SHOT BY SENTRY

Otago Daily Times, Volume 25205, Issue 25205, 20 April 1943, Page 3

SHOT BY SENTRY

INQUEST ON SOLDIER VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH (P.A.) PALMERSTON N., Apl. i 9. The inquest was concluded at Feilding to-day into the death of Sapper Kenedy Collins Morgan, who was shot at a military camp by Lance-corporal Desmond Matthews Bennett on April 2. The coroner, Mr J. S. Turvey, found that the cause of death was accidental. Evidence was given that the sentries were each provided with five rounds of ammunition to be carried in the magazine of their rifles. The chamber of the rifle was to be kept empty, with the bolt forward and the safety catch applied. Bennett said he had relieved a sentry for about 10 minutes pending the arrival of a- new sentry. On taking over the sentry's rifle he did not give the matter of the ammunition a thought. He worked the bolt of the rifle, thus throwing a cartridge into the chamber, and automatically cocked the tiring mechanism. At the same time his attention was attracted to a car which was coming out of the camp, and which it was his duty to check. As the vehicle departed Morgan approached to take over the duty of sentry. With the distractions which had occupied his mind, Bennett said, he had forgotten that he hafi cocked the rifle. He heard a shot, but cna not feel any recoil. He saw Morgan fall, and even then he did not realise that it was his rifle that had been fired. He and the deceased were the best of friends