CARRIER OVERTURNS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 June 1942, Page 2

CARRIER OVERTURNS

THREE SOLDIERS KILLED AT RANGITUMAU ACCIDENT DURING ARMY MANOEUVRES. ALL VICTIMS LOCAL MEN. Three soldiers were killed yesterday afternoon when a Bren-gun carrier overturned during manoeuvres on the property of Mr D. James, Rangitumau. The victims were: — Private Thomas Reginald McKenzie, 20, son of Mr and Mrs T. McKenzie, Clareville. Corporal Bruce Kilmister, 21, son of Mr and Mrs W. Kilmister, 58 Colombo Road, Masterto»v. Private GUennister Ferguson, ZZ, son of Mr and Mrs W. Ferguson, State House Settlement, Masterton. These facts were brought out at an inquest, which was opened before the District Coroner, Mr L. J. Taylor, today and adjourned, after evidence of identification had been given. It is reported that the accident occurred on a hillside. The carrier, it is stated, slipped and turned abruptly, with the result that it capsized, rolling over four times. The three occupants were thrown out and, it is reported, were killed outright. Before entering camp the late Private Ferguson was employed by the Shell Oil Co., at Masterton, and later at Dannevirke. He was an ex-pupil of the Wairarapa High School. The late Corporal Kilmister was formerly employed as a .driver by Wairarapa Transport Ltd. The late Pte. McKenzie was well known in Carterton and was for some time employed at Messrs Hill and Hughes’s motor- garage and also by the Vulcanising Company, Carterton.