BATTLE WITH A MADMAN.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7912, 28 July 1917, Page 1 (Supplement)

BATTLE WITH A MADMAN.

SOLDIERS SUMMONED TO SHOOT AN EX-OFFICER. A house standing in its own grounds a! Frome, Somerset, was the scene of a remarkable serves of incidents on Sunday, April 22. ending .in a party of soldiers being called to the spot to shoot the occupier. Captain Ryall, a retired Army surgeon. Early on Sunday morning Dr. Rattray, of Frome, received an urgent summons to the house, He hurried thi?re, and was met by tlw? captain, who fired at him, wounding him in the arm. Dr. Rattray ran to the lodge at the entrance to tho grounds for shelter, tho captain chasing him and firing through the windows .Tho doctor and tlie lodgekeeper’s family escaped the shots. Caiotain Ryall’s family and servants had meanwhile fled from the place and taken refuge at a neighbor’s bouse. In consequence of their story, magistrates were summoned in order that the captain might be certified insane and placed under control. When the magestrates arrived on tlie scene the captain’s threatening attitude kept overy one at bay. A detachment of troops was then sent for, and many shots were exchanged between Captain Ryall and the soldiers. Tho captain was eventually put out of action by bullets in the face .and thigh, and was secured hy the police. Ho is now in From© Hospital. It is stated that lie had boon strange in h's manner for some days.