SOLDIERS’ DEATHS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 264, 5 October 1940, Page 7

SOLDIERS’ DEATHS.

ON BRITISH ROADS. NEW ZEALANDERS’ FATE. (From the Official War Correspondent with the New Zealand Forces' in Great Britain.) (Rec. 10.10 a,in.) . Oct. 3. The danger on English main roads in tho black-out lias been dearly demonstrated to the New Zealand troops in tho past few days. The inquests were completed to-day into the deaths of two members of a South Island Battalion —Private David John Evans and Private Norman George Heads, who were fatally injured on successive nights by being struck by passenger buses.

The findings were of accidental death, with'no blame attachable. Both accidents occurred when the men were returning to camp from evening leave and each time, during an air raid, the buses were wholly unlighted, except for small sidelamps (which, by regulation, must not throw their beams forward) and tail-lamps.

Private Evans and a companion, Private Archibald Laing, were walking homeward along the left side of the road in order tho bettor to pick up the sideroad leading to their billet when they were struck from behind. Private Evans died in hospital shortly after admission and Private Laing is in hospital with severe leg injuries. Private Heads was one of a party crossing the main road to reach the billet. The men were distracted by searchlights, enemy aeroplanes overhead and anti-aircraft gunfire, so they failed to see or hear the bus which struck two of them just as they were reaching tho far side of the road. Private Heads died in hospital tho next night without having regained consciousness.

The authorities are still investigating the death of Sergeant Clem Wareham, the Wellington Plunket Shield cricketer, who when crossing a narrow village street in a blackout was struck by a fast-driven motor-car and killed. The car braked and skidded aft°r hitting Sergeant Warcham, hut did not stop. The inquest has been adjourned for further police inquiries. All three soldiers are being buried with full military honours. The Soutlilander, Major Leekie, who is,temporarily commanding a battalion, has been promoted temporary lieutcn-atit-eolonel.