POST EXPLOSION OF BENZINE An inquest into the death cf Gunne: John La v/rence Halley, aged 21, singm of the Pth Heavy Regiment. New Zealand Artillery, which occurred at the Auckland Hospital on July 5 following he explosion cf a tin of benzine at f defence post, was hold before the Auck ’and coroner. Mr. F. K. Hunt. S.M ’ast week. Deceased was the son c Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. l-lalley. 4 Net Zealand Expeditionary Force. Second-Lieutenant G. 11. Turne: said lie, deceased and Gunner D .£ Thompson, were on duty at a fire con,na.nd post on the night of July 4. A kerosene fuel stove was lighted t: heat supper, and after supper the twe gunners went to bed while lie renamed on duty. The stove was left burning as a means of heating the post, it being guile customary to leave it burning all night, witness continued. At 11.30 p.m. he went outside, and when he war, about 20ft. from the door he heard a muffled explosion. Rushing back and opening the door he saw hat blazing liquid was spreading over the floor and it was impossible to enter the pest. Witness said he warned the two men who were in bed. to get out through a

vindow. and lie ran to the front ol the post and smashed the window with his list. I-Ie saw Halley running out with his pyjamas on fire. Witness .put out the flames and sounded a general alarm to summon assistance from the camp. Gunner Douglas Ernest Thompson said the stove had been leaking, anc there was a gallon tin of benzine dost to the stove. Evidence was given by several- witnesses that the tin of benzine hac been sent to the oost for a benzi.n light. Senior-Sergeant C. C. Dunfoxci of Devonport. stated that after the fv.-t he found the stove intact, and the cap blown off the tin of benzine. Apparently the tin had been standing to-, close to the stove, had overheated anc. exploded. A verdict was returned that deal •was due to shock and extensive burn, received when the tin of benzine accidentally caught tire and exploded.