OFFICER’S FATAL MISTAKE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21560, 24 January 1940, Page 5

OFFICER’S FATAL MISTAKE

COLLEAGUES SEE HIM DIE Investigation by the coroner at Chatham. Kent, proved that the death of 2nd-Lieutenant John Gay French. Royal Artillery, who was shot through the head in an officers’ mess at an anti-aircraft past in Kent, was due to an accident. Lieutenant French was 23. and was the eldest son of Mr John Gay French, a Harley Street ear, nose and throat surgeon. Captain Ritchie Trewhella Howell. R.N., gave evidence that French and some other officers were discussing the respective merits of two makes of revolvers. Captain Hawaii said he looked at one revolver which was on the mantel and asked French if it were all right and unloaded. French replied, “Of course.’’ Bullet in Ceiling French picked up the revolver, spun it round, and pulled the trigger. It went off, and he collapsed on the floor, the bullet having gone through his head into the ceiling. Captain Howell added: “He was always playing with firearms, and had a number of his own. No doubt he was under the impression that the revolvers were empty, otherwise he certainly would not have brought them into the mess.” Coroner (Mr T. H. Bishop): Your impression is that he made no deliberate aim at his head?—lt might have hit any one of us. was my impression. After the jury had returned a verdict of “Accidental death." the coroner said it was to be regretted that thoughtlessness shculd have brought about such a tragic result. He added: “You would have thought that people accustomed to firearms would have taken more care."