Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News and Western Evening Herald

[printed in Plymouth.]

1921

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

Coroner's Inquests were usually held within the space of 48 hours following a death that appeared to be of a suspicious or unexplained nature. They were usually held in a local public-house, ale house, municipal building, or parish workhouse, but sometimes in the building where the death occurred. The Coroner usually came from a legal or medical background and more often than not, appointed for life by the respective County. The Coroner and a Jury of between 12 and 24 persons, usually men of substantial standing, were empanelled to examine the body, hear witnesses, and the Jury then to come to a Verdict as to Cause of Death. The account of the Inquest appearing in local newspapers, included the name of the deceased, where they died, and how they died. Sometimes, age, occupation, parish or address, and other relatives' names can be found. In later years when Hospitals appear, people can be dying away from their parish after having been admitted to that institution, and the Inquest is therefore conducted where the death occurred, rather than where the person was living.

[Numbers in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs.]

Names Included:-  Aggett; Andrews; Arberry; Baker(2); Barrett; Barrows; Beer; Bellew; Beresford; Bibbings; Bottrell; Braddick; Bricknell; Broad; Brock; Brown(2); Bunny; Burge; Burgess; Burnell; Camp; Cardew; Chapman; Cole; Coleman; Cook; Cossins; Crocker; Davidson; Dean; Delbridge; Denton; Down; Downey; Durham; Eva; Fishwick; Flood; Frampton; Freeman; Fry; Garland; Geake; German; Gilberry; Girling; Goldie; Hallett; Hamlyn; Harris; Harrison; Hatherly; Hawker; Helby; Hester; Hicks(2); Hill; Hirons; Hitchcock; Hocking; Hodge; Hooper; Hopkins; Horner; Hubber; Hughes; Jacobs; Jago; Jeffery; Joint; Kellow; Kiddell; Kidwell; Lee(2); Lee-Lloyd; Lott; Lovell(2); Makin; Mallett; Mankey; Marchant; Martin; Matthews; May; Mays; McAvitt; Mitchell; Moule; Mudge; Newland; Nicholls; Northcott; Olver; Pack; Pappin; Parker; Parr; Paterson; Pearce; Pedlar; Percy; Periton; Phillips(2); Pollard; Provost; Prynn; Pullen; Pulleyblank; Pyne; Reader; Richards; Rickard; Rippin; Roan; Roscrow; Rosevear; Sanders(2); Sedgeman; Sercombe; Shears; Shipcott; Smith; Sparrow; Stanlake; Stephen; Symons; Thorne; Toms; Townsend; Trigger; Tucker(2); Tuckett; Venn; Verrill; Vivian; Waddy; Watts; Williams(2); Wallis; Walters; Ward; Widger; Willcocks; Willett; Wilson.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 January 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday on ALFRED DELBRIDGE, naval pensioner, aged 55, of 39 High-street, Stonehouse, who was found dead on a sofa in his home.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 January 1921
PLYMOUTH - Suspected Poisoning. Mystery Of Plymouth Youth's Death. - The contents of the stomach of JOSEPH S. WALTERS (13), Summerland-place, Plymouth, have been forwarded by Dr W. L. Hodge for analysis, as the result of post-mortem examination. - The boy was apparently quite well at 6 p.m. on Saturday, but died before midnight, his father told the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the opening of the Inquest yesterday. - The doctor stated that he could find no trace of disease, but the brain, lungs and the organs had become congested and is impression was that there was poisoning. - The Inquest was adjourned for a fortnight.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 January 1921
PLYMOUTH - Late MRS WADDY. Inquest At Plymouth. - Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest on GLADYS MAY WADDY, wife of MR REGINALD WADDY, of Gleneagle-road. - MR WADDY said his wife had been very depressed owing principally to nursing her mother, who was suffering from a nervous breakdown, but she had never threatened to take her life. About five o'clock on Friday morning his wife came to his room and tried to speak, but was unable to do so, and he found that she had a gash in her throat. He immediately sent for the doctor. He afterwards found she had gone into the dining-room and cut her throat with a carving knife. She was of a nervous temperament and had been suckling an infant five months old. - Dr Colin Lindsey said MRS WADDY died a few minutes after he arrived. He had seen her two days previously, and she was then very depressed. Verdict: "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the bereaved husband.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 January 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Shipwright's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on WALTER GEORGE MATTHEWS, aged 20, of 1a St George's-terrace. Deceased's sister said her brother was a shipwright in the Dockyard. Since March 1919, when he had influenza he had been in a very delicate state of health, and had for three months been treated for tuberculosis at Didworthy Sanatorium. - Mrs Mary Buckingham, 8 King-street, said deceased came to her shop at 6.50 a.m. on Monday and asked for a glass of water, which she gave him. He then knelt down and she saw some blood. Witness called for help from the street and deceased was taken to the Hospital by some naval ratings and P.C. Toms. - Dr T. H. McKenna, House Surgeon, said death was due to asphyxia through a rupture of the pulmonary artery caused by tuberculosis of both lungs. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 January 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall. Breaking Ladder Causes Workman's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, at yesterday's Inquest on SAMUEL JAMES COLE, aged 61, plasterer, of 45 King-street, Plymouth. - According to the evidence of Frederick Thorpe, deceased's workmate, and Mr E. Saunders, his employer, deceased and Thorpe were sent to clean a chute at the rear of 29 Carlisle-avenue. Two ladders were spliced together and made a total length of 30 feet. There was no means of tying them to the wall and the job being a small one any other precautions were not considered by the men to be necessary. COLE was ascending, when the upper ladder snapped about two feet from the top, causing the man to fall to the ground, death, in his workmate's opinion, being instantaneous. - Thorpe admitted that they had known the ladder which broke to be a trifle weak, but did not regard it as unfit for use. - Dr H. G. Lubof, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fracture of the spine.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 January 1921
TOTTENHAM, MIDDLESEX - Naval Man's Death. Following Imprisonment In East Africa. - Chief Petty Officer WILLIAM JAMES PULLEN, 37, of H.M.S. Barham, who left Devonport to spend Christmas leave with relatives in Tottenham, was for two years and 10 months a prisoner of war in German East Africa. On 2nd inst. he had pains and fits of shivering, and a doctor was called in. On Sunday morning his sister found him unconscious, and death occurred almost at once. - At the Inquest Dr Sykes said the deceased informed him that he had had 27 attacks of malaria. Death was due to disease set up by malaria. Witness felt sure that the conditions had been aggravated by the man's long imprisonment. - The Coroner recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 January 1921
TORQUAY - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay on Saturday on the newly-born female child of DORA WILSON, 24, single, staying with relatives at Galeta-villas, St Efrides-road, Tor. The young woman came to Torquay from her home in Wales in August last and early on Wednesday morning she was prematurely confined. When Dr Thistle attended, several hours later, he saw the dead body. The post-mortem examination led him to the opinion that death was due to want of attention at birth. Verdict, "Accidental Suffocation."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 January 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fell 60 Feet. Window Cleaner's Death At Plymouth. - The tragic circumstances under which FRANK FRAMPTON, 38, of Cotehele-avenue, Plymouth, window cleaner, met his death while at work on Saturday morning were Inquired into by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday. - William John Willcocks, How-street, said deceased was cleaning windows at the Regent-street Higher Grade School. He was standing on a verandah on the top storey, when he fell to the ground, a distance of 60 feet. - Dr A. Aitken said death was due to a fractured skull. - The Coroner having returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", Mr C. L. Croft, representing deceased's employers, expressed deep sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 January 1921
PLYMOUTH - Zinc Poisoning. Method Of Plymouth Boy's Death Unexplained. - Analysis of the contents of the stomach of JOSEPH S. WALTERS, (13), of Summerland-place, Plymouth, has revealed that the boy died from zinc poisoning. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the adjourned inquest yesterday, told the Jury there was no evidence available to show how the zinc, of which the analyst found over five grains, was administered. - The evidence showed that the lad was taken ill about 7 p.m. on January 1, and was given a dose of glauber salts by his sister. He died before midnight. - Dr W. L. Hodge, who made the post-mortem examination, could only offer as a theory that the zinc was administered in error for glauber salts, as in appearance there was not much difference between the chemicals. - Analysis of the packet of salts from which the dose was given showed them to be pure. - A Juryman: Did the family make it a practice to eat tinned fruit or meat? - The boy's father: No, sir. - "Zinc Poisoning" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 January 1921
NEWTON ABBOT - Living Torch. Retired Doctor's Suicide At Newton Abbot. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot yesterday on DR MAURICE PATERSON, 57, of Thorniebank, South-road, Newton Abbot, whose death occurred on Sunday night from severe burns. - DR ALEXANDER PATERSON, Southsea, said the deceased was his brother, and was very much inclined to worry about trifles. Deceased had worked exceptionally hard as a medical practitioner at Grangemouth, Scotland, especially during the war, and it was a great change to go into retirement and have nothing whatever to do. - The widow said they came to Newton in April last year. Deceased had been in very good health until about three weeks ago, when he began to worry about their inability to find a house, and began to get very down-hearted and melancholy. She had no suspicion of any suicidal tendencies. but she never left him alone, as he was so depressed she thought he should have company. About four o'clock on Sunday morning he became restless. He rose about eight o'clock, dressed with the greatest care, as usual, and went downstairs. A few minutes later the maid came to her room and said he had gone to the tool-house and had remained there. Witness went into the yard, and saw her husband lying on the ground enveloped in flames. She got a rug, and with assistance, put the flames out. - Lucy Constable, domestic servant, said she heard MRS PATERSON scream, and running out saw deceased in flames kneeling on the ground. There was a petrol can close by, and a box of matches. - Dr J. Culross said deceased was suffering from insomnia, worry and mental depression. On one occasion deceased said he thought he had acted dishonestly in using his car for recreation when he had taken out a professional licence at the beginning of 1920. He was in a condition of incipient melancholia, but his condition was not such that he could certify him as insane. No tendencies to suicide had been observed, but he warned the relatives that there was that danger. When witness was called to the house on Sunday morning he found very bad burns about the head, neck, ankles and hands, and there were burns in all parts of the body. The whole of his clothing was saturated with petrol. He thought deceased must have poured it over himself. Inside the waistcoat pocket was a quantity of cotton wool, in the form of a scarf around the neck and this was also soaked in petrol. When he recovered consciousness deceased said, "This is a terrible thing." He seemed distressed as to the trouble he had brought on his wife and family. He said he was sorry he did not kill himself. - The Coroner: Did he say enough to lead you to understand that he admitted doing it? - Yes. In the evening at the Hospital I asked him what made him do it, and he said, "The idea came to me that I must make a great sacrifice." Then he said, "How useless it is, how futile." - Do you know what his idea was? - I think he thought that everything had gone wrong, that he and his family were ruined. I think that was in connection with what he had done to himself. He said, "it was, I suppose, what they call an uncontrollable impulse." - The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, returned a verdict of Death from Shock following burns, the result of deceased setting fire to himself while of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 January 1921
PLYMSTOCK - Officer's Sudden Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the County Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, at an Inquest yesterday on LIEUT. A. NORTHCOTT, R.N., retired, aged 66, of 4 Springfield-terrace, Elburton, who died suddenly on Thursday. - MRS NORTHCOTT said her husband had for some time had pains, which he thought were due to indigestion. He was considerably worse during the past two weeks, and had a violent attack on Wednesday night. About 4.30 on Thursday morning he got out of bed and had some milk, after which he felt much easier. An hour later he died. - Dr S. Noy Scott said the cause of death was rupture of a blood-vessel in the heart, due to fatty degeneration. There were no signs of indigestion. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 January 1921
LYDFORD - Lydford Lady's Death. Thrown Out Of Carriage On Return From Concert. - At Riddon Farm, Princetown, Lydford, on Saturday, an Inquest was held by Mr H. C. Brown on ELIZABETH ANN TUCKETT, aged 81 (widow of AMOS TUCKETT, farmer) who died on Thursday. - ADA ANN TUCKETT (step-daughter) said on January 10 deceased went with her and three others to a concert at Widecombe-in-the-Moor and on the way back the horse tripped and fell, with the result that deceased and two others were pitched out of the carriage. Deceased complained the same evening of a pain in her side and next morning Dr Ellis of Ashburton, was called in.- Dr Ellis said two ribs in the right side were broken and there were some bruises. Death was due to shock. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Death from Shock following upon injuries receives Accidentally."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 January 1921
PLYMSTOCK - Ketch Master's Death. Body Found In Cattewater. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, at Turnchapel yesterday at an Inquest on ERNEST A. FISHWICK, whose body was recovered from the Cattewater on Saturday. - From papers found on the body it transpired that it was the body of E. A. FISHWICK aged 25, late master of the ketch Clara May, who lost his life on December 21 through a boat capsizing. - The body was taken to Appledore, North Devon, last night for burial at deceased's home.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 January 1921
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - H. KIDDELL, retired licensed victualler, James-place, Plymouth, was yesterday morning found dead in bed by his nephew, CLIFFORD KIDDELL. The room, the door of which had been locked, was full of gas, a ring and chandelier pipe having been turned on. Clothing had been stuffed under the door, while the chimney had been stopped and the windows shuttered. - At an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, Dr Burke attributed death to gas poisoning and a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 February 1921
DREWSTEIGNTON - Retired Major's Death. Unexplained Occurrence At Drewsteignton. - At Drewsteignton yesterday, Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on ROBERT VENOUR DAVIDSON, aged 56, a retired major of the Indian Army, and recorded a verdict that "Death was due to gunshot wounds from the deceased's own gun, but that it was impossible to say whether the wounds were accidental or self-inflicted." - Evidence was given that early on Tuesday morning deceased went out, saying he intended to shoot some pigeons. - Mr Leslie Stuart White, a paying guest at Netherton House, said he was out shooting on Saturday with deceased, and the gun the latter was carrying went off twice without the trigger being touched. On Tuesday he found deceased's body in the paddock. - Dr H. L. G. Hughes, of Chagford, and P.C. Newbery, Drewsteignton, deposed to finding the body. They considered deceased had been standing up and fell backwards after the shot.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 February 1921
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Tragedy. - Last Saturday morning when the workmen at the Co-operative works, Coxside, Plymouth, arrived, they found the doors closed. They knocked and shouted, but there was no response, and Ernest Hammett, builder's labourer, climbed over on a ladders. In the mess-room, with his head in an oven and the gas turned full on, he found the night watchman, GEORGE FRANCIS RICKARD, 52, of 29 George-street, Stonehouse, dead. - At the Inquest held yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, the widow said deceased had been bad in the head for several weeks. He was injured by a cabinet falling on his head some years ago. - Verdict: "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 February 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Died Under Anaesthetic. Torpoint Man's Fatal Illness. - At the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an inquest on WILLIAM TOMS, 67, deckhand of the Torpoint Ferry. - MR T. W. TOMS, captain of the ferry, said his father had been in good health until the previous week, when internal trouble developed. - Dr Thomas Herbert McKenna, House Surgeon of the Hospital, said deceased was admitted on Monday afternoon in a state of collapse, and an immediate operation was necessary. Witness recognized that there was considerable risk in administering an anaesthetic, but was certain that the operation was the man's only chance of life. Deceased's respiration failed before he was completely under the influence of the anaesthetic, and although strychnine injections were given and artificial respiration was practised for three-quarters of an hour he failed to recover. - Dr Harold Fitz-Vellacott, Senior Surgeon of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, also gave evidence, and a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 February 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - At an Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH AGGETT, aged 51 of Valletort-place, who was found dead in her bedroom on Sunday morning, Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to asphyxia, resulting from an epileptic fit. Mr Rodd, the Coroner, returned a verdict to this effect.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 February 1921
PLYMOUTH - Pure Accident. Bere Alston Girl Dies After Motor Collision. - The death of MISS WINIFRED MAY TRIGGER, the seventeen-year-old daughter of MR THOMAS TRIGGER, relief Station Master of Bere Alston, which resulted from injuries sustained through a motor collision at Bere Alston last Friday, was Inquired into at Plymouth yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner. - Deceased was a typist employed by Sir Bignell Elliott, timber merchant, Bere Alston, and on Friday occupied the side-car of a motor cycle driven by Albert Thomas Brown, Ward House, Bere Alston. The latter's evidence showed that they were on their way to Bere Alston Station, and as they approached the corner of Station-hill he shut off his engine. As he turned the corner he observed a car driven by Mr Blackmore close by, and deceased also noticing it and fearing a collision, rose from her seat. Witness put out his left hand to keep deceased down, and immediately collided with the outside wing of the car. In endeavouring to avert an accident, Mr Blackmore slewed the car, and that brought them side-by-side. - Witness was thrown sideways off the machine and sustained an injury to his head. He did not see deceased leave the side-car, but eventually found her kneeling on the step of the car. The bracket which held the hood had entered her mouth. Deceased was bleeding very badly, but was conscious. The car and motor cycle were being driven at a reasonable speed, and in his opinion it was purely an accident. - Thomas King Blackmore, taxi-driver, of Bere Alston, said he was not travelling more than five miles per hour. It was an accident that could not have been averted. - The evidence of Dr Alexander G. Aitken, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, showed that when admitted to the Institution deceased was suffering from a fracture of the lower jaw. But for the fact that pneumonia subsequently set in, he believed she would have recovered. She died on Monday. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner expressing his deepest sympathy with the father in his sad loss, an expression in which a representative of Sir Bignell Elliott also joined.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 February 1921
PLYMOUTH - Soap Works Fatality. - The Inquest on THOMAS HENRY BURGE, 40, who met his death through an explosion at the works of Millbay Soap and Patent Candle Co. (Ltd)., on Monday, was opened by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Tuesday. After evidence of identification had been given by a brother-in-law, Alexander Cameron, butcher, Princess-square, the Inquiry was adjourned until the 23rd inst. to enable an Inspector of Factories to visit the works.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 February 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Petty Officer's Death. Effect Of Mine Explosions Suggested. - The death of an petty officer on board H.M.S. Westcott was the subject of an Inquiry by Mr Albert Gard, Deputy Coroner, at Devonport yesterday. The deceased was WILLIAM SYMONS, aged 38, of East End, Marazion. Mr Cochrane watched the proceedings on behalf of Messrs. Goldsmith and Peck, Admiralty Law Agents. - Petty Officer E. S. Wilkinson and Stoker A. Rasier deposed to deceased complaining on Tuesday of being unwell and being subsequently found unconscious in his hammock. - Surg.-Com. W. T. Haydon and Surg.-L. H. H. Douglas attributed death to syncope, following heart trouble. - The father of deceased suggested that death might be traceable to circumstances in connection with mine explosions in the vicinity of deceased's ship while on active service. - The Coroner: I am afraid we cannot judge that. We have simply to determine the cause of death. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 February 1921
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Explosion. Glycerine Casks Examined With Naked Lights. - For over 20 years employees at the Millbay Soap and Candle Company's works, Sutton-road, Coxside, Plymouth, have been in the habit of examining the interiors of empty glycerine casks with lighted candles to discover if they are clean. But when THOMAS HENRY BURGE, aged 40, a labourer, of 7 Princess-square, Plymouth, was doing this last Monday week there was an explosion, and both ends of the cask which he was examining were blown out. His legs were badly fractured and he died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital the same evening after his legs had been amputated. - The Inquest was resumed yesterday, amongst those present being Mr J. Owner, Inspector of Factories; Mr S. Mayburne Pearce, representing the Millbay Soap and Candle Company; Mr G. Neilson, of the Dockers' Union, of which the deceased was a member; and Mr Reginald Wilkins, a partner in the firm of Messrs. V. Blagden and Co., London, who consigned the cask, along with several others, to Plymouth. - The Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, said a number of casks were sent to the works, and it was part of BURGE'S duty to see that they were clean. A few days before the accident similar casks were examined, but, fortunately, the man who did it used an electric torch, and nothing happened. The Jury had to find whether there was any negligence, whether the deceased should have known the casks contained explosive vapour, and whether the firm who forwarded the casks should have notified the company that they had previously contained explosives. - William James Foster, labourer, said he, with BURGE, and another employee, named Hamlyn, was examining three glycerine casks. They had to discover if they were clean and dry, and to do this they used a lighted candle, which was held within three or four inches of the bunghole of one of the casks. Suddenly there was an explosion, and BURGE and Hamlyn were knocked backwards. This was the first time he had examined a cask in this way since the war, and he had never heard of them containing explosives before. - Replying to questions, witness said it had always been the practice to examine the casks with a lighted candle, and if the explosion had not occurred the light would have been held inside the cask. - Pint Of Liquid Found. - Ernest James Hamlyn, who was also working with the deceased, added that the object of examining the casks was to discover whether they were rusty or contained any dirty water. There was no indication on them that they contained an explosive or inflammable vapour. After the accident, in company with Mr J. Owner, the Inspector of Factories, he examined some of the other casks at the works. - Answering Mr Owner, witness said that, during this examination he found the words "Methyl ethyl ketone" on the cask which had exploded. In the other casks, which were marked in a similar way, there was a liquid which was found to be very inflammable. - Mr Owner added that in the casks which he had examined he found more than a pint of the liquid, and the vapour from this would be very explosive. - Charles Henry Angier, manager of the works, in reply to questions by Mr Wilkins, said the practice for the past 22 years had been to examine the casks by means of a candle. An electric torch was not as satisfactory because the light thrown from it was centralized on one small space. - It was mentioned by Mr Wilkins that his firm dealt with thousands of these casks, the majority being used to bring acetone from America, and this was the only complaint received in 15 years. "To examine them by candle," he observed, "is the most crude method I have ever heard of. We always use an electric torch." - Mr Owner contended that if the Millbay Soap Company had been notified that these casks had contained explosive they would have known they had to take precautions. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that the system of examining barrels with naked lights ought to be altered.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 February 1921
ABERTILLERY, MONMOUTHSHIRE, WALES - Abertillery Murder. Boy's Evidence At Inquest On Teignmouth Victim. - The adjourned Inquest on FREDA BURNELL, aged nine, found murdered in Back-lane, Abertillery, was resumed yesterday. - Great popular interest was manifested, and hundreds of people were unable to gain admission. - The girl's father, who formerly lived at Teignmouth, stated that he sent the girl to purchase some poultry spice and grit on Saturday, February 5. He next saw her dead on Sunday morning. - On the evening of the girl's disappearance, Harold Jones, a boy at the corn merchant's shop, called and asked if she had been found. Getting a negative answer he called three and a half hours afterwards. Deceased used to go to Jones's house to play. - Harold Jones, age 15, assistant to the corn merchant, gave evidence after being cautioned by the Coroner, and was in the witness-box for four hours. - He said he knew FREDA well, and served her soon after nine o'clock on the Saturday morning. She was in the shop only about two minutes. Witness detailed his movements during the day, and was closely questioned by the Coroner regarding his visits to a shed where stock was kept. He said he went to bed at midnight and slept with a lodger. He did not leave the bedroom until 11.45 on Sunday morning. - Shown a statement in which he told the Police he went to a billiard hall after leaving the shop at 9.30 on Saturday night, witness corrected the statement and said he did not go there. - A sister of the girl identified a handkerchief found in the shed as one belonging to deceased. - Several witnesses spoke to hearing screams about 9.30 on the morning of February 5. - The Inquest was adjourned. [Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 February 1921 - Abertillery Tragedy. Little Victim A Native Of Teignmouth. - The girl FREDA BURNELL, aged nine years, who, as reported in yesterday's "Western Morning News and Mercury," was found dead in a back lane at Abertillery, Monmouthshire, with her limbs tied and a rope around her neck, was born at Boscawen-place, Teignmouth, where her parents formerly resided. - MRS BURNELL, her mother, is the second daughter of Mr W. Knapman, the secretary and a local preacher of Teignmouth Baptist Church. MR and MRS BURNELL, with their family, visited Teignmouth during the summer and remained until September. The little girl, who was of a bright disposition, is a niece of Mr E. Knapman, one of the football club's centre three-quarters.]

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 February 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Football Fatality. Stonehouse Player's Injuries Due To Accident. - Fatal injuries received by a Plymouth football player on February 12 in a Wesley League match between Stonehouse Adult School and Excelsior at Maker, formed the substance of an Inquest held by Mr A. Gard, Deputy Devonport Coroner, at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday. The deceased was ROBERT EDGAR CAMP, labourer, of 29 George-street, Stonehouse, and a player of the Stonehouse team. - LILY ELIZABETH AMELIA CAMP, the widow, said that deceased was 27 years of age, and in good health when he left for the football match on the Saturday in question. Since the accident she had seen him, and he had made no complaint of having been kicked. He was an ex-Service man, drawing 20 per cent. disability pension for deafness. - Albert Frank George Wallace, a member of the Excelsior team, said that during the game, about fifteen minutes after the interval, deceased was coming up with the ball. As witness put up his knee to stop it, deceased ran right into his knee, but continued to play and kicked the ball. He then ran down to the touch-line and fell and was carried off the field. Witness did not touch him with his boot. Neither witness nor deceased had been cautioned for rough-play. - A Clean Game. - Albert Edward Usher, the referee, said that he did not see the collision. He saw a scramble near the touch-line, and one of the players kicked the ball on. He noticed that a player went off, and he did not attach any importance to it at the time. It was a fair and clean game. Witness did not find any occasion to caution either player. - John Thomas Bartlett, a spectator, saw the deceased stagger off the field. He spoke to him and received the reply, "He kicked me." The only other word deceased spoke was "Mother." - Dr Thomas H. McKenna, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said that deceased was admitted at 5.20 in the afternoon in a state of collapse. An operation was performed the same evening, and it was found that there was a rupture three inches in length in the small bowel. Deceased had been suffering from pleurisy. - A verdict of "Death from Rupture, following an accident on the football field," was passed. - A message of sympathy was passed, those associating themselves with it, being Messrs. T. Perry (president of the Stonehouse Club), F. J. Oats (Secretary, Wesley League), E. Jacobs (chairman of the Excelsior Club), and the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 February 1921
ABERTILLERY, MONMOUTHSHIRE, WALES - Teignmouth Victim. Little Boy's Story At Inquest At Abertillery. - When the Inquest was resumed on Saturday on FREDA BURNELL, the nine-year-old girl who was found strangled at Abertillery on February 6, and whose parents formerly resided at Teignmouth, a boy named Gilbert Francis Mortimer, age 10, described his visit to the shed on Saturday, February 5, in company with Harold Jones. Jones opened the door, which was kept bolted on the inside. The door only opened about half-way, a small sack behind the door preventing it opening wide. Witness had seen the sack there some days previously. - Jones placed a sack of potatoes on a truck and told witness to go on with it to a street near the Tips. Jones went to lock the door and witness started off with the truck. He had never started off without Jones before. Jones overtook him near the Drill Hall, and they delivered the potatoes and took the truck back to the shop. Jones was in the shop about ten minutes. - Herbert Henry Mortimer, Jones's employer, said on the morning of FREDA BURNELL'S visit to the shop he saw Jones behind the counter, serving a child, about 9.15. A few minutes later he heard Jones say something about money on the shelf. - The Coroner: If Doris Hathaway said distinctly that Jones told you and Mrs Mortimer that he had told lies that morning, is she telling the truth or no? - Witness: She must have made a mistake, unless she hard what I did not hear. - Witness could hear Jones about the shop from the time he got up until he went upstairs for his collar at 9.40 a.m. He was positive Jones was in the shop incessantly, except possibly for an interval of a few minutes. The case was adjourned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 March 1921
ABERTILLERY, MONMOUTHSHIRE, WALES - Abertillery Murder. Boys' Evidence At Inquest On Teignmouth Child. - The Inquest on the strangled Abertillery child, ELFRIDA BURNELL, whose parents formerly lived at Teignmouth, was resumed yesterday and again adjourned. - The greater part of the hearing was occupied with the examination of three boys who were with the lad, Harold Jones, when he went to lock up the shed belonging to his employer on the night of the day when the girl disappeared. They were closely questioned regarding a sack which one of them said Jones picked up on a bank after they left the shed. - A doctor expressed the opinion that attempted outrage was the primary cause of death, and other causes were shock, strangulation and a blow on the head.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 March 1921
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Suicide. Grief The Cause Of Woman's Sad Act. - The circumstances attending the death of EDITH FANNY PEARCE, 45, a single woman, who was found in a state of collapse at her home, No. 9, Mount Tavy-road, Tavistock, on Friday evening, and who died on Saturday morning at the Tavistock Hospital, were Inquired into yesterday at the Institution by Mr R. R. Rodd, the Coroner. - SAMUEL THOMAS ROSEVEARE, clerk at the Tavistock rate office, said deceased was his sister-in-law. He called to see her on Friday evening at her residence, where he found her very ill. Witness could not say that the bottle produced was the one he saw at the house. - At this stage the following letter that had been left by the deceased was read by P.C. Leach:- "My dear Beat and Tom, - I have tried to pick up my things. All my friends and you and Tom and Mrs Gould and her daughter and Miss Davey have showered kindnesses upon me. I am thinking .... my mind is a .... I do not sleep at night and thousands of things are passing through my mind. I am dying. I am simply doing the same things over and over again and I cannot remember anything I have done or where I have put things. I know I cannot travel tomorrow. My brain won't let me. Forgive me. I am only a trouble upon earth. - Your broken hearted EDITH. - P.S. - I am simply pacing about at home." - Continuing his evidence, MR ROSEVEARE said deceased lost her father twelve months ago. She had grieved about him a good deal since. They lived together. Deceased had slept at witness's house, and had been going to her own home by day. She had been under the care of a doctor for some time. The letter which had been read was in the handwriting of the deceased. She was going to her uncle and aunt at Helston on Saturday. - Loss Of Memory. - Dr W. E. Cree, Tavistock, said deceased had been under his treatment, on and off, for some years. She suffered from nervous debility, but it hardly amounted to melancholy. She had always complained to witness about her memory, which she said she was losing, and wanted to give up her work. He saw her on February 16th, when she again said her memory was going. - Witness called at her residence on Friday evening between 5.30 and 6 and found her in a state of collapse and very ill. She told witness that she had taken something, and that the bottle was at the back. She was quite conscious. She said she could not remember the name of what she had taken but she knew it was poison. - He had made a post-mortem examination, and found that death was due to taking strong spirits of salts. Witness thought that deceased was temporarily insane when she took the poison. - P.C. Leach said he found the bottle from which the poison had been taken on a shelf in deceased's house. He had made inquiries of local chemists, and found that no poison had been sold to the deceased during the last six months. - The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 March 1921
ABERTILLERY, MONMOUTHSHIRE, WALES - Abertillery Murder. Coroner's Questions To Boy Harold Jones. - When the Inquest on the Abertillery girl, ELFRIDA BURNELL, whose parents formerly lived at Teignmouth, was continued on Tuesday, Harold Jones, the boy who served the dead girl at the corn merchants' shop on the morning of her disappearance, was recalled and was under examination for over four and a-half hours. - The Coroner's questions were directed principally to the lad's visits to the store shed before mentioned, and Jones declared that he found the door open when he went to the shed on the following morning. - The Inquiry was adjourned until Monday for examination of what the Coroner called some stains which had not been noticed until the previous day.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 March 1921
ABERTILLERY, MONMOUTHSHIRE, WALES - Welsh Mystery. Jury Change Their Verdict. Boy Jones Arrested. - At Abertillery, yesterday, the Inquest was resumed upon FREDA BURNELL, the child found murdered near her home on February 6, and who had family connections with Teignmouth. It was stated that the pathological examination of certain stains, which led to the adjournment of the Inquiry, had proved of a negative character. - Frederica Veal, recalled, said since giving his last evidence, Mr Phillip Jones came to him and said, "Mind you stick to your evidence, or it will give them another opening to get at my son, who is innocent." - The Coroner asked Jones, who was in Court, if he wished to say anything, but he replied, "No, that is correct." - Summing up, the Coroner said there was evidence of a scuffle. Deceased's mouth had been tied by a scarf with the object of stifling her screams. Only one person could have committed the crime. There was evidence establishing a connection between the shed and the child or her assailant, or both. The handkerchief in the shed was a strong link. - The Coroner added that it was apparent some of the witnesses had not observed their oaths. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict, and, returning, said they agreed that the girl was murdered, but could not further agree, and returned an Open Verdict. - After commenting on their verdict, the Coroner ordered the Jury to retire for further deliberation. On again returning the Jury brought in a verdict of "Murder against some person or persons unknown." - About 8 o'clock last night the Abertillery Police arrested Harold Jones, the 15-year-old shop assistant. He will be brought before the Magistrates this morning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 March 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Fatal Fall. - A fall that resulted in the death of an elderly naval pensioner was described at an Inquest held yesterday by Mr Albert Gard, Deputy Devonport Coroner, concerning the death, which occurred on the previous day, of WILLIAM PERCY, aged 72, of 34 St Aubyn-street, Devonport. - Mrs Florence Matilda Helyer, at whose house deceased had been a lodger, said that on February 21 he fell down some steps as the result of giddiness. - Dr McElwaine ascribed death to shock, caused by injuries to the heart, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. [Western Morning News, Thursday 10 March 1921 - In our report of an Inquest on WILLIAM PERCY at Devonport in yesterday's issue the address 34 St Aubyn-street should have been 34 St John-street. The deceased lodged with Mrs Martin at that address, and not with Mrs Florence Matilda Hillyer. Dr McElwaine ascribed death to shock through injuries to the head.]

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 March 1921
PLYMPTON - Unhinged Mind. Cause Of The Plym Bridge Tragedy. - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict of the County Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, at an Inquest at Plym Bridge yesterday on the body of SYDNEY THOMAS MOULE, who was found hanging from a tree in Cann Wood, Plym Bridge, on Monday last. Deceased, aged 35, was unmarried, and lived with his parents at the Compton Inn, Plymouth. - The evidence of his brother, CHARLES EDGAR MOULE, showed that while serving in France with the Army Remount Corps in 1914 deceased met with an accident, injuring the spine, and subsequently, when with the infantry in Salonika, he contracted malaria. Since his discharge from the Army last October deceased's mind had not been normal. - Frederick Charles George, railway packer, Riverford Cottage, Egg Buckland, who cut down the body, said deceased had tied a scarf around his neck and, passing a handkerchief through it, tied a knot and hanged himself from the fork of the tree.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 March 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Nurse Exonerated. Hospital Patient's Fall From Bed. Devonport Inquiry. - At an Inquest yesterday on BLANCHE EVA, 8 St John-street, Devonport, who died last Thursday at the Royal Albert Hospital subsequent to a fall from bed, the nurse attending her was exonerated from blame. - The widower, WILLIAM JOHN EVA, skilled labourer, Devonport Dockyard, said his wife, 45 years of age, had been suffering from tubercular spinal trouble for the last five months. Following medical advice, she was taken to the Hospital on January 21. On Sunday, February 27, she complained to witness that she had fallen out of bed. - Elsie Mary Day, a probationer nurse, said that while attending to the deceased, she was visited by another nurse who wished to borrow some tea. Together they left the patient and went to the kitchen. While there, they heard a bump and a scream, and returned to find deceased lying on the floor. They got her back to bed. She made no complaint, nor had she on previous occasions when temporarily left unattended. There was no regulation forbidding nurses to leave their patients temporarily unattended. - Lilian Beatrice Heard, night sister, said that only in the case of delirium was constant attendance by the nurses considered necessary. - Caroline Webber, Matron of the Hospital, said that she saw the deceased the morning of the accident, but the patient made no complaint. Not until a subsequent X-ray examination did witness know that the injury was serious. Witness considered it safe in the ordinary way, to leave such a patient unattended. - The Widower: Her constant cry was, "Don't leave me, nurse." - By Mr K. Peck, (representing the Hospital): Witness had never heard the deceased complain of being left alone, or of inattention on the part of the nurses. - A Broken Limb. - Dr Thomas Herbert McKenna, House Surgeon, said the deceased complained on the first day after the accident of slight pain, and he found slight bruising of the thigh - nothing more. Later, when she complained of more severe pain, an X-ray examination was made, but it was not until the X-ray plates were developed that the fracture of the right femur was discovered. The limb was set, but deceased suffered from a syncope attack a few days later and expired. A post-mortem showed tubercular trouble in the right lung and that the heart was dilated and flabby. Prior to her death deceased was making no progress towards recovery. - "She was getting on well," again interposed the Widower, "and expected to be home soon." - Dr McKenna: People always say they feel better than they are. - He expressed the opinion that the deceased had had every possible treatment. - The Coroner, Mr J. Pearce, said that the Matron, two nurses, and the doctor had agreed that the constant attendance of a nurse with such a patient was not deemed necessary. Therefore, it was impossible to ascribe neglect to the nurses. He sympathised most sincerely with MR EVA, but sympathy for him must not lead them to do injustice to the nurses. He did not think that any reasonable man could ascribe neglect to anyone in the Hospital. - A verdict was returned that "Death was due to heart failure, accelerated by fracture of the femur through an Accidental Fall out of bed."

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 March 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Torpoint Fatality. Fuel Depot Labourer's Terrible Injuries. - A serious accident at the Thanckes Oil Fuel Depot, Torpoint, on Monday, which resulted in the death of a labourer, HARRY SEYMOUR PAPPIN, aged 26, of Admiralty-street, Keyham, was the subject of an Inquiry at the Royal Naval Hospital, yesterday, by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Surg.-Lieut. T. Thomas, H.M.S. Indus, said he was called to see deceased about 9.30 a.m. on Monday, at the oil depot. He found him in a very serious condition. - Surg.-Comdr. S. H. Woods, R.N. Hospital, said that deceased was admitted at 11 a.m. on Monday, and died at 8 p.m. the same day. Death was due to fracture of the pelvis, rupture of the bladder, and laceration of the internal iliac vein, which caused extensive haemorrhage. There was also a fracture of the right femur. - The Inquest was adjourned for the attendance of the Inspector of Factories.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 March 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Torpoint Fatality. Cause Elicited At Inquest. Disregarded Warning. - The tragic death of HARRY SEYMOUR PAPPIN, aged 26, of Admiralty-street, Keyham, at the Oil Fuel Depot, Torpoint, on the 14th inst., was again Inquired into by Mr R. Robinson Rodd and a Jury at Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday. - The Inquiry, which was adjourned on Wednesday for the attendance of the Inspector of Factories, having lasted for two hours, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and a suggestion made to the Admiralty that during working hours a medical practitioner should be in close attendance at the depot. - Mr Joseph Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present; Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty, and Mr H. E Bowden, deceased's relatives. - Samuel John Mildren, Whimple-street, Plymouth, chargeman in the Dockyard, stated that on the day in question deceased and another labourer named Pinch were ordered by him to place two wire pendants round a water tank for the purpose of lifting it. The tank was resting upon two other tanks bearing on pieces of wood. There was about 3 inches of water in the tank, which could not be drained out. The bearing was perfectly good. Having left the men, witness was subsequently told that deceased had met with an accident, and on returning found him being removed from the beach on a ladder. - The tank, which was then also on the beach, had been over-hanging towards the beach end by 2 ½ feet, and the other end as well. The tanks were slightly on the incline, and witness ordered deceased not to go on the tank in consequence of the water, and told him what would probably happen if he did. The tank was 11 feet long and 2ft. 9in. square and weighed 14 cwt. It was quite possible for deceased to have adjusted the pendants without going on top of the tank. - A Juror: Do you mean to tell me you would tell a labourer to do this work and not stop there? - I had other jobs to see to as well. After deceased was injured he told me that his seaman's boots slipped and caused him to fall. - Mr Bowden: Did you instruct him how to carry on? - I told him to "sling" the tank, and he was quite capable of doing it. - Mr Bowden: If it was not necessary for him to go on the tank, why did you warn him? - There was a possibility of the man going on the tank and not knowing the danger. - A Juror: If the chargeman knew there was an element of danger, why did he go away? - The Coroner: It seems to me that if a man is told not to do a certain thing and does it no one else can be blamed. - Fellow-Worker's Theory. - Harold Pinch, Clarence-road, Torpoint, agreed as to the order given to deceased not to go on the tank. Witness took the sling over the back end of the tank and deceased the other. They passed the slings under the tank, but witness noticed his end rise suddenly and the tank quickly toppled over on to the beach. Witness thought deceased had struggled to get one eye through the other and being a little hasty put his knee on the tank. - Mr Owner: Was deceased a careful man? - He was deaf, but was a hard worker. - Fred Cole, Liscawn-terrace, Torpoint, crane driver, gave corroborative evidence as to the orders and warnings of the chargeman. After he had got into the crane he heard a scream and on looking out saw the deceased on the ground turning from face downwards on to his back and the tank falling by his side. From his experience he thought deceased got on the tank. - The Coroner: Do you think he would have been quite safe had he not disregarded the order of the chargeman? - Quite safe, I should think. - A Little Forethought. - The Coroner having asked Mr Owner for his opinion on the matter, the latter said he thought the tank was safely stowed. If the men had just had the forethought to have assisted one another there was no reason why the accident should have happened. The only way by which the tank could have been toppled over was by a man getting into the centre and slipping to the end, or, what was more likely, by putting his weight on the front end of the tank. - Medical evidence by Surg.-Com. S. H. Woods and Surg.-Lieut. T. J. Harries, showed that death was due to shock following serious injuries. - In his summing-up the Coroner said Milden had apparently given clear instructions to deceased and Pinch. He did not see how any reflection could be cast upon any one. - The Coroner, officers and employees of the Admiralty expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 March 1921
DREWSTEIGNTON - Father's Discovery. Son Found Hanging In Hedge At Drewsteignton. - The story of a father's discovery of his eleven-year-old son's dead body hanging by a rope in a hedge was related to Mr H. Croston Brown, Coroner, at Drewsteignton yesterday. - The deceased was JAMES BROWN, whose parents reside at Drewsteignton, and the father told the Coroner that he was ploughing on Saturday when Mr Shilstone drew his attention to a boy hanging in a hedge. They went to the spot and witness found it was his son. Mr Shilstone cut the rope but the lad was dead. The boy was quite happy when he (witness) left home early in the morning. - The mother said she sent to lad to pick up sticks. He had done the same the morning before, and always took a bit of rope with which to bind them up. He got into "a bit of a temper" because he wanted to take back a saw to Mr Gloyn. He was a rather dull boy, but always cheerful and healthy. - Dr Hughes Chagford, said asphyxia was the cause of death. The neck was not broken, which showed the hanging was probably gradual and not sudden. - An Open Verdict was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 March 1921
LYDFORD - Postbridge Fatality. Young Ladies' Narrow Escape. Cause Of Accident. - The two young daughters of Maj. the Hon. E. G. French, Deputy Governor of Dartmoor Prison, narrowly escaped serious injury in the motor cycling accident near Postbridge on Thursday afternoon, which resulted in the tragic death of DR ERNEST HASLER HELBY, medical officer of the Prison. Riding in the sidecar they were thrown into the road with great violence, but fortunately sustained only shock and severe bruises. - Hastening to Postbridge, about half-a-mile distant, the girls summoned assistance, and within ten minutes r Newham was on the scene, but found DR HELBY beyond aid. - Having regard to their condition, the evidence of the Misses French was dispensed with at the Inquest on DR HELBY, which was conducted by Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, Okehampton, on Saturday afternoon, at the Prison. - Nature Of The Injuries. - Dr G. H. S. Hillyar, of Tavistock, Temporary Assistant Medical Officer, Dartmoor Prison, identified the body of the deceased, who was 51. On being informed of the accident he went to the spot and found that deceased had sustained an extensive fracture of the base of the skull, and in his opinion death must have been instantaneous. He understood that the two young daughters of the Deputy Governor were passengers in the sidecar of the machine which the deceased was riding. As a result of the accident they were both suffering from shock, were badly bruised, and not in a fit state to give evidence. - The Coroner remarked that he believed DR HELBY suffered from shell shock. He asked if it had any bearing on the fatality. - Witness: Not the slightest. He was absolutely normal in every respect, but his nerve was not what it used to be. - The Coroner: There was nothing, you mean, in his nervous condition that would indicate to you that he was not fit to ride a motor bicycle or drive a car? - No; he has driven me frequently. - Maj. the Hon. E. G. French, Deputy Governor, said he had spoken to the elder of his daughters, and she told him that immediately before the accident, DR HELBY said either that "something has happened" or "something is going to happen." Just as he spoke they were all thrown out. Both the girls said the machine was going fairly fast down the hill. - Break In The Machine. - Hayden Newham, Princetown, stated that he was speaking to the driver of a motor lorry at Postbridge when the girls reached there and reported the accident. He drove out in the lorry and found DR HELBY in the roadway apparently dead. On examining the motor cycle he saw a broken part of the front fork, which, on giving way, caused the machine to collapse. When the engine struck the ground it would necessarily throw the rider out of the saddle. There appeared to be no stone or obstacle in the road with which the bicycle could have collided. - The Coroner said he was satisfied that the deceased died from a fractured skull, the result of being Accidentally thrown from his motor bicycle near Postbridge. Personally, he was extremely grieved at the death of DR HELBY, with whom he was acquainted. They all appreciated his good qualities and ability as the Prison Medical Officer, and it was awfully sad that he should have met with such an untimely end.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 March 1921
PLYMOUTH - Student's Death. Plymouth Cyclist Killed In Street Accident. - The lamentable accident in Tavistock-road, Plymouth, which deprived an Oxford student of his life, was Inquired into at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday by Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, a verdict of "Accidental Death" being returned. - It was stated that the victim, MR FREDERICK JACOBS, aged 35, who was staying for the Oxford vacation with his sister at 3 Trelawney-road, Plymouth, was riding a bicycle down Tavistock-road, near the reservoir at about 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. According to an eye-witness, George Eggar, a Corporation crossing sweeper, he endeavoured unwisely to pass between a motor car and handcart, both of which were being driven on the right side of the road, the former by Mr W. C. Aveling, marine store dealer, of Plymouth and the latter by a lad named Herbert Cecil Shepherd. Apparently fouling the handcart, he swerved aside, and was pitched headlong upon the tramway track, his machine striking the mudguard of the car. - He was picked up and treated by Drs. Mabel Ramsay and Cheyne Wilson, and taken to the Hospital, where he was attended by Dr Joseph Proujansky, House Physician, but died from fractures to the skull the same evening. - Deceased's brother, MR GEORGE JACOBS, printer, Plymouth, thanked the doctors and Hospital staff for their kind and able efforts on behalf of the unfortunate man. - The funeral will leave 3 Trelawney-road, Plymouth at 2 p.m. tomorrow for the Old Plymouth Cemetery. - Well-known in Plymouth partly by his association with the Y.M.C.A., deceased, who before the war, in which he served, was a school teacher, was studying for honours in English at Oxford University.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 March 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Dangerous Custom. St Budeaux Gas Poisoning Case. - The death of CHARLOTTE LUCY HIRONS, aged 58, of 1 The Green, St Budeaux, at the Royal Albert Hospital on Thursday was the subject of an Inquiry held by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on Saturday. - It will be remembered that both MR and MRS HIRONS were admitted to the Hospital a week ago suffering from gas poisoning, the exact cause of which was a mystery. The husband, although recovering, was not in a fit condition to give evidence. - HENRY WILLIAM HIRONS, son of the deceased, said that after his parents retired to bed on Thursday, March 17th, he went to the gas meter, and, seeing a penny in the slot, turned it down and inserted another penny. His parents slept in the scullery, where there was a small gas stove. Witness arose at 5.15 the following morning and left for work without noticing anything amiss. - ALICE MAUD ELIZABETH GREVES, daughter of the deceased, said that there was very little gas when she tried to boil her kettle on the Thursday morning, and she put a penny in the meter. Shortly before eleven o'clock she sent her adopted son to look for her mother, and he returned to say that she was asleep, and that he could not wake her. Going through the boy's room to that of the deceased, she noticed a smell of gas, and found the main tap turned on. After turning off the tap and opening the window, witness found her father on the floor, and her mother on the bed, both unconscious. There was a cooker on the gas stove, it being customary for the deceased to leave it over a low gas flame, in preparation for the boy's breakfast in the morning. Witness sent for the Police. - Dr Thomas McKenna, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, attributed death to asphyxia. - P.C. Leyburn said that he found two of the taps of the stove slightly turned on, though the main had been turned off. - The Coroner commented on the all-night burning of the gas as a "dangerous proceeding" and a verdict was returned that Death was due to Asphyxia following the Accidental Escape of Gas from a stove."

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 March 1921
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death. - The circumstances of a Plymouth fatality during the Easter weekend was investigated at the Plymouth Mortuary by the Deputy Borough Coroner, Mr John Graves, yesterday. ELIZABETH AMY WILLS SPARROW, aged 48, the wife of ALBERT SPARROW, a skilled Dockyard labourer, of 6 Melbourne-street, Plymouth, died in Claremont-street, on Easter Monday evening. - P.C. John Creber, who was on duty about seven o'clock, described how the deceased woman came up to him in Claremont-street, and, whilst in conversation about a lost pair of shoes, expired suddenly in his arms. - Dr A. V. Ledger said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 March 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday by Mr John Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner into the death of EDWARD SMITH, aged 41, a coal porter, of 65 Clare Buildings, Plymouth, who, according to Mrs Mabel Bolger, a widow, of Summerland-place, went to call for her on Easter Sunday evening. In the dark passage he fell down the cellar stairs. It was not thought that he was seriously injured, and he was taken up to bed. Next morning Dr H. S. Ludolf was sent for, and five minutes after he arrived SMITH died from the effects of an extensive fracture of the skull. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 April 1921
KINGSBRIDGE - Thrown From Car. Plymouth Salesman's Death At Kingsbridge. - "Death from septic poisoning following an accident," was the verdict returned at an Inquiry at Kingsbridge yesterday into the death of MR ALFRED COE PERITON, flour salesman, 1 Caprera-terrace, Plymouth, who was thrown from a motor car near Aveton Gifford on March 21. - MR R. P. PERITON, brother, said that he, deceased, Mr W. J. S. Crocker and Mr and Mrs H. B. Williams, were motoring to Kingsbridge to attend a meeting of Duncombe Lodge of Freemasons, when their motor broke down near Modbury. Deceased elected to stay with the driver of the car until another came from Plymouth, whilst the others walked towards Kingsbridge. They met Mr J. Taylor, who had motored out to meet them, and advised him to go on and bring on deceased whilst they walked on. Mrs Williams got into the car. - Mr Taylor overtook them again at Aveton Gifford, when he said he had had an accident and deceased was injured. His brother made no statement, neither did he blame Mr Taylor. - Mr Crocker and Mr Williams stated that when they met Mr Taylor he was driving in a proper manner. - Driver's Story. - Mr Joseph Taylor, licensee of Hope and Anchor Inn, Hope Cove, said after he had taken deceased into his car he set out to return. When turning a bend in the descent of Fishley Hill, near Aveton Gifford, he found a difficulty in steering to the right, and the car started to skid. It got into the gutter and ran along the hedge for several yards before he could bring it out in the road. He then noticed deceased and Mrs Williams, as well as a young man he took with him from Kingsbridge, were not in their seats in the rear of the car. He found them lying in the road and deceased was badly injured. - Witness considered that when the car got into the drain the passengers were thrown out on to the hedge. At the time he was driving from 15 to 20 miles an hour. Although the road was slippery, he thought it was a safe pace to drive. At Kingsbridge it was found the steering gear had gone wrong, owing, no doubt, to the roughness of the road. - Dr W. T. Webb said deceased was suffering from a bad scalp wound, severe injuries to the chest bone, which had perforated the lung, and a fractured rib. Septic pneumonia set in on Sunday, which caused death on Tuesday night. - The Coroner said there was no blame attaching to the driver of the car or anyone connected with it.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 April 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Found Drowned. Plymouth Marine's Death At Teignmouth. - An Open Verdict was returned at an Inquest at Teignmouth on Saturday on PTE. JAMES SANDERS, R.M.L.I., of Kingsteignton, whose body was found in the Teign on the previous day by a fisherman. - SANDERS belonged to the Plymouth Division Royal Marines, and spent his Easter leave at his home. On Easter Monday he attended a football match at Teignmouth with several friends, and subsequently adjourned to the White Hart Inn. They remained there about two hours and when they left SANDERS had had, according to Eli Tozer, of Shaldon, quite enough to make him "wobbly." - Lewis Willcocks, Kingsteignton, told the Coroner he took SANDERS as far as the Triangle, but as the 'bus was not there deceased went away again in the direction of the harbour. That was the last witness saw of him. In his opinion deceased was quite able to take care of himself. - William Hitchcock, a Teignmouth fisherman, said he found the body in the water about 10 ft. off the quay. On Monday night it rained in torrents and blew half a gale. - Dr H. E. Goulden said death was due to drowning. There were no external signs of injury. - Popular Footballer. - The R.M.L.I. Rugby team has suffered a great loss by the death of SANDERS. He was vice-captain of the side, and had assisted the Services this season. He was also first reserve for Devon and only missed his place through an injury.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 April 1921
PUDDINGTON - After Influenza. Puddington Farmer's Suicide In Wife's Absence. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest on Saturday on WILLIAM THORNE, 36, farmer, of Ash Farm, Puddington. - The widow stated that at her husband's request on Friday morning she and her sister went to see some chicken. They were absent about five minutes, during which time deceased was alone. On their return she found her husband on the floor of the dining-room and a cartridge on the ground. The gun was one her husband had had lent him. - P.C. Kingdon said deceased was lying in a pool of blood, with his skull partly blown away. - Dr Pollock said he attended deceased on Easter Monday for a mild attack of influenza, which sometimes caused depression.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 April 1921
BERE FERRERS - Inquests were held at Bere Ferrers on two railwaymen, FRANK SARGENT KIDWELL and JOHN HARRIS, each of whom died suddenly, one on Friday and the other on Saturday. In each case death was due to Natural Causes.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 April 1921
YEALMPTON - Kitley Hill Smash. How Plymouth Woman Was Killed. Speed Question. - At Yealmpton yesterday Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, opened an Inquest concerning the death of MARY LOUISE PEDLAR, aged 45, of 71 Embankment-road, Plymouth, the result of a motor accident on Wednesday night. - Evidence of identification was given by the husband, WILLIAM JOHN PEDLAR, carter in the employ of the Plymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse Gas Company. - Richard Lean Whitfield, a retired chief sick bay steward, R.N., who resides at 53 Monument-street, Devonport, was the driver of the car, and appeared to give evidence. He was suffering from a badly-injured face and arm, and stated that on Wednesday evening he drove the deceased, Mr Charles Roan and Mrs Rapson from Plymouth to the Yealmpton Hotel, where witness had business to transact. The return journey was commenced at 9.55. MRS PEDLAR sat next to witness, who drove, and the other two passengers were behind. Witness drove carefully at no more than five miles per hour and reached Bull Gate, Kitley Hill, after twenty minutes' run. Topping the crest of the hill, he commenced to descend. - A limestone wall jutting out at the gateway of Kitley Park misled witness. Thinking it was the course of the road, he drove into it. The car was overturned on its side. Witness was thrown out. Getting on his feet, he found Mr Roan lying in the road. He was conscious. Mrs Rapson was also in the road in a semi-conscious condition, and witness got them both to the edge of the road. MRS PEDLAR was pinned beneath the car and the witness was powerless to release her. There were two electric headlights and two sidelights on the front of the car. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he thought that the white glare of the headlights added to his mistake. Witness considered that the white wall should be blackened in the interests of motorists. Witness had the steering gear of the car - a Ford - seen to on the previous Monday. - Superintendent Chammings questioned the estimated speed of the car, and MR PEDLAR suggested that the car would not have sustained such damages at the speed stated. He also wished to know if Mr Whitfield had been drinking. - Witness replied that he had had a bottle of beer at the Yealmpton Hotel. - No Drinking In Excess. - Dr Edward Hamilton Bruce Fox said that as the result of a post-mortem examination he found that the deceased had had three ribs broken and that the lungs were crushed. Death was due to haemorrhage. Mr Roan and Mrs Rapson had since been removed to Hospital, the former suffering from fracture and dislocation of the right shoulder and the latter from concussion of the brain. There was no evidence as far as he could judge that Whitefield or either of the parties had been drinking to excess. He considered that the last witness was in a fit condition to drive the car. As a motorist, witness quite appreciated the reason given as the explanation of the accident. - Mr Rapson, husband of the injured lady asked the doctor if he considered the damage done to the car was consistent with a speed of five miles an hour. - The doctor replied that he thought the speed must have been greater. - The Coroner agreed with Mr Rapson that it was improbable that the car took twenty minutes to cover a mile. He pointed out that Whitfield was entitled to proceed at anything under 20 miles per hour. Mr Rapson suggested that the headlights would not have been smashed if the speed had been only five miles per hour. - The Coroner said that in his opinion that speed was quite enough to account for the damage to the car. - Undamaged Engine. - Whitfield mentioned that the engine of the car was undamaged. The impact had broken the headlight and shaken off the bonnet. - Mr Percy George Rendle, proprietor of the Yealmpton Hotel, said that Whitfield had a small bottle of beer at the Hotel, and was in a sober condition when he left. - Ebenezer Westwood, naval pensioner, of Yealmpton, testified to the sobriety of the driver of the car. - Superintendent Chammings said that the car was badly damaged. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until April 25, pending the evidence of a motor engineer as to the damage of the car, with a view to ascertaining more clearly the speed of the car at the time of the occurrence. - At the adjourned inquest there will be a Jury. - Whitfield expressed the sympathy of the car owner, Mr A. E. Chinn, of Devonport, the Coroner concurring.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 April 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Man's Death. - Found dead in bed by his daughter, MRS EMILY L. WILLIAMS, THOMAS BRICKNELL, aged 78, naval pensioner, of 19 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, was stated at the Inquest held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, yesterday, to have seemed perfectly well the previous evening. - Dr W. H. Waterfield, who made a post-mortem examination, gave evidence that death was due to syncope resulting from Natural Causes, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 April 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, yesterday, at the Inquest on MISS EMMA JAS. BIBBINGS, aged 59, residing at 59 Princes-street, Devonport, where she kept house for her brother.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 April 1921
TIVERTON - Death From Cold. Doctor's Statement At Tiverton Inquest. - Dr Pollock stated at a Tiverton Inquest yesterday that a recent death to some extent had been due to the cold weather. MR JOHN PARR (66), a retired builder, who was clerk of works in connection with the Tiverton housing scheme, died from syncope, the doctor stating that he had been affected by the cold. "Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 April 1921
EXETER - Broken Ribs. Exeter Workhouse Inmate's Death In Hospital. - At an Inquest at Exeter Mental Hospital, yesterday, on WILLIAM CLARKE BARRETT, 72, retired upholsterer, formerly of Abbey-road, Exeter, Dr G. W. Bartlett, Medical Officer, said he was kept in a padded room on admission from the City Workhouse on March 24, until being removed to bed four days later. He was very restless and at times required restraint to keep him in bed. - A post-mortem examination revealed that deceased had suffered from Bright's Disease, and had three broken ribs. He was admitted to the Institution because he was so restless that the Workhouse nurses could not manage him. - Walter Harold Trice, attendant at the City Workhouse, said patients had informed him that deceased had "tumbled about the ward," but he had no personal knowledge of it. The Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 April 1921
YEALMPTON - Kitley Hill Smash. Negligence, But Not Culpable. Jury's Verdict. - The motor accident on Kitley Hill, Yealmpton, last Wednesday week, as the result of which MRS MARY LOUISE PEDLAR, aged 45, of 71 Embankment-road, Plymouth, sustained fatal injuries, was further Inquired into yesterday at Yealmpton by the County Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, and a Jury. - The verdict of the Jury was that deceased met her death through injuries caused by the negligent driving of Richard Lean Whitfield, but held that the negligence was not sufficient to return a verdict of manslaughter. - Concurring with the Jury's verdict, the Coroner said he was sure Mr Whitfield would exercise more care in future. - The Coroner referred at the outset to the evidence of Whitfield, retired chief sick-bay steward, R.N., of 53 Monument-street, Devonport, given at the opening of the Inquest on the 15th inst. - The Accident. - It showed that on the night of the 13th inst. he was driving a car from Yealmpton to Plymouth, and at Kitley Hill, mistaking the wall for the road, he dashed into it. The car was overturned and deceased, who was one of four occupants, was pinned beneath the car. During the Enquiry the husband of the deceased raised questions as to drink, and Mr Rapson, whose wife was also injured, Inquired as to the speed at which the car was travelling. With a view to obtaining further evidence upon those points the Inquest was adjourned. - Mr J. L. Wolferstan represented the husband of deceased; Mr R. McDonald the driver and Mr T. R. McCready the owner of the car. - Richard Lean Whitfield, replying to Mr Wolferstan, stated that before leaving Plymouth for Yealmpton he had a glass of ale and a bottle of lemonade at the Caprera Hotel. At the Foxhound Inn, Brixton, he had a glass of ale, and a similar drink at the Yealmpton Hotel. Before the collision he did not notice that his near wheels were on a bank. - All he remembered was the crash and he was not conscious that he did anything to avoid the collision. He adhered to his former statement that he mistook the wall for the road, and further expressed the opinion that the car was not being driven more than ten miles an hour. - Answering the Coroner, witness said it was in no sense a "joy ride." - No Drinking To Excess. - Dr E. H. B. Fox, who visited the scene of the accident soon after the collision, described deceased's injuries. There was no evidence, as far as he could judge, that either of the parties had been drinking to excess. Mr Whitfield was certainly in a fit state to be in charge of a motor car. - Percy George Randle, proprietor of the Yealmpton Hotel, and Ebenezer Westwood, naval pensioner, Yealmpton, testified to the sobriety of the driver of the car. - Cecil George Davis, motor engineer, Yealmpton, who was called to Kitley Hill in consequence of the accident, considered that the car must have been travelling at a greater speed than ten miles an hour. He could not understand why the driver mistook the wall for the road as there was no defect anywhere. - Replying to Mr McDonald he thought a speed of eighteen to twenty miles an hour on that road at night perfectly safe. - Twenty Miles An Hour. - John Clement Folland, motor engineer, of Devonport, and Richard Frank Davis, motor engineer, Buckwell-street, Plymouth, gave evidence of having examined the car and of the extent of the damage. - Mr Folland described the damage as extensive and thought it could have been caused had the car been travelling at the rate of twelve or fifteen miles an hour. - Mr Davis was of opinion that the car had a terrific blow, and must have travelled at the rate of at least twenty miles an hour. It was quite possible for an inexperienced driver to mistake the wall for the road. He had known dozens of such drivers to do so. - Sergt. Endacott stated that the body of deceased was found thirty feet from the point of the collision.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 April 1921
TORQUAY - Death From Morphia. Torquay Nurses Fine War Services. - That the arduous work she performed and the hardships she endured during the war had undermined her health and accounted for the condition of her nervous system, were comments passed by the Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, at an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on DAISY MARY STEPHEN, single, aged about 35. Deceased had been nursing in Torquay for the past three years and died in the Torbay Hospital on Tuesday from morphia poisoning. She hailed from Scotland and had a distinguished war service, suffering some trying experiences in Serbia. - Dreaded Operation. - JEANETTE EVELYN STEPHEN, of Stonehaven, Scotland, a sister, said deceased's last letter about nine days ago appeared quite cheerful. When war broke out, deceased went to Serbia, and subsequently was sent home in consequence of ill-health, contracted on war service. - Witness identified a letter addressed to the Coroner as being in deceased's handwriting. It stated: "It would be a kindness if my name were not mentioned in the papers. I have taken morphia because of sleeplessness and dread another operation. It is all done whilst I am quite sane. So that there need be no publicity, I have stated the above facts." - A Will was also left by deceased, made in November 1919, and a letter requesting that if it could be managed she "would like to be sent to St Mary's Hospital for dissecting purposes." - Mrs Verna Ellis of 2 Lisburn-square, said deceased had lodged with her. When she first came to Torquay her health was very bad, as she had been a prisoner of the Austrians, but subsequently she improved. On Sunday night, after 11 o'clock, witness was not aware that she was in the house when, in consequence of a telephone message from Dr Stabb, she went to deceased's bedroom. The latter was in bed asleep and breathing heavily. As witness was unable to arouse her, Dr Stabb came to the house. - Doctor's Tribute. - Dr Stabb said deceased had lately been nursing a child patient for him. He added that she did splendid work in the war. She was in Belgrade when it was besieged in the first Serbian retreat and was taken prisoner by the Austrians. Eventually she was released and sent back to England, but she insisted on returning to Serbia. Unfortunately she contracted appendicitis and had to undergo an operation just behind the firing line in a very rude way. As a result of this, another operation was later necessary. It was in consequence of these operations and her experiences on war service that she had since suffered a great deal of pain and from insomnia. She won the highest military decoration the Serbian Government could give. - Witness added that he had never known a better nurse, and very few as good. - Dr Stabb further stated that when he went to Lisburn-square on Sunday night the condition of deceased showed that she was suffering from some narcotic. He took her to the Torbay Hospital, where he stayed until 4.30 the next morning trying to revive her. There was a broken hypodermic syringe in deceased's room, but being a nurse and having taken morphia before, she would have administered a large dose. He could not, however, say how much. - Dr F. G. Brown, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the post-mortem examination showed that death was due to morphia poisoning. - The Coroner said that having regard to letters found and also to other evidence, he could only come to the conclusion that she came to her death from Morphia Poisoning which she took, being at the time of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 May 1921
LIVERPOOL - Tragedy In Valiant. Inquest Opened On Marine At Liverpool. - The Liverpool Coroner on Saturday opened an Inquest on ALFRED DENSHAM ANDREWS, R.M.L.I., of Red Cow Village, Exeter, who, as reported in Saturday's issue, died as the result, it is alleged, of being stabbed with a knife by a steward with whom he had some words over a sandwich picked up in the officers' mess in H.M.S. Valiant by ANDREWS. - Only formal evidence of identification was taken, and the Inquest adjourned to Wednesday, when the Coroner will have the assistance of a Jury. - Cecil Robert Mitchell, the steward, is under detention in the Valiant, now lying in the Mersey.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 May 1921
LIVERPOOL - Marine's Death. Misadventure In H.M.S. Valiant. - A Liverpool Coroner's Jury yesterday returned a verdict of Death from Misadventure at the Inquest on ALFRED DENSON ANDREWS, aged 28, private of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, H.M.S. Valiant, at present in the River Mersey, who died following a wound in the throat inflicted under circumstances which involved the detention on board of Cecil Robert Mitchell, steward in the same battleship. - Evidence was given to the effect that Mitchell and deceased, who was a native of Exeter, were the best of friends, and Mitchell himself gave a graphic description of how the tragedy happened. He said he remonstrated with ANDREWS for taking some cheese from the drawer in the pantry. Subsequently witness was trimming some for the purpose of making sandwiches, when deceased struck him on the jaw. Witness, with the knife in his hand, swung round to defend himself just as deceased tried to give him a left upper cut, and in doing so deceased caught witness's arm, accidentally, driving the knife against his own throat. - Independent evidence was given that the wound was consistent with having been caused in the manner described, and the Jury returned a verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 May 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Overcome By Gas. Plymouth Man's Death In Bathroom. - A tragic discovery was made in a bathroom at the Great Western Hotel, Plymouth, on Monday afternoon. ALBERT BAKER, 59, of 76 Union-street, was found by the proprietor dead on the floor, overcome by gas. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd yesterday. - Dr R. B. Burke stated that when he saw deceased at the Hotel he had been dead about two hours. Witness had known deceased, who had always been happy and cheerful. He had undergone a successful operation for hernia. Deceased was very deaf and his sense of smell might have been affected. Death was due to suffocation. - Harold Morris Williams, of the Great Western Hotel, said MR BAKER arranged to have a bath at 2.30 p.m. on Monday. About two hours later witness noticed a strong smell of gas, and being unable to discover the escape, he went to the bathroom which he found locked. Deceased was dead on the floor. Apparently he had had his bath. The water for the bath was heated by a geyser, which was thoroughly up to date. It was impossible to turn on the gas accidentally, but it would be possible for a man to turn on the gas in order to light it, and imagine he had done so. Handicapped by his deafness he would be quickly overcome. - Witness had long known deceased, who was always in the best of spirits. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Death by Suffocation," said there was no evidence to show how the accident happened, but he did not think MR BAKER intended taking his own life.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 May 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Gassed In Sleep. Devonport Mother Finds Boy Dead In Bed. - The sad story of how a boy of nine, an only son, was suffocated in his sleep through gas leaking from a chandelier was told to the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. - The deceased, JOHN LARCOMBE TUCKER, son of MR JOHN TUCKER, an employee of the Tamar Brewery, who lives at 38 Garden-street, Morice Town, slept by himself in the front room on the ground floor. Before going to bed on Tuesday night MR TUCKER sat with his son, a particularly fine boy, and left him at 10.5 p.m., locking the room door. - The father said he entered the room with a lighted candle and left no light there. During the day he had placed 8d. in the slot meter. At 6.30 a.m. next day he arose to go to his work, and placed another 4d. in the meter. He did not then go into the boy's room, and on returning home to breakfast he was told his son was dead. - There was a chandelier in the centre of the room, which had not been used for a considerable time. When he first occupied the house the landlord told him the chandelier required water, and he had placed some in it a few weeks before. He did not understand that there was any danger in not feeding the chandelier with water. - The mother said she entered the boy's room at 7.50 a.m. and noticed a strong smell of gas. She went to open the window and spoke to the boy, but failed to arouse him. He was lying slightly on his side and appeared to be asleep. She next saw there was something wrong and called a neighbour and the Police and a doctor were sent for. - Dr G. H. Oriel attributed death to suffocation, due to an escape of gas from the hydraulic chandelier, and a verdict was entered accordingly, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 May 1921
PLYMOUTH - Witnesses Disagree. Manslaughter Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - "Manslaughter" was the verdict returned by the Jury at the Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM THOMAS PULLEYBLANK, age 60, furniture packer of 53 North-street, Plymouth, who died on May 5, as the result of a street accident which occurred at 10.20 p.m. on April 21. - William Stoneman, a motor lorry driver in the employ of Messrs. Curtis and Sons, hauliers, stated in evidence that he was driving a motor lorry to Plymouth from Kingswear, accompanied by a foreman and the deceased, when he was led to think from the fact that someone shouted to him as he neared the top of Alexandra-road, Plymouth, that his rear light was out. He pulled up the lorry abreast of the stamp machine at the top of the road, coming to a standstill on the incorrect side of the road because the other side was roped off and under repair, and also because he wanted room to sweep up into Greenbank-road. "A Terrific Speed." - He did not go right out into Greenbank-road, fearing that an accident might happen through his rear lights being out. There was a space, he judged, of 9ft. through which another vehicle could pass down Alexandra-road. He told deceased to get off and see if the lights were all right, and before deceased could have had time to reach the rear of the vehicle a Ford car came down from North-hill "at a terrific speed" - about 26 miles an hour - made as if to go along Mutley-plain and then swerved, seeming to be heading straight for the bonnet of the lorry. It collided with the door and rear wing of the lorry, breaking off a quarter-inch bolt, and pulling up some yards further on. Deceased was picked up injured behind the lorry and taken in the car to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. The accident, he asserted, could have been avoided had the driver been going at a reasonable speed. - Deceased's death, according to Dr F. Back, House Surgeon of the Hospital, was due to injuries to the temple and neck sustained in the accident. - Different Opinions. - The evidence of several witnesses varied considerably as regards the details of the mishap. Contrary to the statements of the occupants of the lorry, John Pethybridge affirmed that the driver of the car, which was not going unduly fast, sounded his horn at the corner. - Twenty miles an hour was the speed of the car in the judgment of Wm. Spicer, the other occupant of the lorry - a speed, he said, which was quite unreasonable. - Stephen B. Dark, who disagreed as to the position of the lorry, placed the speed at 30 miles an hour, whereas Robert Noble, the watchman, employed in connection with the road repairs, said it was 13 miles an hour. - Edwin Harris, a licensed victualler at Taunton, residing at Chokeford, Plympton, the driver of the car, who will have to appear on a charge of manslaughter at the next Exeter Assizes, and was granted bail in £100, stated that he left Turner's Garage, Plymouth, at 10 p.,m. to return to Plympton, and, as was his usual practice, came down North-hill on low gear, which meant that he could not have been travelling at more than 12 miles an hour. Deceased came out suddenly from behind the lorry, and was struck by the radiator of the car, which, as far as witness knew, did not foul the wing of the lorry. He stopped within a length and a-half of the car. - Mr C. L. Croft represented deceased's relatives, Me Elliot Square, Mr Harris, and Mr Mayburne Pearce deceased's employers.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 May 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham 'Bus Fatality. No Blame Attached To Driver Or Conductor. - The motor 'bus fatality which occurred on Station-road, Keyham, on Saturday evening last, of which MRS EMMA SANDERS, aged 41, of 112 Cotehele-avenue, Keyham, was the victim, was the subject of an Inquiry by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, and a Jury at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday. - Mr A. N. F. Goodman appeared for the relatives, Mr E. Foster attended on behalf of the Town Clerk, and Mr H. P. Stokes (tramways Engineer and manager) was also present. - Arthur William Thomas White, schoolboy, living at 3 Tamar-avenue, said he saw a lady dash across the road. A Corporation 'bus backed round the corner from Station-road and knocked her down. She rolled under the car, which passed over her and when the 'bus went forward the wheels passed over her body a second time. She was walking in the centre of the road. The 'bus was making a noise, but he did not hear the horn sounded. Deceased was struck in the back. Neither the driver nor conductor knew of the occurrence until the 'bus was driven forward again. - Pte. ARTHUR B. TRANTER gave evidence of identification, stating that the deceased, his sister, had good sight and hearing. She was the widow of a petty officer, and left two young children. - John Edward Dorgan, 60 Beatrice-avenue, Keyham, boiler-maker in the Dockyard, who also described the accident, said the 'bus was going slowly. The hill was very steep and unless a person was standing some distance from the 'bus it would be difficult to see him. - By Mr Goodman: If the conductor was standing on the bottom step he might have seen the deceased, but not if he was in his usual place in the 'bus. - 'Bus Driver's Account. - Frederick Turner, 28 Neswick-street, Plymouth, driver of the 'bus, said he backed a short way up the avenue, when he heard a scream and the conductor shout that they were on a woman. He immediately let the 'bus run ahead. - The Coroner: The whole crux of the matter is whether the conductor ought to have seen the woman. - Witness: She was away from the 'bus and ought to have been seen. He was certain that the conductor was not speaking to him at the time. - Have you had an accident before? - I don't think I ought to be asked that question. - You must answer the question. - Yes; I had an accident. - It was a fatal accident? - Yes. - When did it happen? - Just before Christmas, in Laira. I was exonerated by the Jury. - In reply to Mr Goodman, witness did not agree that a better method would be for the conductor to stand in the road to keep a look-out. If he did, how could he give a signal, he asked. - Mr Goodman: By shouting. - By Mr Foster: The conductor rang his bell to let him know the way was clear for the 'bus to be backed. The former could quite well see up Tamar-avenue. - Conductor's View Of The Road. - George Ernest Brooks, 23 George-street, Stonehouse, conductor of the 'bus, stated that as soon as the passengers alighted at the terminus he gave the signal to the driver to back up the hill. When the driver had finished his reverse witness heard a scream and from the lower step saw a woman under the wheel. He was looking out all the time from the platform on which he stood. He was on the alert, and saw no one. - Can you explain how it was that although this woman was in the road and you were looking out you did not see her? - If she came quickly from the pavement she could have passed by the back step. - Mr Goodman: Do you agree with the driver's suggestion, that you cannot see a person right under the stern of the 'bus? - No, not if he is quite near. - Then what happened was due either to your not having seen the person or to the construction of the 'bus preventing your doing so? - I don't see how the 'bus could be otherwise constructed. - The Coroner: Have you a good view of the road from where you stand on the platform? - Yes. I could see anything at a distance. - Mrs Elizabeth Ann McCall, 15 Station-road, who was at the scene of the accident, expressed the opinion that deceased hesitated as if in doubt whether she had time to reach the other side. The 'bus was going very slowly, as it usually did at that corner. - Mr H. P. Stokes spoke of certain experiments which had been made to secure the public safety at car terminals, and said it was decided that no other signal should be recognised but the bell. If anything could be done to eliminate the element of risk he would give the matter very careful consideration. - The House Surgeon stated that deceased died within 20 minutes of admission to the Hospital. The cause of death was shock and excessive haemorrhage from laceration of the pelvic organs. - The Coroner remarked that the only point for the Jury to consider was whether there was any neglect on the part of the driver or conductor. He expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver and conductor from blame. They associated themselves with the Coroner's expression of sympathy and gave their fees to the children of the deceased. - On behalf of the Corporation and its officers, Mr Foster voiced their deep regret at the occurrence and their feeling of sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 May 1921
PLYMOUTH - St Germans Fatality. Sawmill Workman Struck By Wood. - Details of a peculiar accident, unhappily attended with fatal results, were unfolded at an Inquest held yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. The deceased was WILLIAM JAMES CARDEW, 48, of Westend, St Germans, who died as the result of injuries received whilst at working in a sawmill on Saturday. - Henry Wenmouth said that he was in the mill cutting a piece of timber, when a small piece flew off and struck CARDEW, knocking him down. A doctor was sent for, and CARDEW was removed to Hospital. The affair was quite an accident. - Dr F. Back said that deceased suffered from fractured ribs and internal haemorrhage. The case was hopeless from the first, and the man died the same day.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 May 1921
EXETER - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Exeter Inquest on ROBERT JOHN LOVELL, painter, Victoria-road, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after falling from a ladder used in his employment.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 May 1921
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest on CHARLOTTE PYNE, aged 56, of Sun-street, Exeter, who was found yesterday lying dead on the kitchen floor of 47 Queen-street. Dr J. Allan said death was due to syncope.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 May 1921
SNOWDONIA, WALES - Preb. DURHAM Killed. Fall When Ascending Welsh Mountain. Great Alp Climber. - News of a fatal accident to Prebendary W. E. DURHAM, M.A., rector of Trusham, was a great shock to Church men and women in the Westcountry in general and to the people of Mid-Devon, among whom he lived for so many years, in particular. It was while climbing Tryfan Peak, of the Snowdonian range, on Whit-Monday that he slipped and fell a distance of 40 feet, receiving injuries to which he succumbed. At the time he was nearing the summit. - Story Of The Accident. - At the Inquest yesterday, Mr Bristow, engineer, of Birstall, Leicester, one of the party with deceased, said they had almost reached the summit and deceased was climbing a chimney when he appeared to be in difficulties, for he shouted "I cannot get up," and asked that a friend in the party should go to him. The witness shouted to his friend and told deceased to hold on. He, however, fell about 40 feet and alighted on his head. The rope remained intact. - Mr Peacock, of Newton Abbot, said deceased was a member of the Alpine Club and had climbed Tryfan before. When in the chimney he relied too much on his hands, and as he had no secure hold, he became tired and fell. If he had wedged himself in the chimney he might have got out of his difficulty. The chimney finished a trying climb, and they had done over 300 feet. - Medical evidence showed that deceased had a scalp wound five inches long, the skull being exposed. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Enthusiastic Mountaineer. - Had the reverend gentleman chosen the place of his death it would probably have been in his beloved mountains. He was an enthusiastic mountaineer, and probably one of the most experienced and sure-footed of those who engaged in this interesting sport. From his early manhood onward he rarely missed spending his summer holidays in the Swiss, Italian or Austrian Alps. He made successful ascents of all the most famous peaks, and his stories of how he conquered Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn, the Wetterhorn and others equally formidable were intensely interesting. His guides were among the most renowned in the Alps and he treated them as brothers. - It was a subject of especial regret to him that the war interrupted his annual expeditions, because he realised that his Alp-climbing days were nearing their end. This thought he expressed in the closing chapters of his book, "Climbs in the High Alps." Anno Domini, he admitted, was making an impression on his climbing capabilities, and he felt that he would have to leave to younger men the adventurous tasks that he had hitherto essayed. - PREBENDARY DURHAM not infrequently advised people who were unable to visit the Alps that they could enjoy the delights of climbing in the smaller mountains of this country, and even in the tors of Dartmoor. Not all the latter, he emphasized were ascended by means of rough-hewn steps and hand-rails. Quite a number present considerable difficulties, and in almost every case he had overcome them. He had also climbed the more noted mountains in this country and it is singular that after coming safely through the dangers of the High Alps, often being caught in heavy snowstorms, he should have lost his life when ascending the comparatively modest heights of the Snowdonian range. - During the winters, PREBENDARY DURHAM used again to live over his summer conquests. His lectures on Alp-climbing were a feature of his parish work. His photographs from which he made his lantern slides were magnificent, and his lectures of absorbing interest, while the financial proceeds were invariably on behalf of Church funds. On occasion also he lectured in local Nonconformist schoolrooms. - Popular Churchman. - Born in 1857 MR DURHAM graduated at Trinity College, Cambridge. His first curacy was at Tavistock, 1831-32 and from the latter year to 1885 he was curate at Eastdown, North Devon. He then became rector and in 1888 was appointed vicar of St Matthew, Burnley, where he remained until 1895, when he accepted the rectory of Wolborough, the old ecclesiastical parish of Newton Abbot, and held it until 1919. Then on the advice of his doctor he resigned, and subsequently accepted the rectory of Trusham, near Chudleigh. - During the 24 years, PREBENDARY DURHAM was at Newton Abbot he did a great work not only in his own church - there are really five churches, four being modern offshoots of the old parish church - but also in promoting unity among the whole of the Churches in the town in many phases of their work. For nine years he was rural dean of the deanery of Moretonhampstead and was appointed to a prebendal stall in 1912. He had a most genial disposition, and his broad-mindedness made him popular with all classes. - There was no more sincere Christian and Churchman than he, yet he entered into the enjoyment of the people with a zest that endeared him to all. His speeches at the annual dinners of the railwaymen, ambulance corps and similar organizations were always interesting and amusing, for they were spiced with humour; while the men delighted to see him among them enjoying his pipe with the most inveterate of smokers. - He was a good golfer and took keen interest in the local cricket and rifle clubs, being himself a good shot. He was also a skilled chess player. - During the war he took a big share in local war work, being member of a number of committees and in 1919 he went to France to take up work with the troops in connection with the Church Army. His health, however, became impaired, for the shock he suffered in the spring of 1917 when in the course of a few weeks he lost his younger son, LIEUT. A. E. DURHAM, who was in the North Sea and his wife, who died with tragic suddenness a few weeks afterwards, had a great effect on him. His elder son, MAJOR DURHAM, in the Indian Army, was killed in the last Afghan war. - PREBENDARY DURHAM married as his second wife, in June 1919, MISS WINIFRED S. LEE, of Forde Grange, Newton Abbot.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 May 1921
TORQUAY - Heat Victim. Torquay Man'[s Death In The Street. - Found lying in Barton-road, Torquay, GEORGE CROCKER, aged 72, a victim of the heat, was taken by Capt. F. Lane, D.S.C., in a motor car to Torbay Hospital, but life was extinct. Deceased was a gardener, employed by Mrs Flint, St Michael's-road, and living at 59 Upton-road and at the Inquest yesterday, when a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, was said to be active, but affected by the heat. - Dr F. G. Harman Brown, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to heart failure accelerated by the hot weather.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 May 1921
EXMOUTH - Dangerous Corner. Jury's Suggestion At Exmouth Inquest. - An Exmouth Jury yesterday, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," at an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, on GLADYS GEAKE, age 35, wife of MR GEAKE, dental surgeon, Wimbledon, London, who died on Tuesday as the result of a collision between a motor cycle combination and a motor car on Carlton-hill, Exmouth, suggested that steps should be taken to make the cross-roads at the spot less dangerous. Mr T. J. W. Templeman appeared on behalf of the motor car driver, and Mr B. T. Vine for the driver of the combination. - Mr G. A. Stamp, 143 Exeter-road, Exmouth, said deceased and her husband were his visitors and about 5.45 p.m. he decided to take deceased and her child, PETER in his motor cycle combination to the sea front. He accelerated in order to climb the incline in Rolle-road, but before reaching the top slowed down from 16 or 18 miles per hour to 6 or 7 and sounded his horn. Everything seemed clear at the cross-roads, but before he could look down Carlton-hill the motor car struck him broadside on, and deceased was flung against a wall, which her head struck. - E. J. Sheriff, Iddesleigh-road, Bristol, said he sounded the hooter of his car when nearing the top of Carlton-hill, coming from the direction of the sea front. He was proceeding at about 16 miles per hour and when about 10 yards from the corner a motor cycle combination, travelling at from 20 to 25 miles per hour, seemed to jump into the centre of the road ahead. He applied the brakes immediately, but hit the point of the sidecar and knocked it across the road. He thought that if Mr Stamp had been more on his proper side than in the centre of the road, he would have seen him sooner. He heard no horn sounded. The roads were very narrow and the corner very dangerous. - Gertrude Mary Iles, Fore-street, Dawlish, who was riding in the front of the car, said she did not see how Mr Sheriff could have avoided the accident. - Richard Newbury, labourer, eye-witness, was of the opinion that nothing could have stopped it. Neither vehicle was going very fast, but the corner was very awkward. - Supt. Bawden, of Exmouth Police, said that the views of the crossway were obscured at every approach by high garden walls. - Dr W. J. Dobson Smyth said death was due to a fractured skull. - The Jury attached no blame to either of the drivers. - The Coroner said he heartily agreed with their suggestion concerning the cross-roads; the authorities would be informed.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 May 1921
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Woman's Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Lutley Cottage, Tavistock, yesterday, on SELINA MAY, 67, who died on Tuesday as the result of an accident on March 26. - WILLIAM MAY, the husband, stated that deceased fell outside the kitchen door and fractured her thigh. She was detained at the Tavistock Hospital until Saturday last. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said death was due to heart failure, accelerated by shock caused by the accident, and a verdict to this effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 May 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Boy's Suicide. Found Hanging At The R.N. Barracks, Devonport. - The circumstances attending the death of a sailor boy who was found hanging at the R.N. Barracks, Devonport, on Sunday, were Inquired into last evening by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner. The deceased was JOHN HARRISON, boy 1st class, aged 17, whose parents reside at Preston, Lancashire. According to the evidence of several witnesses, deceased was a clean, healthy boy of good character and nothing wrong had been noticed with him until Saturday morning, when he complained of a headache. He was taken to the sick bay and relieved of duties by Surg.-Com. J. R. Clark Hall, who found he had no disease. - He attracted no further notice until about 5.30 a.m. on Sunday, when Boy T. A. Willing went to the night latrine and found HARRISON hanging by a lanyard tied round his neck to a bracket of the cistern. Willing went away to get his pocket knife, and gave the alarm, and when he returned two petty officers were cutting the lanyard. - Chas. Corbin, regulating petty officer, said he was called, and cut the lad down with the assistance of a quarter-master named Donelly. Witness did not think the lad was then dead. His body was quite warm. - Surg.-Com. A. B. Cox, R.N., said he arrived on the scene just afterwards and found life extinct. Leading Sick Berth Attendant E. A. Atkinson and P.O. Donelly had been trying artificial respiration. Death was due to asphyxiation through strangulation. - C.P.O. F. W. Searle said deceased complained of pains in his head on Saturday morning and witness took him to the sick bay. - Boy Robert Pullman said that deceased had always appeared cheerful, except when a few weeks after he joined he was worried because he had not received a letter from his parents. On Saturday night witness asked the boy if he was better, and he said he felt all right. He had had a letter in his hand during the evening. Witness understood that deceased's parents had not wished him to join the service. - The Coroner remarked that the case was a very sad one, and it could only be attributed to Temporary Insanity. He had read the letters in deceased's possession and they all showed that he was on the best of terms with his parents. - The verdict was that deceased Killed Himself by Hanging when not of Sound Mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 June 1921
ALPHINGTON - "Found Drowned" was the verdict returned at an Inquest at Alphington yesterday upon BERNARD BELLEW, aged 29, of Church-street, Newport, Mon., dentist, carrying on business at Abersychan, whose body was found in the Exeter Canal on Monday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 June 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Seaman Drowned. Fall From A Gangway At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on REGINALD AUGUSTUS HOCKING, able seaman, of submarine M1, whose home was at 49 Edna-road, Raynes Park, Surrey. - Able Seaman J. H. Dodson, of the same vessel, said he had been with deceased during the evening, and they returned to the dockside about 10.20 p.m. He preceded deceased across the gangway, and, as he was passing over, heard HOCKING fall and felt him touch him. Witness jumped down on to a catamaran to endeavour to assist deceased from the water, but HOCKING did not rise. - Surg.-Com. D. H. C. Given, R.N., expressed the opinion that deceased was stunned in the fall and rendered unable to make an effort to save himself. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 June 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Suicide. Wife's Shocking Discovery At Ford. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, at an Inquest on FRANCIS JOHN ALFRED MALLETT, 43, a labourer in H.M. Dockyard, who was found hanging at his residence, 19 Melville-road, Ford, on Sunday. - Deceased's wife stated that on Saturday evening he retired to bed in his usual health. About 11 o'clock she took him "The Western Evening Herald," which he wanted to read. He told her he might get up early Sunday morning and go for a walk. Going downstairs on Sunday morning witness found the front door fastened and knew deceased had not gone out. She went into the back yard and noticed the lavatory door practically closed. She pushed it open and saw her husband in a kneeling position. - Witness sent her daughter to call some neighbours, who informed the Police. Deceased had been suffering from his nerves, and until about three weeks ago had been home from work with an injured foot. He had no financial worries. - P.C. Hill said when he cut down the body, which was hanging to the cistern pipe, it was warm. He performed artificial respiration until the doctor arrived. - Dr R. B. Wagner stated he found evidence of a cord having been tightened in an oblique position around deceased's neck. The man was of a hyper-sensitive disposition. Death was due to suffocation through hanging. - Mr K. Eyton Peck attended on behalf of the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 June 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Disobedience. Plymouth Boy Who Went Shrimping. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday regarding the death of an eight-year-old boy named FREDERICK JAMES GILBERRY of 16 Williams-avenue. the father, a naval pensioner, said that the lad, disobeying his mother's instructions, went out on Tuesday afternoon with the avowed intention of shrimping. - John Henry Perkins, builder's labourer, a neighbour, who went in search of the deceased, said he found him on the foreshore beneath the Iron Bridge, his head resting on a stone. Deceased had fallen at least ten feet. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 June 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fall From Cliff. Fatal Accident At Wembury To Plymouth Boy. - There was a sequel to the fatal accident at the mouth of the River Yealm on Sunday week at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday, when Mr R. B. Johns, the Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of WILFRED THOMAS HOPKINS, solicitor's clerk, aged 16 years, of 7 Portland-square, Plymouth, who died as the result of injuries sustained through falling from a cliff. - According to evidence, HOPKINS was spending the weekend on a house-boat on the Yealm with Arthur Ernest Matthews, of 5 Albany-place, Plymouth and on the Sunday they rowed in a dinghy to the beach above Wembury. HOPKINS went ashore, whilst Matthews went on to moor the dinghy, and the former climbed the cliff. Coming down again, he had almost reached the bottom when the earth on which he was standing gave way and he fell on the shingle. On the way down he struck a projecting rock and when picked up he was unconscious. After being taken to Newton Ferrers he was subsequently conveyed to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital. There it was discovered that the base of his skull was fractured, and meningitis following, death occurred on Friday. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 June 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Nobody To Blame. Plymouth Teacher's Death In Collision. - The story of a tragic accident at Milehouse was told to Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner, at an Inquest held yesterday. On Friday morning MISS MARIE LOUISE HILL, aged 22, school teacher, of 44 Beresford-street, Stoke, was cycling along Milehouse-road to Montpelier Council School, and at the same time a pony and trap was being driven along the road in the opposite direction. Near Salisbury-villas the trap was turned into the lane which leads to St Levan-road, and the cycle collided with it. MISS HILL was thrown from her machine, and when picked up was unconscious. She was carried into a neighbouring house, and died shortly afterwards. - GREGORY GILL HILL, chief engine-room artificer, the girl's father, said she was an experienced and steady cyclist and her sight and hearing were perfect. - Sidney Cole, general labourer of 6 Beaumont-terrace, the driver of the trap, explained that as he turned from Milehouse-road into the "new cut" to St Leven-road there was no one in sight. But suddenly he saw the young lady and he thought she was passing behind him, but her bicycle struck the near wheel of the trap. She was thrown from the machine and her head struck the ground. - Eye-Witnesses' Evidence. - Henry Stanley Cox, motor engineer, the Nurseries, Pennycomequick, said one wheel of the trap passed over the cycle and the young lady's leg was underneath the machine. The pony and trap were proceeding at a walking pace when the collision took place. - Rhoda May Austin, shorthand typist, 40 Beresford-street, who also saw the accident, said MISS HILL was riding on the left side of the road just before the collision; Madeline Mary Gard, school teacher, 30 Thornbury Park-road, Peverell, who was walking along Milehouse-road, said the deceased was travelling at an average pace; and George Dickerson, 4 Salisbury-villas, gave evidence of having rendered first-aid. - Dr Sanford said death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull, which was probably caused by falling on a stone. - The Coroner, recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" said no blame attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 June 1921
PLYMOUTH - Swallowed Teeth. Plymouth Man's Fatal Practice. - The danger attending the practice of wearing false teeth in bed was illustrated at an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday afternoon. Deceased was WILLIAM FRY, of 3 Lifton-road, Plymouth, an assistant at the Marine Laboratory, and the widow told the Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns), that her husband had been wearing a small plate bearing three teeth for some 12 years. Last Tuesday night, about half an hour after he had gone to bed, he woke up and complained of having lost his teeth. She searched everywhere for them, and eventually, as her husband was experiencing so much pain, concluded he had swallowed them. Emetics were administered without success and he was taken to the Hospital. - Dr J. Proujansky, House Surgeon, said that the teeth were located in the stomach and removed by an operation. On Thursday FRY developed double pneumonia and died on Saturday. Death was due to the pneumonia, which was induced by swallowing the teeth. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 June 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Bluejacket's Suicide. Depressed Owing To State Of His Health. - A very determined case of suicide on the part of a bluejacket named FREDERICK JOHN NEWLAND, of H.M.S. Hood, and a native of Everton, was investigated by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. - A shipmate named Flock said deceased had been very depressed of late because of the state of his health. Witness had heard him threaten to take his life, but he (witness) had always passed the matter off as a joke in order to take NEWLAND'S mind off the subject. - Henry Hutchins, 19 Clifford-terrace, ST Budeaux, said that on Saturday afternoon deceased, who was wearing civilian clothes, engaged a room at his house for the weekend. He said he might be having 14 days leave on the Monday, in which event he would book the room for that period. - Deceased returned about 11 p.m. and went to bed. Next morning witness got no reply when he knocked at deceased's door, but, assuming he was sleeping, took no notice. As NEWLAND had not put in an appearance by 7 p.m., witness again knocked at the bedroom door, and, receiving no answer, burst open the door. Deceased was in bed with his head in the bed clothes. Near his mouth was one end of a piece of rubber tubing, the other end of which was fixed to the tap of the gas stove, which was turned on. The rubber tubing must have been brought into the house by deceased, for it was quite new and did not belong to witness. - Edgar Hutchings, son of the last witness, said he took deceased to his room on Saturday night, and, as there was no gas he (witness) put a penny in the meter for him. - Dr D. L. Brown, who saw deceased within a few minutes of the tragedy being discovered, said he must have been dead about 18 hours. Death was due to gas poisoning. - An officer from the ship said deceased's character was very good and his medical history sheet showed nothing which should give him cause for worry, although he appeared to have been depressed of late. - The ship's chaplain, in answer to the Coroner, said deceased had complained to him that he could not sleep. Otherwise he had never complained of ill-health. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 June 1921
EGG BUCKLAND - Killed By Express. Stonehouse Man's Fate At Laira. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at the Rising Sun Inn, Laira, on the body of JOHN MITCHELL, who was killed by the Cornish Riviera express while he was attempting to cross the railway line near the Rising Sun Inn. - The deceased resided at 61 Union-place, East Stonehouse, and although he had no occupation at the time of his death, was formerly a plumber. - Evidence of identification was given by his brother, JAMES MITCHELL, of 7 Quarry-street, Stonehouse, who stated that he could give no reason to account for the presence of the deceased on the line. - Thomas Yendall, the fireman on the Cornish Riviera express, gave evidence that he saw deceased on the line about 30 yards ahead of the engine, and immediately blew the whistle. He saw no more of MITCHELL, but blood was thrown upon the eye glass. - Henry Joseph May, the driver of the engine, said he brought the train to a standstill as quickly as possible and informed the Police of the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that MITCHELL was killed as a result of the extensive injuries which he had received through being run down by the Cornish Riviera express.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 July 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. Boy Accidentally Shot At Fair. Inquest And Verdict. - The death of FREDERICK CHARLES BERESFORD, aged 16, of 71 High-street, Stonehouse, on Tuesday, as the result of being shot while assisting at the shooting gallery at the Morice Town pleasure fair, was investigated by the Devonport Coroner yesterday. - Chief-Supt. W. T. Martin watched the proceedings for the Police, and Mr R. Robinson Rodd, jun., on behalf of the proprietors of the range. - Dr Thomas McKenna, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said that after BERESFORD regained consciousness an operation was performed, but they could not save his life. - The post-mortem examination disclosed a small wound in the abdominal wall. The bullet was not found, but it must have been of small calibre. Death was due to the gunshot wound. - Miss Frampton's Story. - Miss Fanny Frampton of 45 Princess-street, Devonport, sister of the proprietor of the shooting range, said that about 10.30 - nearly closing time - two sailors came to the range, and she gave them each a rifle charged with three shots. - They fired together at celluloid balls which were kept in the air by water jets, the pump for which was worked by BERESFORD. One of the sailors finished shooting before the other. - She turned away to put some money in a box, when she heard BERESFORD cry out "Oh." He came from the bottom to the centre of the gallery holding his stomach. - Her brother ran out to the sailors, saying "You have shot him," and at once ordered a "taxi" to take BERESFORD to the Hospital. - She could not remember any more because she was so upset at the time. ~She did not see BERESFORD change his position. - In reply to questions, Miss Frampton said the sailors had not been drinking, and appeared to be quite capable of handling the rifles. Sometimes BERESFORD pumped with his left hand, his body partly turned towards the range, and partly towards the people. - She did not see this particular shot fired, but the rifle could not go off accidentally; the trigger must have been pulled. - She could not say whether she accidentally touched the sailor as she passed him to put the money in the box. - Sailors' Evidence. - Herbert McDermott, H.M.S. Warspite, who accompanied Able-Seaman Thomas Driver, H.M.S. Revenge, said they had proceeded to the fair after having two pints of beer each. - They were both perfectly sober, knew exactly what they were doing, and were used to firing rifles. When he had finished firing the three shots Driver had only fired twice. He stepped back and the young lady at the time was looking towards the fair. - Suddenly the rifle went off and the young lady fainted. - He then saw the boy lying on the ground. He had not noticed the boy at the pump before. Driver afterwards told him that the lad ran across as he fired. - People were playing football at the adjacent shed, and he could not say whether this interfered with the shooting. He did not see the shot fired. - Driver, who was cautioned before giving evidence, said McDermott shot down two balls, but he missed with each shot. - "After the second shot I lowered my rifle to prepare for the third. I heard someone speak, and, thinking I was being spoken to, I turned my head. I had my hand on the rifle and it went off. I then saw the boy go towards the centre, holding his stomach; but before I could get to him an attendant reached him." - Mr Frampton exhibited the rifle, which, he said, would not go off unless the trigger was pulled. - Driver, continuing his evidence, said he had had three or four pints before going to the fair, but not with McDermott. He saw deceased at the pump, but could not describe his position. - Pte. Wm. Salter, R.M.L.I., said he saw Driver looking towards the left, with his rifle underneath his right arm, the muzzle pointing towards the ground. He appeared to be talking to someone. He heard a report, and looking towards the range he saw the boy stooping forward. - Richard Frampton, brother of the female assistant, said that when he rushed into the range deceased took two paces towards him. He laid him down and tried to get his clothes open, and saw the wound. Witness said to the sailor, "You have shot him!" and calling a Policeman said "Hold that man!" - MR BERESFORD: Can you tell me if the deceased said anything in reference to the accident? - No; I heard nothing. - An employee of Messrs. Anderton and Rowlands, George Everitt, of 24 Willow-street, Plymouth, saw deceased lying on his back saying, "I have got it in the stomach. That sailor (pointing to Driver) pointed the gun straight at me and fired." - The Coroner: Why did you not tell the Policeman this at the time? It is a very serious thing. - Denial Of Statement. - Proceeding Everitt stated that Salter told him the next morning that Driver met him and said, "The boy must have been a d.... fool to get in the way." - Recalled: Salter denied this statement. Driver said, "It was hard luck that the boy got in the way." - In summing up, the Coroner said he was of the opinion that the position in which the boy stood was not sufficiently sheltered. There was no doubt the shot was fired from the gun in Driver's hands. The sailors were there for a lawful purpose. They had been drinking, but all the evidence was in agreement that they were not drunk. The Jury had to consider whether Driver's carelessness was serious enough to bring in a verdict of manslaughter. - A verdict of "Accidental Death, brought about by a gunshot causing shock and haemorrhage" was brought in. The Coroner, Jury, Inspector Martin, Driver (through the naval representative), and Mr Rodd (for the proprietors) associated themselves in an expression of sympathy to the bereaved parents.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 July 1921
CHARDSTOCK (DORSET) - Axminster Farmer's Suicide. - Mr C. W Tweed conducted an Inquest at Chardstock yesterday on MR ALFRED SAMUEL PHILLIPS, of Birchell Cottage, who was found hanging in a stable. - The widow stated that deceased, who was 68, arose earlier than usual. AT 7.30 she went downstairs and on entering the stable found him suspended by a rope from a beam. Deceased had been depressed for some time on account of his son leaving Weycroft and going to Sussex. He had never threatened to take his life.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 July 1921
PAIGNTON - Plymothian's Death. Sudden Collapse At Paignton. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest at Paignton yesterday on MR SAMUEL JEFFERY WALLIS, of Ladysmith-road, Plymouth. Deceased, who was 60 years of age, had been spending a holiday at Paignton. On Tuesday he went to Babbacombe, and when seated in his chair, after returning, suddenly expired about 9.30 p.m. - MRS FANNY WALLIS stated that when deceased came in from his stroll he sat in a chair. She noticed him put his hand to his forehead, and asked him if he was unwell. Deceased making no reply, she went to him, and found he was unconscious. - Dr Healy attributed death to heart failure. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 July 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Sinn Fein Plot. Plymouth Officer Threatened. Tragic Sequel. - Further evidence of the existence of a Sinn Fein plot against officers in the British Army was disclosed at an Inquest at the Devonport Military Hospital last evening, when the circumstances attending the death of a private in the 21st Loyal Regt., stationed at Plymouth Citadel, were investigated by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, and a Jury. - The deceased, PTE. AMBROSE MCAVITT, had recently been employed by Capt. S. H. Batty-Smith, of the same regiment, as a servant. On Wednesday evening he took a revolver belonging to Capt. Batty-Smith into the servants' quarters and asked some comrades there to show him how to open it. Pte. Roberts, who was cleaning another officer's revolver at the time, took the weapon from MCAVITT, and was in the act of "breaking" it when a cartridge in it was fired, the bullet entering MCAVITT'S stomach, causing wounds from which he died early yesterday morning. - Threatening Letter. - Giving evidence, Capt. Batty-Smith said deceased, who was 19 years of age, and a native of Blackburn, commenced duty as his servant on Monday last. The following morning witness showed him a Webley service revolver which he kept loaded in a holster on a table by the side of his bed. - "I said to him," continued witness, "this revolver is loaded. Do not touch it or play the fool with it or you will shoot yourself," and gave him to understand that at no time was he to clean it. - Explaining why he kept the revolver loaded, Capt. Batty-Smith continued, "I considered it advisable, because on June 15 I received a typewritten letter signed, 'I.R.A.,' informing me that unless I resigned my commission by July 13 the agents of the I.R.A. in Plymouth or elsewhere would shoot me. Since then I have kept a loaded revolver by my bedside." - The Coroner: I think you were quite justified in doing so. - Can you account for MCAVITT taking the revolver from your room? - I think I can. He was a very good, keen lad, always cleaning everything he could see. I think when he saw the other servants cleaning their officers' weapons he thought he would like to clean mine. - Did he make any statement to you after the occurrence? - He made no statement when I first saw him, but later when Lt. Gibson asked if the man who fired the revolver should be put in the guardroom deceased said, "No, no; don't do that." - Accident Explained. - An account of what occurred in the room was given by Pte. John Eaton, also employed as an officer's servant. Eaton said there were five of them in the room, including deceased. Witness and Pte. Roberts were cleaning revolvers and MCAVITT was talking to them. Presently MCAVITT left the room and returned with a revolver and a piece of rag. - Asking, in a general way, how one opened "this thing," he held it out and Roberts, who was nearest to him, took it. Holding it with the muzzle pointing behind him and downwards, Roberts was in the act of opening it when deceased exclaimed "Be careful; it is loaded." As he said the word "loaded" the revolver went off, and deceased crying "Oh! I'm hit," fell down. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said the revolver was not of the same pattern as the one he was cleaning. He did not think MCAVITT knew anything about revolvers. He said nothing about it being loaded when handing it to Roberts. - Pte. Roberts' Story. - Evidence of a similar character having been given by another servant named Shea, Roberts was called and elected to give evidence. He looked quite a lad, and appeared to feel his position keenly. - After describing how MCAVITT brought the revolver in the room, and asked how to open it, Roberts said he took the weapon because he was nearest to MCAVITT. He thought it was unloaded. He made a movement to open it in the same way as he always opened revolvers, and the next thing was it went off. He heard deceased say: "Be careful; it is loaded," and it was as he said the last word that the weapon went off. Witness immediately dropped the revolver and went to MCAVITT'S assistance. - The Coroner: Did he say anything about the revolver being loaded when he came in? - No. - Supposing he had, would you have tried to open it? - No, I should have told him to take it back. - Witness said he had been in the Army since April 1919, but had only known deceased four days. - Dr G. L. Preston, Surgical specialist at the Military Hospital, and consulting surgeon go the South Western Area, Southern Command, said deceased was unconscious when admitted on Wednesday evening. He was suffering from acute haemorrhage, in view of which an immediate operation was performed. Deceased stood the operation fairly well, and the haemorrhage was checked. Afterwards his condition changed for the worst and he died. Witness added that he considered the case hopeless from the start. - The Verdict. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner said it was rather extraordinary that there should have been two shooting cases on two successive days that week, both of which might have been prevented had ordinary precautions been taken. The death of MCAVITT was due to his own rash act in taking a loaded revolver against the very definite instructions of his officer. No doubt he did it because he wanted to be like the other men. He did not think blame could be attached to Roberts; apparently it was a pure accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated Roberts from all blame. - Through a sister of the deceased who attended the Inquest the Coroner sent an expression of sympathy to the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 July 1921
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. - "Accidental Death" was recorded at the Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on CHARLES GEORGE WILLIAM HUGHES, 55, a driller in Devonport Dockyard of 12 Maple-grove, Plymouth. - A young Dockyard coppersmith named George Martlew Preston of 21 Seaton-place, Ford, stated that on Saturday, shortly before 10 p.m., he was driving a motor cycle and sidecar along Mutley-plain and when near Alexandra-road had to proceed in the middle of the road in order to negotiate the traffic. Deceased came from behind another vehicle and was knocked down by the machine. - The relatives of the deceased informed the Coroner that they were satisfied the affair was an unavoidable accident. - Death was due to haemorrhage of the brain caused by a fractured skull, said Dr H. G. Aitkin, House Surgeon at the Hospital. Deceased was admitted on Saturday and died on Monday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 July 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Indus Seaman's Death. Coroner Suggests The Need Of Precautions. - Mr R. R. Rodd , Coroner, at the R.N. Barracks, yesterday, conducted an Inquest on Able-Seaman SAMUEL HARRIS GEORGE PRYNN, aged 35, of H.M.S. Indus, Devonport, who was drowned on July 2nd. - It appeared in evidence that kitchen refuse was carried ashore from the Indus each day across a floating pontoon and fixed prow, to be removed by a contractor, and the seamen detailed to supervise this work seem to have assisted the contractor for a small sum of money by helping the contractor to transfer the refuse in sacks from the ship - work which, as the Coroner pointed out, arose out of the men's duties, but was really done voluntarily by them. - Officers' Steward Maurice W. Atkins stated that he saw deceased carrying a cwt. sack of refuse across the prow, when he slipped with it and rolled under the wire guard into the water. He rose once, and witness strove to pull him out, but without success. It was a sheer accident. - Attempts to rescue the unfortunate man were also made by Pte. Harris, R.M.L.I., and Officer's Steward Lyle. - The three men were commended by the Coroner for their courage. - Able-Seaman Harry Robertson, who generally carries out the work, said the sack must have been rather too heavy for deceased, who was a small man. - Captain Thos. J. Spence-Lyle (officer commanding the Indus) pointed out that the men were not hurried in this work and could have had any assistance they needed. - Surg.-Lieut. Arthur Craig, of H.M.S. Indus, said he examined deceased when he was taken out of the water, and made the usual attempts to restore him to life, but without avail. - The Coroner: I do not suggest that the Service could have prevented this accident under the circumstances, but I do think precautions ought to be taken to prevent the possibility of such an accident occurring again. My verdict is that deceased was Accidentally Drowned while on duty. I should like to express deep sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 July 1921
TORQUAY - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest by Mr S. Hacker yesterday on MR TITUS LEE-LLOYD, 52, photographer, Hantley Dene, Old Mill-road, Chelston, who collapsed and died in the dark room of his studio. Dr A. E. Carver said death was due to heart failure following collapse from pain due to an impacted gall-stone.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 July 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident. Old Lady's Fall At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at an Inquest he conducted at the Greenbank House Infirmary yesterday concerning the death in the Institution the previous day of MRS SARAH ANN PROVOST. - Deceased, who was a widow, 79 years of age, was in the kitchen at her house in 2 Queen's Gate-villas on June 7, when she slipped and fell, breaking her left thigh. Her little grandson was the only other person in the room, and he immediately went for assistance. MRS PROVOST was removed to a Nursing Home and ten days later admitted to the Infirmary, owing to lack of accommodation at the Nursing Home. - She was, however, suffering from severe shock and despite the attentions of Dr C. J. Cooke and the staff, she passed away.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 July 1921
UGBOROUGH - Fatal Bathe. Young Man's Sad Death At Avonwick. - Mr Sydney Hacker held an Inquest at Avonwick yesterday relative to the death of ARTHUR JOHN MUDGE, 19, who was drowned whilst bathing in the River Avon on Saturday. - Edgar Bird stated that he had agreed to bathe with deceased, but on their way over to the river he decided to bathe in a pool just below the Old Bridge Pool. He had not been in the water long before he heard a splashing noise further up the river. The bushes preventing him seeing anything, he got out of the water and on looking round the bend of the river saw a man in the water with his clothes on. He immediately went to the spot and discovered the person to be Mr F. Legg, who told him that MUDGE had sunk and that he was unable to find him. The water was very dark, and witness dived in a second time before he could find him. Eventually he brought MUDGE to the surface and, with Mr Legg's assistance, got him on the rocks. Every effort was made to restore life by artificial respiration, but without effect. - Mr Legg said he watched the deceased swim several strokes up the pool and suddenly disappear. Without divesting himself of his clothes witness plunged in the water, but was unable to get at MUDGE on account of the darkness of the water. - Dr Style, of South Brent, who made a post-mortem examination, said there was an enlarged gland, which affected the heart after the excitement of jumping into the water. Death was due to heart failure. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 July 1921
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on FREDERICK WALTER GIRLING, the 1 ½ years old son of MR and MRS GIRLING, Cowick-street. Dr R. P. Black said death was due to convulsions.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 July 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Son's Sad Discovery. Devonport Woman Commits Suicide. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, Mr Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of SARAH VINCENT PARKER, 61, wife of GEORGE PARKER, boatman in the Coastguard Service. - HENRY JOHN PARKER, son of deceased, stated that last Friday evening he found his mother with a deep gash in her throat, and a razor by her side. He called in Mrs Mortimore, a neighbour, who bound a towel round her neck. Dr Sandford was summoned and rendered assistance, after which deceased was conveyed to the Hospital by ambulance. - Dr T. H. McKenna, House Surgeon, said an operation was successfully performed, but on Tuesday morning septic pneumonia set in, and death occurred on the following day. About 10 years ago deceased was an inmate of the Blackadon Asylum for a period of six months and had previously threatened to take her life. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 July 1921
PLYMOUTH - Crashed Into Wall. Second Victim Of Yealmpton Accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on the second victim of a motor accident at Yealmpton three months ago. The Jury exonerated the driver from all blame. Deceased was CHARLES SAMUEL JOHN ROAN, 65, general dealer, of 22 St John-street, Devonport, who had been a patient in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital for the past three months, following upon the accident. - The accident was described by the driver, Richard Lean Whitfield, naval pensioner of 53 Monument-street, Devonport, who was cautioned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves. - He said that on April 13 he was engaged by ROAN to drive him and two ladies to Yealmpton and back. Witness had a drink on the way and another at Yealmpton. They started back about 10 p.m. and were running down Kitley-hill in low gear with the throttle almost closed, but in the glare of his headlights witness mistook the white limestone wall enclosing Kitley Park for the road, and the car crashed into it and overturned. Witness estimated his speed at about 10 miles per hour. - In answer to the Coroner, witness denied that he was talking to a lady seated beside him, or that anything occurred to distract his attention. Deceased was badly injured and removed to the Yealmpton Hotel. - Mrs F. Rapson, one of the passengers in the car, corroborated Whitfield's evidence, and added that it was a joke between her and her sister that he was a very slow driver. "I have never known him to drive fast," she declared. - Dr A. G. Aitken, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted on April 145 suffering from dislocation and fracture of the right shoulder. He died on Wednesday from blood poisoning as the result of the injuries, an operation having previously been performed. - In answer to Mr R. Macdonald, representing the driver of the car, witness said the operation delayed the blood poisoning. - The Coroner remarked that the driver admitted making a mistake, but it did not seem that he was going at an incautious speed. He did not think there was any evidence that he was guilty of culpable negligence. - Supt. W. H. Chamings watched the case on behalf of the Police authorities.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 July 1921
PLYMOUTH - Antony Fatality. Crushed By Rock Of Several Tons. - "He was lying pinned beneath a piece of rock weighing several tons," said Alfred Chas. Veale, mason's labourer, of Antony Passage, at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM FREDERICK HODGE, 63, a general labourer, of Forder, Saltash, whose death took place at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, from injuries sustained in a quarry accident at Antony. - The witness said that he and the deceased were erecting a bungalow and hearing groans he went round the building and found the deceased as he had described. The rock had fallen from the face of the cliff. Medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to shock, consequent upon a fractured leg and other injuries to the lower part of the body. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 July 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. Crushed Whilst Shunting At Devonport. - The circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM NEHEMIAH JAGO, aged 39, a skilled labourer at Devonport Dockyard of 51 Mount-street, Devonport, who was last Thursday killed through being crushed whilst shunting trucks, were investigated by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Albert Gard, on Saturday. - Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty; Mr J. Owner the Home-office; Mr A. N. F. Goodman the relatives and the Engineer-Manager (Eng.-Cap. A.R. Grant) watched the proceedings. - Frederick J. Warren, fireman of 92 Renown-street, said he was on an engine shunting trucks on Thursday afternoon, and deceased was standing about four trucks away from the engine when the accident happened. Witness gave him a signal by blowing the whistle twice and waving his hand that he was going ahead. Deceased received the signal and then went behind the truck and out of sight. Witness then noticed that a square galvanized bag rack was caught by one of the trucks he was shunting and a truck on another line. He gave the signal for the driver to stop and then found that deceased had met with an accident. It was the third truck, weighing 1`2 tons, which caught the corner of the rack, there being two or three inches clearance between the first two trucks and the rack. - By Mr Owner: I imagine that deceased either rushed to pull the rack clear, or else he was standing watching to see if it would clear, when he was caught by the trucks. It was usual to have material lying about between the lines. - Wm. C. H. Bennett, labourer, said he saw the two trucks foul one another and the galvanized rack dragged along until it fouled another truck, which was lifted from the line. He did not see deceased struck. - Surg.-Com. F. C. Robinson, R.N., described the injuries and said death was due to shock and internal haemorrhage caused by abdominal injuries. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 July 1921
IVYBRIDGE - Tragic Death. Ganger Killed Near Ivybridge. - Mr Edmunds, of Totnes, held an Inquest at Ivybridge yesterday on JOHN JOINT, whose mutilated body was found on the railway line near Redlake signal box on Monday. - John Tipton, of Laira, Plymouth, the driver of the Wolverhampton and Midlands express, said he could not see what was in front of him, owing to the smoke from the passing goods train, the high coal wagons, and the big curve. The train was averaging 50 miles per hour at the time. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 July 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Visitor's Death. Taken Ill While Staying At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr Gard, Deputy Coroner for Devonport, at Ker-street yesterday, on the body of FREDERICK READER, residing at 785 Commercial-road, London, staying at Plymouth in lodgings. - Evidence of identification was given by Albert Edward Hannaford, of Commercial-road, London, who said that deceased was the manager of a glass and colour works in London, and was aged 62. He last saw him alive about ten days ago, when he appeared to be in his usual good health. - R. Sanders said deceased came to 145 Union-street, Plymouth, to stay on the 19th. Witness was roused at 1.30 in the morning, and on going to deceased's room found him sitting in bed ill. He asked if he should call a doctor and deceased nodded his head. Dr W. C. Hamilton was called and deceased was removed to the Wingfield Nursing Home, where he died at 10 p.m. the same day.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 July 1921
TORQUAY - Scalded To Death. Torquay Child And Bowl Of Hot Water. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at a Torquay Inquest yesterday on MAURICE ARTHUR ANNING MARCHANT, the fifteen-months-old son of a market gardener, Teignmouth-road, St Marychurch, who died in the Torbay Hospital from scalds. - The mother said she left the child for a moment, and while she was gone he reached up to the gas stove, upon which a bowl of hot water was standing and tipped the water over himself. - The Coroner, Mr Hacker, said the accident was one of those unfortunate occurrences for which no blame could be imputed to anyone.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 July 1921
ST IVES, CORNWALL - Bather Drowned. Newton Man's Sad Death At St Ives. - As was reported in our issue yesterday, a young Newton Abbot outfitter's assistant, JOHN HENRY PACK, who was spending a holiday at St. Ives, was drowned while bathing with friends at Porthmeor Beach on Thursday. - Observing that PACK was in difficulties, two bathers went to his assistance, but became exhausted and could render no help. Later PACK was picked up, unconscious by the occupants of a motor boat, which put out to his assistance. Artificial respiration was tried for three hours and oxygen was administered, but without result. - PACK did not sink, and was not heard to cry out. He was not a strong swimmer. - Attempts At Rescue. - At the Inquest yesterday, Mr Cole, a Swindon railway clerk, described his unsuccessful attempt at rescue. Reaching deceased, he tried to keep his head above water, but failed. - John Stevens, another bather, said he swam to deceased and got hold of his arms, but there was no responsive motion. Witness tried to get PACK on his back, but he was too heavy. An attempt to tow the body also failed. Witness himself got ashore with great difficulty. - Wm. Beard, a Trinity House pilot, who picked up deceased, said there was a strong undercurrent running at the time. It was safe for bathing at half or full tide, but not at low tide, unless for strong swimmers. - Dr Matthew attributed death to drowning. There was no appearance of heart trouble. - Coroner's Recommendation. - Returning a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," the Coroner, Mr Barrie Bennetts, recommended the authorities to exhibit notices warning the public against bathing from Porthmeor Beach at certain states of the tide. - Deceased was a son of MR C. H. PACK, of Polyblank-road, Newton Abbot, and took an active part in the local work of the Plymouth Brethren.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 July 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Sudden Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd yesterday held an Inquest on the body of JAMES HOOPER, aged 74, an inmate of Stonehouse Workhouse, who died suddenly in Stonehouse Post-office on Thursday. Mr P. B. Leaver, the Master of the Workhouse, said deceased was conveying a message for him at the time of his death. He had not been ill for the past three months. - Dr Mabel Ramsay said that she had conducted a post-mortem examination of the body and found that deceased had died as a result of aortic disease of the heart. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 July 1921
PETROCKSTOWE - Lonely Woman's Death. - MARY SELINA TUCKER, 68, widow, who resided alone on a small holding at Petrockstowe, was found dead in the cattle yard of her premises. At the Inquest on Saturday Dr Smith (Shebbear) said a post-mortem examination revealed cerebral haemorrhage, while the heart was somewhat diseased. - Verdict: "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 July 1921
TORQUAY - Leap To Death. Tragic End Of Sick Man At Torquay. - A vivid story of a sick man's leap to death was told by Annie Firth, Matron of the Devonia Nursing Home, Torquay, at the Inquest yesterday on MR ERNEST T. MAYS, 40, dental surgeon, Fleet-street, Torquay, a patient in the Home. - Deceased, said the Matron, was in a room on the third storey. His wife and witness were with him on Sunday night and at 2.30- a.m. he had a heart attack. He told the nurse that he "couldn't stand it." On the previous day deceased wanted to sign his Will and in view of his condition his solicitor was sent for, and the Will was signed and witnessed. There had been nothing in the demeanour of the deceased to suggest that he contemplated taking his life. Had witness thought so the window would have been screwed up. - At 6 a.m. witness was alone in the room, MRS MAYS and the night nurse having gone for oxygen. Witness was supporting deceased when he leapt out of bed on the opposite side without any warning and said "Goodbye." It was only a yard to the window. Running round, witness caught his night-garment as he sat on the window-sill and put his feet over. She screamed for assistance, but the garment tore, leaving a big piece in her hand as deceased topped over. Witness hurried down, but deceased, who was unconscious, breathed a few times and died. - Dr G. M. Winter attributed death to shock following the fall, and added that in any case deceased would have died from tuberculosis and asthma, from which he was suffering acutely, in a few hours. - The verdict was that death was due to shock and injuries received through leaping from an upper window, the deceased being at the time of Unsound Mind. - The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 July 1921
BIGBURY - Fatal Bathe. London Woman's Heart Attack At Bigbury. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquiry at Bigbury-on-Sea yesterday into the death of ETHEL CAROLINE GOLDIE, 48, single, a domestic servant in the employ of Mr Baker, a London gentleman on a visit to Devon. - Inspector Gully, Plymouth Police, who is on a visit to Bigbury-on-Sea, noticed deceased swimming and then saw her floating with her head under the surface. Realising that something was wrong a shout was given for assistance, and Messrs. Farley and the three brothers Bardens put off in their boat and brought deceased ashore. Mr Gully rendered first aid and attempted artificial respiration for two hours, but without result. - Dr Andrews, who made the post mortem examination, said the cause of death, in his opinion, was syncope, due to heart failure. Deceased suffered from a fatty heart. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - When the distressing misadventure befel MISS GOLDIE the Coastguards at Challaborough under the chief officer, Mr J. J. J. Halloran, were summoned and under the direction of Dr Bassett and Dr Coyte endeavoured to revive life by artificial respiration.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 July 1921
DAWLISH - Territorial's Death. Result Of Accident Sustained Last May. - An accident sustained last May was said to have resulted in the death of LANCELOT WILLIAM THOMAS COSSINS, gunner, 223rd Wessex R.F.A. (T.F.) who died at Dawlish Cottage Hospital on Tuesday. He was sent to the Institution from the camp at The Warren on Saturday, after reporting sick. Deceased had been working for Mr R. C. Curtis, confectioner, Dawlish, for the past five months. An Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, yesterday. - LANCELOT COSSINS, 62 Bitton-street, Teignmouth, warehouseman, said deceased was his adopted son, aged 16. In May he told witness that he fell in the bake-house whilst playing with another boy and knocked his head. He said something of pains in his head. - Dr M. Cutcliffe, who attended deceased in May, said a post-mortem examination revealed an old slight fracture of the inner table of the skull. He considered deceased died of acute meningitis, supervening on an old chronic inflammation of the membrane of the brain, due to the old fracture. There had been a chronic state of meningitis since the fracture, and the disease was no doubt accelerated by the heat. - The Coroner: Having regard to the fact that the boy was well so quickly after the blow received in May, do you think that was the cause of the fracture? - Witness replied that it was certainly unusual, but possible. Cases had been known. At certain angles a fracture was easily caused. He believed the fracture was caused then. - Dr B. L. Thurlow, Medical Officer at the Camp, said he was sent for in a hurry to see deceased at his lodgings on Saturday afternoon. He found that deceased had paralysis of the palate and arm. He had him removed to Hospital. On Saturday night his condition was serious, and he died the following Tuesday evening. Witness agreed with Dr Cutcliffe as to cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctors' evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 July 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Accident To Devonport Child At Yelverton. - The circumstances attending the death of GRACE TOWNSEND, age seven, one of the inmates of the Scattered Homes for Children under the Devonport Board of Guardians, whose death took place on Wednesday as the result of an accident, were Inquired into by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. Mr Albert Gard watched the case on behalf of the Devonport Guardians. - Miss Holden, Superintendent of the Scattered Home, said that on Wednesday the children were taken to the moors for an outing by two of the guardians, Mr Waterfield and Mr Pengelly. At Yelverton the children rambled on the moors and played games. A ball with which the children were playing went on to the road, and the deceased attempted to catch it. Subsequently witness was informed that the little girl had been knocked down by a motor car. - B. H. Worden, jeweller, Marlborough-street, Devonport, said he was proceeding to Bridestowe on Wednesday afternoon and on approaching Yelverton the girl came out from the moor and ran straight across the road. He applied his brake, but the right mudguard of the car struck her. He was driving at not more than 8 miles an hour at the time, and stopped the car within its own length. - Dr E. J. C. Wilson said there was a small abrasion on the side of the right ear, otherwise there was no evidence of any injury. - Dr G. Sandford, Medical Officer to the Scattered Home, said the girl expired about 10 o'clock the same night. Death was due to an extensive fracture of the skull. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that no blame attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 August 1921
PAIGNTON - Open Verdict On Plymouth Hawker. - An Open Verdict was returned at an Inquest at Paignton on Saturday on JOHN WILLETT, whose body was found at the foot of Roundhalf Head on Friday. - Evidence showed that the man had been a hawker, living at 4 Innes-court, Granby-street, Plymouth, and he and his wife had travelled about the county together. His wife obtained a separation order in June, and had not seen him since. She was sure that he would never have thought of committing suicide, for he was of a very cheerful disposition. - Mr S. Hacker, the Coroner, said there was no evidence to show how the man fell over the cliff.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 August 1921
DUNSFORD - Died On His Bicycle. Cyclist's Gruesome Find Near Dunsford. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, at Dunsford, upon HARRY BAKER, quarryman, aged 58, of Dunsford, who died on his bicycle whilst returning home from work at Christow. - Reginald Perry, Lower Ashton, said he was cycling with a friend from Christow to Dunsford and when about half-way between Teign House and Dunsford saw deceased on his bicycle, leaning against a hedge. Concluding deceased was dead, he cycled to Ashton for the Police, and his friend went to Dunsford for the doctor. - Dr E. E. Nicholls, of Dunsford, said when he saw deceased he was still on his bicycle, with his left hand holding the handle bar. He was quite dead. The strain of cycling on an empty stomach probably caused deceased to faint, and keeping in the upright position caused him to die.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 August 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Visitor's Death. - THOMAS HICKS, aged 62 years, a retired Custom-House Officer of Grimsby, had been staying with his niece, MRS MCINTOSH, at Beresford-street, Stoke, for the past few weeks. On Wednesday morning he went to Devonport Station (G.W.R.) to catch a train to return to his home. Whilst in the waiting room he was seen to fall forward on to the floor. A doctor was immediately summoned, but death had taken place in the meantime. - Dr Morris attributed death to syncope and the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, recorded a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 August 1921
PLYMOUTH - Death In Plymouth Shop. - An inmate of Stonehouse Workhouse, named JAMES COLEMAN, aged 64, formerly a dock labourer, died suddenly in Mr Pooley's shop, Regent-street, Plymouth yesterday morning. He had been sent there by the Master of the Workhouse with an invoice, and expired while sitting on a chair. At an Inquest held later, evidence was given by Dr T. B. P. Wilkinson that death was due to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 August 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Dangerous Rocks. Inquest On Lad Drowned At Teignmouth. - The question of a warning notice on the beach at Teignmouth, at the spot where ROBIN BROWN, a schoolboy, bathing with two other lads, was drowned, on Friday, was raised at the Inquest held by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, on Saturday. A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned. - THOMAS JOHN BROWN, the lad's father, a sub-inspector on the Great Western Railway, said his son was told by his mother not to go bathing, as he had a cold. Deceased could swim a little, and had bathed frequently during the summer. - Arthur Hughes, 76 Burlington-road, Small Heath, Birmingham, the visitor who went to the lad's assistance, said deceased was floating 30 yards out in between 4ft. and 5ft. of water. Witness brought him ashore and tried artificial respiration and this work was continued by the Coastguards. There was no movement in the deceased. - Willing Helpers. - Dr H. E. Goulden, who was called to the beach whilst in the town, said there were plenty of willing helpers, and blankets and hot water bottles were forthcoming. Efforts to restore life in the deceased were continued until he considered it useless to go on any longer. Cause of death was drowning. The boy Babbage, at the Hospital, had told him that deceased and himself got on the rocks and stepped off into deep water. Where the boys were found was not a recognized bathing place; in fact, no one would dare to bathe there. - Edwin George Wing, 13 Grove-crescent, who was bathing with deceased, said they got out so far, and could not come in. When he was rescued he told his rescuer there were two others in the water. It was the first time they had gone so far towards the rocks. - Frederick Kirby, Emily-road, Paddington, who rescued Wing, also gave evidence and the Coroner congratulated him on the prompt response he gave to the boys' appeal for help. - Coroner's Suggestion. - The Coroner said it was a question whether steps should not be taken to give people warning that the rocks were there. - The Surveyor, Mr F. W. Knight, who, with Mr P. R. Foster, represented the Urban Council, agreed that it would be prudent to put a notice at the spot and he would undertake its being done, with the consent of the Railway Company, who owned the wall. - The Coroner thanked all who assisted in bringing the lads ashore. Babbage, who was taken to the Hospital, was out of danger.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 August 1921
ST TEATH, CORNWALL. - St Teath Danger Spot. Recommendations At Inquest On MR JAMES VIVIAN. - At the Inquest yesterday morning at Knight's Mill, St. Teath, on the body of MR JAMES VIVIAN, aged 55, of Sutcombe Mill, Brandis-corner, Holsworthy, who was killed in a motor accident on Saturday, a recommendation was made that the County Council should improve the approach to Knight's Mill Bridge, where the fatality occurred, from the Wadebridge end, and that warning notices should be fixed. - Knight's Mill Bridge, after a delightful run up the valley over a broad road, is concealed by a bend. On the left, where St Teath road branches off, there is a considerable "dip" in the road, and the bridge, which has to be crossed to continue a journey along the main road to Camelford, is not straight, two bends having to be negotiated within a short space. To motorists who are strangers to the locality, it constitutes a great danger. The sad occurrence on Saturday appears due to the steering gear going wrong, and no blame attaches to the driver of the car, Mr Jonathan Pickard, who was only slightly injured. - The three occupants of the car, which overturned after striking the side of the bridge, were county magistrates - MR VIVIAN and Mr Pickard, his brother-in-law, for Devon, and Mr W. E. Menhinick, whose wife is MRS VIVIAN'S cousin, for Cornwall. Mr Menhinick is also a member of the County Council. He sustained a broken collar-bone, but is progressing satisfactorily. The party were motoring from Mr Menhinick's farm at Hendra, St Kew, where the weekend was being spent, to another of the host's farms at Penpethy, Tintagel. - Mr Jonathan Pickard, Hillcrest, Burrington, near Chulmleigh, said at Knight's Mill they turned the first corner safely, and the only thing he remembered after that was that he felt the car skidding to the right on the tarred road, and he could not get the wheel to turn to the left, followed by a smash. He must have been pitched on to the hedge. He did not lose consciousness, and was able to attend to his brother-in-law and Mr Menhinick. Mr Bastard, of Knight's Mill, came to assist. MR VIVAN was then alive and witness did not leave him until the doctor came. Mr Menhinick remembered the car skidding, and that was all he knew about the accident. The car was badly damaged. - Replying to Deputy Chief Constable Banfield, witness said the steering gear was found to be out of order after the accident. The car could not then be turned to the left. - Thomas Nicholls Martin, Knight's Mill, said he saw the car coming up the road and remarked how nicely it was driven, in contrast to some cars which one saw going very fast. - Dr Bailey, St Tudy, said he found MR VIVIAN by the side of the road supported by cushions. There were lacerations on the right side of the skull, he was bleeding from the right ear, and the base of the skull had been fractured. This and cerebral haemorrhage caused death. - The Coroner, Mr M. F. Edyvean, returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, exonerated Mr Pickard from blame and expressed sympathy with the three families. Deputy Chief Constable Banfield associated himself with the Coroner's remarks.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 August 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. Bather's Inexplicable Mishap At Mount Wise. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on NORMAN WILLIAM DOWN, aged 18, late engine fitter apprentice in the Dockyard, who lived at 28 St George's-terrace, Devonport, and died while bathing at Mount Wise on Monday evening. - The father said he understood his son could swim. - William Stephen Blank, 68 Cotehele-avenue, explained that the deceased, witness and a man named Knight were bathing together. He saw the deceased with his hands over his head and assumed that he was trying to stay under water for a time. When he looked around again, however, deceased was missing and he and another man swam to the spot where they thought he was. No trace of him could be found, and when somebody said they saw DOWN beneath the surface of the water some distance away, a polo player, who had been appealed to for assistance, dived twice and discovered the body, which he brought up. Artificial respiration was tried, without avail. - Coroner's Questions. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce: Did deceased say he would see how long he could keep under water? - No. - If he were in danger he could easily have called out? - Oh, yes. He was only twelve or twenty feet from the slip. - "Don't you think when anybody puts up his hands it is an indication he is drowning? asked deceased's father. - Witness replied in the negative. - William Alfred Knight, 22 Ryder-road, said deceased told him he had not bathed much this season. - Dr Sandford said there were several abrasions on the body, but he did not attach any importance to them. The mark on the chin could not be regarded as a wound; it was a slight bruise, which had developed since death. - The Coroner asked if anyone knew the name of the bather who dived and recovered the body, whereupon a young man in the court said the person was a boy in H.M.S. Indus named Buzz. - Mr Pearce, in returning his verdict, thanked the bather who brought the body from beneath the water. - On behalf of the Corporation, Mr E. Foster, from the office of the Town Clerk, also extended condolences with MR DOWN and family.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 August 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Death In Tramcar. Naval Officer's Collapse At Devonport. - The sudden death of a naval officer in a Devonport tramcar formed the subject of an Inquest held by the County Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday. - The deceased was Eng.-Lieut. JOHN MANKEY, R.N., 55 years of age, of 56 Durnford-street, Stonehouse, last serving on H.M.S. Spendrift. - Charles Harries, conductor, said deceased was riding on his car about 4 o'clock on August 8, from Devonport to Stonehouse. He seemed perfectly comfortable, and was tendering his fare. Suddenly he let his penny drop and fell forward. The car was then in Chapel-street. Everything possible was done for deceased on the car, but he never regained consciousness. Deceased was taken to the Royal Naval Hospital. - Surg.-Comd. Gilbert Bodley Scott, attached to R.N. Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Naval Hospital dead. Death was due to heart weakness of long standing. - FRANCIS JOHN MANKEY, son of the deceased, clerk in the Naval Store Department, said that although his father had not complained, he had noticed a change in him since 1916, when his boat was torpedoed. - Returning a verdict in accordance with medical evidence, the Coroner said there was very little doubt that deceased's active service during the war rather impaired his health, and no doubt accelerated his death. He offered condolence with those concerned, and expressed thanks to the tram-conductor and Police-sergeant Slocombe for the assistance they rendered. - The conductor said he wished public thanks to be expressed to the passengers on the car. - Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 August 1921
TAVISTOCK - Boy's Tragic Death. Fall From Platform At Bere Alston Station. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned on Saturday at an Inquiry held by Mr R. R. Rodd, at Tavistock, relative to the demise of WALTER HAROLD KELLOW, the seven year old son of MR GEORGE WILLIAM KELLOW, Stationmaster at Bere Alston, who sustained serious injuries from an accident at Bere Alston Station on Thursday, from which he subsequently died at the Tavistock Hospital. - Dr Vyvyan Coleman, Bere Alston, said he was called to the Station, where he found the deceased in a serious condition. He had him removed to the Tavistock Hospital, where an operation was performed. His liver was badly ruptured in two distinct places, causing internal haemorrhage from which he died. The operation was the only chance of saving his life. - MR GEORGE WILLIAM KELLOW identified the body as that of his son. - William Redstone, porter, in the employ of the Plymouth and Devonport and South Western Railway Company, said he was at work at about 5.30 p.m. on Thursday when his attention was called to the deceased. Witness was expecting the up train from Callington, and noticed the deceased fall between the platform and the footboard of the train, which dragged the body along. It took about fifteen minutes to extricate deceased, there being only four inches between the platform and the footboard. - Frank Wood, the engine driver, said he saw nothing of the lad whilst running into the Station. - Answering the Coroner, witness said he thought deceased must have attempted to get on the footboard and slipped. - The witnesses gave their fees to Tavistock Hospital.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 August 1921
TOTNES - Orphan's Fatal Fall. End Of Totnes Workhouse Lad's Escapade. - Yesterday morning a sad fatality occurred at Totnes Poor-law Institution, where a boy named WILLIAM ALBERT POLLARD, who was admitted four years ago from Paignton, got on a wall 3ft. 6in. high and, overbalancing, fell 10ft. and dislocated his neck. He had lived with his grandparents, William Henry and Eliza Pollard at Paignton. - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, the Board of Guardians being represented by the clerk, Mr F. K. Windeatt. - William Beer, Master of the Institution, said deceased was aged 11 years and 10 months and was an orphan. - Hubert Hollister, boys' attendant, said he heard a scream, and running out found deceased, several yards from where he fell, in the bathroom. He took him to the Infirmary, where he expired almost immediately. There was no grip for anyone on the wall over-balanced, and he had warned the boys against going on it. - Robert Whitmore, age 8, said deceased was lying on his stomach on top of the wall, when he "tipped over" and fell head downwards. Witness saw him get up after he fell and go into the passage. - Dr E. S. Bows said there were no external marks on the deceased except a small superficial wound on the front of the neck. Apparently he fell with his neck on the front of a trough and somersaulted to the ground. Death was due to dislocation of the neck. It was remarkable that deceased could get up and walk, and showed that, at the moment, the dislocation was not complete. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said nobody was to blame. It was obvious that there was a certain amount of danger in the wall being unprotected and there ought to be a rail along the top. - Mr Windeatt said the Guardians would take note of the Coroner's remarks.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 August 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Exertion. Devonport Woman's Death. - Proceeding a little way along the road to welcome her mother, who was returning from a wagonette party, LILIAN MARY CHAPMAN, 22, of 1 Milne-place, Morice Town, Devonport, fell down dead on Wednesday evening. - At the Inquest at Devonport yesterday, Dr E. H. Mayhew said a post-mortem examination revealed valvular disease of the heart. The diseased portion had become torn away, occasioning a sudden rush of blood into the heart. It was quite likely that the exertion of walking up the hill had caused this. - Verdict: "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 22 August 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Porter's Suicide. Sad Sequel To Devonport Man's Lapses. - The story of a Devonport man's suicide was told at an Inquest on a porter at the London and South Western Railway's Devonport Station, conducted by Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on Saturday. - The deceased was RICHARD HENRY PAIGE BEER, aged 58 years, of Hotham-place Devonport. - Fred James Hardy, C.P.O., R.N., of H.M.S. Crozier, a sub-tenant of the deceased, said on Thursday deceased told him he was going to see his Stationmaster and turn over a new leaf. He would have a bout of drinking now and then. Witness understood deceased had to see the Stationmaster on account of absenting himself from work, and he appeared very depressed and worried. - Hanging From Bannisters. - When witness returned that afternoon he had forgotten his key, so he rang the bell several times, but received no reply. He then looked through the letter-box and saw deceased hanging from the stairs. - P.C. P. H. S. Winsor, who was called, arrived about four o'clock and found BEER hanging to the bannisters by a piece of clothes-line. The doctor arrived at the same time and they cut the body down. - Dr Chas. Llewellyn deposed to finding deceased in a kneeling posture, hanging from the bannisters. Death was due to suffocation from hanging. - CARRIE BEER last saw her father alive on Wednesday evening last. He had been drinking heavily for the past three weeks, and had been away from work some of the time. - No Money Difficulties. - His lapses had been a great grief to witness and her mother, and they were obliged to leave him. On Wednesday, however, she went to Hotham-place when he appeared to be getting over the effects of the drink. He said he was sorry, but spoke very little. He had not been to see his wife and daughter since they left him. - To the knowledge of witness he had never threatened to take his life. He had no money difficulties and up to the time he gave way to drink he had lived very happily at home. - Alfred Stevens, Stationmaster, said deceased had been a porter for 28 years, and recently he had absented himself from duty. He called to see him on Wednesday last with a view to resuming work, but he was so confused and dazed that witness told him to call again the next morning. There was no suggestion that he should be suspended, but he probably feared he would be. He took to drink last Easter. - The Coroner said he had no hesitation in saying that when deceased took his life he was in an Unsound State of Mind, and a verdict to that effect was brought in.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 August 1921
AVETON GIFFORD - Fall Under Lorry. Cyclist's Tragic Death At Aveton Gifford. - A cyclist's fall under a lorry was described at an Inquest at Aveton Gifford into the circumstances of the death of FRED ARTHUR BARROWS, 14, the son of ARTHUR BARROWS, bricklayer, of 12 Wallace-road, Canonbury, London. - Charles Albert Mitchell gave evidence to the effect that he was driving a lorry of about seven tons through Aveton Gifford in the direction of Kingsbridge about 12 noon on August 19th. He noticed deceased on a cycle on the left-hand side of the road in front of him. Deceased pulled to the left as the lorry drew near, and witness gave him ample space. Just as he had passed him, however, he looked back and saw deceased strike the kerb with his front wheel which caused him to wobble towards the lorry. Witness pulled up at once and found that the back wheel had passed over the boy, his head being badly crushed. He was dead. The cycle was undamaged. - Gilbert R. M. Taylor, of Aveton Gifford, who witnessed the accident, stated that ample room was allowed the cyclist, who seemed to lurch towards the lorry as it passed him. The driver was going very slowly at the time. - P.C. Lake expressed the opinion that the accident was caused by the cycle being too high, and the fact that the rider had two bags attached to the fore part of the cycle, weighing about 10lb. - Lottie Frances May Salter, a school-girl at Aveton Gifford, said deceased could not reach the pedals without lurching. - Mr Robinson Rodd, Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from blame, and sympathized with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 August 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - At Ker-street Police Court yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on WILLIAM EDWARD BROCK, 58, a general labourer, in H.M. Dockyard, of Edgcumbe-place, Plymouth. - Evidence was given by the widow that on Saturday morning deceased had died suddenly while mending a pair of boots. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to syncope, from rupture of the heart and consequent haemorrhage into the pericardium. - "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 August 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - At Ker-street Police Court yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquiry into the death of EDWIN JAMES HICKS, 67, a retired lieutenant in the Royal Navy of Fleet-street, Devonport. - EVELYN VIOLET HICKS, daughter, said she was proceeding along Fleet-street with her father, carrying a portmanteau between them. Her father was also carrying a bag. Suddenly he put down the bag and portmanteau, as though he was going to rest, and then fell over upon his back. - In accordance with the evidence of Dr T. McElwaine a verdict was returned to the effect that death was from syncope due to aortic valvular disease, accelerated by distension of the stomach.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 August 1921
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Graves, the Deputy Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY WARD, a fisherman, aged 67, of High-street, Plymouth. The daughter of the deceased, ISABELL ORME, said that her father was assisted home on Monday of last week and told her he had had a fall on the ship. Dr Macnair was called in the next day and WARD died on Saturday. Verdict of Natural Causes, death being accelerated by a fall, was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 August 1921
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Graves, the Deputy Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest at the Mortuary, where a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the conclusion on the body of MARY MARIA FREEMAN, 60, widow of GEORGE ALFRED FREEMAN, formerly a coachman in the employ of Mr Fox, of Westbrook, Crownhill. The daughter, MABEL HELEN FREEMAN gave evidence and Dr Glinn, who was called to the house at Seymour-avenue just after the death the previous day, attributed it to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 September 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Hanging On A Tree. Plymouth Suicide's Strange Letter. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, held an Inquest at Ker-street yesterday on JOHN JAMES HATHERLY, a labourer in the Dockyard, aged 40, who was found hanging on a tree in Trevarthian-terrace. - MR J. SNELL, brother-in-law of the deceased, said he last saw him alive on Friday at midday in Cumberland-street, Devonport. Thinking it strange that he should be away from the Dockyard witness asked him if he was still at work, and he replied "Yes." Deceased had not seemed depressed and witness had never known him to threaten to take his life. He never appeared the worse for drink. - "A Bit Of Business." - Charles Ryan, of Market-street, who lived with deceased in the same room, said he did not think it strange that deceased should not return home to sleep on Monday night as he had been away previously. Some months ago witness noticed a small bruise on the cheek of the deceased, and witness, on making inquiries, was told that it was "only a bit of business." - Ernest Alfred Scott, 40 Moon-street, said he had been with the deceased on Monday night, and they had had several glasses of ale together. When they parted deceased said he was going to see " a man about some business." - Harry Ernest Brown, of Honicknowle, said he was proceeding to work with his fellow-workman, Hodges, on the 6.10 a.m. car from Peverell, and as they passed the bottom of Trevarthian-terrace noticed a body in an unusual position against a tree. They immediately cut it down but death had occurred. - Deceased's Letter. - In the pockets of the dead man were found a key, a halfpenny, a box of matches and a piece of paper, on which was written in Hatherly's handwriting;- "This is to certify that JOHN HATHERLY took his life through Cleave, of Sydney-street, Devonport, horse dealer, also Dockyard labourer, also Passmore, of St Aubyn-street, Devonport, Dockyard labourer and young Ned Cleave, dockside labourer, and horse dealer, through not one being a man. It took three to throw me over the stairs and I injured my head, which I am feeling now." - Accusations Denied. - Lewis Passmore, St Aubyn-street, Devonport; John Edward Cleave, Sydney-street; and Edward George Cleave, Sidney-street, denied the statements made in the letter. With regard to the staircase incident, Edward George Cleave said he pushed deceased down the stairs in self-defence as a result of an assault on the part of deceased. - Coroner's Verdict. - The Coroner commended Passmore and the two Cleaves for coming forward and giving their evidence in a straightforward manner. Although the case bordered closely on "felo de se," the evidence went to show that deceased drank and was a betting man, and he would return a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 September 1921
TAVISTOCK - Run Down By Train. Inquest On Victim Of Tavistock Fatality. - Yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock on JOHN LOVELL, retired farm bailiff, aged 83, who was knocked down and killed by a G.W.R. train on Monday. - Dr C. C. Brodrick described deceased's injuries and Hy. Rd. Down, son-in-law, a carpenter in the employ of the G.W.R., said he had an allotment on the line facing Kelly College. The proper and easier way to approach it was under a railway arch and along a meadow. Deceased visited it almost daily. He walked along Exeter-street on Monday, and in returning by Parkwood-road, probably got on to the line at a level crossing, and was going to the allotment. His hearing was fairly good for his age. - Frederick Rd. Biddlecome, engine driver, said he saw an elderly man walking on the edge of the sleepers about 25 yards ahead of the train. He blew the whistle and applied the brakes, but could not avoid hitting the deceased, who seemed flurried and stepped on to the line. - Inspector Henwood, G.W.R., said an inspection train passed for Tavistock about a quarter of an hour before, and deceased might have thought it was the ordinary train. - The Coroner advised the Jury to say that deceased, while trespassing, was knocked down by a passing train and killed. This the Jury did. The Coroner told the Jury that a verdict of "Accidental Death" could not be returned when a fatality occurred where the deceased had no right to be.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 September 1921
OKEHAMPTON - Runaway Horse. Farm Labourer's Sad Death At Okehampton. - Mr H. C. Brown held an Inquest at Okehampton yesterday on JAMES HUBBER, farm labourer, of Sparrow's Court, who met with an accident. - Richard George Hawkins said he saw deceased in a field with a horse and cart. The horse was galloping and had evidently run away. Deceased was shouting at the animal and witness later heard a crash. On going to the spot he found deceased lying on his back, while the cart was upset, and the horse, which was free from the harness was standing near. The cart had come into contact with a tree and deceased was then unconscious. - Dr T. Streethill said deceased was bleeding at the mouth and nose, death being due to a fractured skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 September 1921
PLYMOUTH - Worried Over Lease. Plymouth Furniture Dealer's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday, at an Inquiry into the death of JOHN DOWNEY, furniture dealer, Leigham-terrace, Plymouth, who on Saturday morning was found dead in his shop at 11 King-street, with his head in the gas oven and the gas turned on. - The widow said her husband was somewhat worried about the lease of his premises, and also suffered from insomnia. He seemed quite normal when she saw him on Friday evening and she had never heard him threaten to take his life.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 September 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - At an Inquest on MRS ANNA CAROLINE HITCHCOCK, widow, who died on The Den, Teignmouth, on Wednesday, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 September 1921
PLYMOUTH - Late MR C. JEFFERY. Well-Known Plymouth Musician. - MR CHARLES JEFFERY, whose death occurred with tragic suddenness at Plymouth on Friday, was known to a very wide circle. He had practised music at Devonport for about a quarter of a century and was for many years organist of Stoke Damerel parish church. After relinquishing that post he became organist of the Church of St Nicholas, at the R.N. Barracks and had for many years been conductor of the orchestra at the Electric Theatre, Devonport. Under the Plymouth Education Authority he held several appointments, as he had done under the old Devonport Authority, and was the music teacher at the Devonport High School and Devonport Girls' Secondary School. - MR JEFFERY, who was 54 years of age, leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters. His elder son only returned to Bagdad last month after a period of leave. He went on foreign service with the Wessex Division in 1914 and subsequently served in Mesopotamia, where he secured the appointment he now holds. - At an Inquest a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 September 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - 'Dazzle" Headlights. Devonport Coroner's Condemnation. - The danger in the use of "dazzle" headlights by motorists was referred to at an Inquest held by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday. Deceased, GEORGE HENRY LEE, 63 years, a plasterer of 65 Cambridge-street, Devonport, was killed as the result of the driver of the charabanc in which he was a passenger attempting to avoid an oncoming motor car with brilliant headlights and colliding with a telegraph pole. LEE, who was the occupant of the second seat from the front, was thrown against the doorway, his head coming in contact with the projecting door handle, which perforated his skull. - The driver of the charabanc, Joseph Satterthwaite, of Headland Park, Plymouth, said Yelverton was left just after ten o'clock in the evening, and he was proceeding along the moorland road at a moderate pace, when a car came to view over the ridge of a slight incline immediately in front. Witness was momentarily dazzled by the light, and in endeavouring to pull in to the near side of the road misjudged the distance. The tide of the charabanc struck a telegraph pole a glancing blow. He was then told that one of the passengers was hurt, and drove on to Devonport, where, after seeing a doctor, he took LEE to the Hospital. - Questioned by the Coroner, witness said he was perfectly sober at the time. - In answer to Mr Mayburne Pearce, for the owners of the charabanc, witness said he had never been in a collision before. - Mrs Elizabeth Roberts, 54 James-street, Devonport, who accompanied LEE on the trip, said he was not drunk. The headlights of the oncoming car were very bright. - Mrs Lilian Maud Wonnacott, 29 Barrack-street, Devonport, said the approaching headlights were so dazzling that they took away "my eyesight." The charabanc was being driven slowly and the driver was perfectly sober. - Dr Mary Hamilton, House Surgeon, said deceased when admitted had a large gaping wound in the centre of the forehead and symptoms which showed deeper injury. Next day it was discovered that his skull was fractured. He died on Tuesday from the fracture and laceration of the brain. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said there was no complaint to be made against the driver of the charabanc. - It certainly seemed that the dazzling lights in this case were the primary cause of LEE'S death.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 September 1921
PLYMOUTH - Accident Sequel. Inquest On Plymouth Grocer's Lad. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, at an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on the body of ALFRED EDWARD PHILLIPS, aged 19, grocer's messenger of 48 George-street, Stonehouse, who died at the Institution on Tuesday. - MRS BEATRICE PHILLIPS, the mother, said her son was riding a cycle in Alma-road on May 31, when he fell off owing to the saddle slipping. He worked for a fortnight afterwards, before seeing a doctor. - Dr A. G. Aitken said that when admitted to the Hospital the youth was suffering from tuberculosis of the hip, which had accelerated death.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 September 1921
OTTERY ST MARY - Boy's Sad Death. Fatal Fall While Visiting Ottery St Mary. - At an Inquest on ARTHUR RICHARDS, aged 17, son of HENRY CHARLES RICHARDS, taxi-cab proprietor, at Taunton yesterday, it was stated that deceased, in attempting to vault over a gate in some fields at Ottery St Mary, fell on his head and shoulders. -- He did not appear to be seriously hurt, and drove home with his friend. He made no complaint on arriving home and went to work on the two succeeding days. On the third day, however, he was taken ill with severe pains in the head. - Dr Meade-King advised his removal to the Hospital, but death took place on Monday evening, the cause of death being a clot of blood on the brain. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 September 1921
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. No Blame Attached To Charabanc Driver. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on SAMUEL CHARLES HAMLYN, the twelve-year-old son of a blacksmith's labourer, employed in the Dockyard, residing at 4 Laira-place, who was knocked down by a charabanc in Embankment-road the previous afternoon. The driver, William Griffin, who lives at 78 Knighton-road, was exonerated from blame. - Mr Mayburne Pearce was present on behalf of the owner of the charabanc. - Miss Olive Webster Smith, schoolmistress, of Salcombe-road, said she was in charge of a class of school-children, taking them from Prince Rock School to the school playground in Cattedown-road. The children were walking on the pavement and she was in the road. She saw the charabanc coming towards them at a slow pace, but could not say how deceased or his brother got in front of it. Deceased appeared to hesitate and was knocked down. The two children must have slipped into the track of the motor and could not have seen it until it was too late. - Speed of The Charabanc. - The driver said he was taking the charabanc to Torquay with 28 passengers and at the time of the accident was proceeding along Embankment-road at about eight miles an hour. Suddenly he saw the two children about three feet in front of the car. One appeared to be riding on the back of the other. He applied both brakes immediately and pulled up., The younger boy was lying in front of the car and by the time he got round to the back someone had picked up deceased. He conveyed him to the Hospital. - Dr Kathleen Jane Shaw, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was suffering from extensive injuries to the whole of his body. - It was a hopeless case from the first. - The Coroner (addressing the father): You are satisfied that it was an accident? - The Father: Yes.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 September 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by the Deputy Coroner for Devonport, Mr A. Gard, yesterday, following an Inquiry into the death of SUSANNAH ELIZABETH BRADDICK, spinster, aged 74, who resided at 5a. Canterbury-street, Devonport. - Deceased had been suffering from bronchitis, and on Saturday afternoon, when Miss Westgate, living at the same address, went into her room, she found the old lady kneeling by a chair, dead. - Dr T. McElwaine said deceased was suffering from heart disease and her death had been accelerated by the acute attack of bronchitis.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 October 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fatally Scalded. - A verdict of "Death from Accidental Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns at Plymouth on Saturday on AUDREY GLADYS VERRILL, aged one year and nine months, the daughter of ROSE EMILY VERRILL of 19 Walker-terrace. - The mother said that on the 6th inst. the child upset a saucepan of boiling water. As a result she was badly scalded and was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital. Dr Jamieson said he was called to see the deceased and found that the case was hopeless.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 October 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest yesterday on AMELIA KATHLEEN ROSEVEAR, aged 64, of 48 Corporation-road, Devonport, who died on the footpath in Tavistock-road on Monday evening, Dr J. B. Kelly said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by chronic bronchitis. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 October 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Man's Act. Death From Self-Inflicted Wound. - Mr Sydney Hacker, County Coroner, returning his verdict at an Inquest at Teignmouth on Saturday on the body of ALFRED ERNEST SHEARS, 63, found dead in a fowl house at Lower Brimley, said that SHEARS died from haemorrhage through a self-inflicted wound in the throat. There was no evidence to enable him to decide as to the state of deceased's mind. He expressed sympathy with the family. - According to REGINALD ERNEST SHEARS, Brondesbury, deceased had been in the employ of a Teignmouth firm until the business was sold, when he left of his own accord. None of the members of the family resided with him, his wife living with witness. He was accustomed to take too much drink at times. - Matthew Coyde said at SHEARS' request he sharpened a knife for him and gave it to him on the Monday previous to his death. He did not state for what purpose he wanted the knife. - P.C. Body found deceased hanging in a fowl-house with a deep wound in the neck, the rope being attached to the top of a partition, about six feet above the ground.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 October 1921
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Farmer's Suicide. Fatal Impulse Of Buckland Monachorum Man. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, 56, farmer, Higher Hellingtown Farm, Buckland Monachorum, who was found dead on Monday with is throat cut at Lumbrun, near Tavistock. - OLIVER WILLIAM GIDLEY, wheelwright, Lumbrun, said deceased, his brother-in-law, who had recently lost his wife, came to stay with witness and his wife a week ago. Witness's wife took deceased some lunch to the summer house in the garden and found him lying on his face on the ground outside the summer house. Witness was called and found deceased dead with his throat cut, and the small table knife lying by his side. Four or five years ago deceased threatened to hang himself and was sent to Devon County Lunatic Asylum for four or five months. - Dr G. T. Revell, of Yelverton, said he had known the deceased professionally for many years, and had no hesitation in saying he was of unsound mind and that, acting under a sudden impulse, he cut his throat. - The Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 October 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Tragedy. - Mr J. A. Pearce opened an Inquest at the South Yard, Devonport, on Saturday on REGINALD CHARLES WILLCOCKS, aged 15, of 41 Grenville-road, Plymouth, shipwright apprentice, who was killed through falling from the oil tanker Nassa, which is under construction in the Dockyard, on Thursday. Evidence of identification was called and the Inquest was adjourned until today. - WILLIAM ALFRED WILLCOCKS said that deceased, his brother, had been employed in the Dockyard for only five weeks.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 October 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - No Blame Attaching To Dockyard Instructions. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the adjourned Inquest at the South Dockyard, Devonport, by Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday on the 15-year-old apprentice, REGINALD CHARLES WILLCOCKS, Grenville-road, Plymouth, who fell from the staging around the liner Nassa on No. 4 slipway last Thursday and was killed. - Albert Edward Gregory, 7 Spencer-terrace, Billacombe, shipwright, said deceased was engaged, with witness, and just before four o'clock they were occupied inside the ship in placing a butt-strap into position. Two of the drifts were driven in and then it was found one of them would have to be taken out. Deceased was sent outside to knock the drift back, and just afterward witness was told that he had fallen from the staging. Deceased was the first apprentice he had had under his charge. - Mr W. E. Harding, Inspector of Factories, said the staging, consisting of thee 11 -inch planks, complied with regulations. The staging was about 38ft. to 40ft. high. It was the usual practice for boys to work on staging and deceased had always appeared a careful lad. - George M. Eynon, shipwright, Tavistock-road, Devonport, said deceased had been on the staging before. It was a good staging and quite firm. - Herbert William Adamson, shipwright, Station-road, Keyham, said he was walking along the ground at the side of the ship, when he saw deceased fall off the staging. Several ran to his assistance, but he was dead before they could get him to the surgery. - Surgeon-Commander A. F. Fleming, South Dockyard, said deceased was dead when he was brought to the surgery. On examination of the body it was found that there was a fracture of the skull, which was the cause of death. Deceased had also sustained a fractured thigh. - Mr Sitters, foreman of shipwrights, said it was left to the discretion of the instructor as to where a boy should work. There were no regulations to say that a boy should not go on the staging, but if a boy was nervous he was not forced. "It is our experience that they do go on the staging. It is a sort of novelty to them." - An Instructor would not send a boy where it was dangerous and every instructor told the boys to be careful. - The Coroner, recalling Gregory, asked, "Do you feel quite satisfied that deceased was fully capable of going out on the staging and doing the work?" - Witness: Yes. He has done the job several times before and never appeared to be nervous. - Deceased's brother said deceased had always spoken highly of his instructors. - The Coroner said no blame was attached to the instructor and he hoped that nothing that had transpired at the Inquiry would cause any reflection to be made officially as regards the instructor, and that he would not be prevented from having further apprentices under his charge.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 October 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN SEDGEMAN, 50, naval pensioner and rigger in Devonport Dockyard, who died suddenly when working at his allotment on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 October 1921
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on EDWARD NICHOLLS, greengrocer, of 17 High-street, Plymouth, who collapsed while playing a game of snooker at the Liberal Club on Tuesday evening. Dr C. J. Cooke attributed death to a dilated heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 October 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr J. A. Pearce at the Inquest held last evening at Ford on THIRZA ROSCROW, 76, of 43 St Levan-road, Devonport. Dr Fleming was of opinion that she died of intense bronchial-pneumonia; death being accelerated by a fall, probably caused by giddiness.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 November 1921
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death From Scalds. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, yesterday, on the death of VERNA FLORENCE BUNNY, the 16-month-old daughter of a Great Western Railway fireman residing in Hastings-street. The child upset some hot water which was in a tin on the table over herself. She was taken to the Homeopathic Hospital, but bronchial pneumonia, which Dr Matthew Aikman said was accelerated by the shock resulting from the accident, supervened and caused her death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 November 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, yesterday, at the Inquest on JOSEPH SEARLE DEAN of 29 Fellowes-place, Devonport, who was found on Saturday with his throat cut. - BERNARD DEAN of 2 St Vincent-place, Laira, son of deceased, said deceased was a pensioned smith from the Dockyard and was 72 years of age. The last time he saw him on Friday week, he complained of pains in the head, and also about his eyesight, which had apparently been very poor of late. He also seemed worried about the condition of his wife, who had been an invalid for the last two years.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 November 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, yesterday on HERBERT WILLIAM HAWKER of 2 Mary-place, Stoke, who was found at his home with a wound in the left leg and who died just as the doctor arrived, having apparently bled to death. There was a razor on the floor. - LOUISE GEORGINA HAWKER, the widow. said until recently deceased had been in business as a licensed victualler. He had been in very bad health for the last three years, and was very depressed. Verdict: "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 November 1921
ASHBURTON - An Inquest was held at Ashburton on Monday on GEORGE GERMAN, a rural postman, who was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. Dr E. A. Ellis said death was due to heart and kidney trouble. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 November 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Swallowed Fish Bone. Dockyard Apprentice Dies A Week Later. - A fish bone was said to have caused the death of CHRISTOPHER CHARLES OWEN FLOOD, aged 18, a moulder's apprentice in the Dockyard, who died a week after swallowing the bone at his home, 63 Emma-place, Stonehouse. - At the Inquest, conducted by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, yesterday, deceased's father, CHRISTOPHER CHARLES FLOOD, ex-band-sergeant, R.M.L.I., explained that as deceased was having tea he swallowed a fish bone. The following afternoon he went to Dr Leah, who found no obstruction. Deceased remained at home from work and on Saturday developed haemorrhage, expiring on Sunday evening. - A post-mortem examination made by Dr Leah showed that the aorta had been punctured by the bone. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 November 1921
TIVERTON - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Tiverton last evening on ELIZABETH VENN, aged 73, widow, of Melbourne-street, Tiverton, who died on Monday from injuries caused by a fall in her bedroom.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 November 1921
PLYMOUTH - Falling over a flight of six stairs, SARAH COOK, aged 79, a widow, living at 62 York-street, Plymouth, received injuries which led to her death. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 November 1921
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Youth's Death. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot yesterday on HAROLD N. BROAD, age 16, who on Tuesday left his lodgings at 4 Mount Pleasant-road to go to business, and had not gone far when his cycle collapsed and caused the accident which culminated in his death on Thursday. Dr H. Pocock said death ensued from concussion of the brain, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 November 1921
PLYMOUTH - St German's Man Thrown From A Motor Lorry. - The story of a remarkable motoring fatality in Cornwall was told to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on SAMUEL PRIDEAUX OLVER, 56, quarryman, of Tideford Cross, St Germans. - George Henry Medland, motor lorry driver, in the employ of the Earl of St Germans, said that about 2.30 on Friday afternoon he was returning from Menheniot, via St Ive, to St Germans, after taking out the East Cornwall Foxhounds. At Menheniot he picked up OLVER, who had been to see the hounds, and who asked witness to give him a lift. Within half a mile of Pounda OLVER suddenly made a dive and pulled the steering wheel towards him. Witness did not know what made him do it, but as a consequence the vehicle swerved towards the hedge. To change its course again he had to suddenly turn his wheel, and as the vehicle turned quickly OLVER fell over the side. He did not give witness the impression that he had been drinking. After taking the man home witness sent for a doctor, who ordered OLVER'S removal to Hospital and witness brought him to Plymouth. - Dr Aitken, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said that death was due to a depressed fracture of the skull and a fractured femur. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental death," and said that no blame whatever could be attributed to the driver.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 November 1921
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Fatal Fall From Cart. - At an Inquests held on Saturday on WILLIAM THOMAS WILLIAMS, of Glenview, Clearbrook, Mr R. R. Rodd returned a verdict that death was due to concussion of the brain caused by Accidentally falling out of a cart. - W. H. C. WILLIAMS said that deceased, who was his father, was a retired master mariner, and was 76 years of age. On the 26th ult. deceased was driving a pony and trap when the wheel went into a gutter. The wheel collapsed, throwing deceased into the road. - Dr J. G. Bailey, of Yelverton, gave evidence as to the cause of death.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 November 1921
TORQUAY - JOHN LIGHTFOOT STANLAKE, aged 53, market gardener of Sherwell-lane, Chelston, Torquay, died suddenly while ploughing. At the Inquest at Torquay yesterday a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 November 1921
PLYMOUTH - JOSEPH EDMUND LOTT, aged 60, a naval pensioner, of The Parade, Plymouth, and a deck hand on hopper No. 34, was killed by a flying hook attached to tackle with which attempts were being made to get up the doors. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 November 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest yesterday on MR GEORGE WILLIAM ARBERRY, brewer's traveller, of Fitzroy-terrace, Devonport, who died during Monday night, Dr J. Ingram attributed death to valvular disease of the heart and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 November 1921
TORQUAY - Nurse's Fatal Leap. Tragic Struggle At A Torquay Window. Coroner Criticizes Matron. - At a Torquay Inquest yesterday a strange story was unfolded of a nurse who said she had taken "tubes and tubes of morphia" and afterwards jumped from a third-storey window and was killed. - Deceased, FRANCES HARRISON LEE, 35, had been employed at the Trinity Nursing Home, Torquay. She was a keen and an efficient nurse, but on Sunday returned to the home in a depressed state. The patient she had been nursing had died the previous night, and this was believed to have upset her. On Sunday after lunch she went to bed to rest, but in the evening called another nurse and told her she had taken "tubes and tubes of morphia" because she had not slept. The Matron, Miss Ruby Dalzell, at once visited her room. - She found deceased sitting up in bed talking rather wildly. Someone had accused her, she said, of saying she kissed the Queen, but really she only said she shook hands with her, "which she had done at Epsom," added the Matron. Deceased also said that two detectives were waiting for her outside because she had committed a burglary. Apart from these remarks she seemed rational, but the Matron could hardly believe she had taken, as she said, "enough morphia to kill three women." - She, however, sent for the doctor, who administered an emetic, and later deceased was put to bed and watched by a nurse. She had given witness a letter to her mother and sister, which she opened because she thought it might contain the morphia tubes. The Coroner read the letter, as follows:- "I cannot really say what meshes are round about me. I can see my dear father's face. I shall pray to be forgiven for committing suicide." - Coroner's Comments. - Continuing his examination, the Coroner asked;- When you read that you knew you had in your charge a woman who was contemplating suicide? - I thought she regretted it and helped us in every way. - Yes, yes; but you knew she was liable to try to commit suicide, once having made the attempt? - There was that possibility. - Possibility? There was more than that. You ought to have known and realized you had a person who wanted to commit suicide. - I thought she regretted it. - But that does not affect the case. This letter ought to be absolute evidence to you that she was suffering from suicidal tendencies and you ought to have known. What steps did you take? - I gave instructions that she must not be left alone. - Did you warn Dr Lacey? Did you mention the letter? We see she took the morphia to commit suicide, and not to produce sleep. You told me you thought she took it to produce sleep, when all the time you knew she took morphia with the intention of doing away with herself. Why did you not tell me? Why do you try to conceal the fact? - Not at all, sir. I don't want to conceal it. I did not wish to mislead you in any shape or form. - Struggle At The Window. - Continuing, witness said deceased was not a big woman, and she thought that she took reasonable precautions by leaving one nurse in charge of her, as others were within call. Deceased was not violent, but passive. - Nurse Lilian May Candy described the tragic conclusion. She was placed in charge of deceased, she said, but did not know that she had suicidal tendency. She allowed her to have the window open because she said her head was hot, but would not have done so had she known a previous attempt had been made. She sat on a chair and watched deceased, who lay in bed with her eyes closed. At 2.15 she complained of "something jumping up and down inside," but later became quiet. Then suddenly she jumped out of bed and dashed to the window. - "I was there almost as soon as she was," she went on, "but she had opened the lower part of the window and was leaning out. I clutched her feet, but later relinquished one and held on to the other." In response to her screams the Matron arrived within a few seconds and clutched the other foot, but they were unable to pull her in. All this time deceased was struggling and kicking, and at last she slipped through their hands and fell to the balcony below, a distance of 25 feet. - Sufficient Precautions. - Dr Lacey said there did not seem any symptoms of morphia poisoning, but he treated her and later she seemed quite rational. He considered that the precautions were adequate, though he was not told of the contents of the letter written by deceased. Death was due to fracture of the skull. - Dr Stabb also considered the precautions sufficient. Deceased had nursed three persons lately who were not mentally normal, and association with such people sometimes affected others. The first attempt was a childish one, deceased having taken little or no morphia. She had been a very keen and efficient nurse. - Returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," the Coroner said he must say that as soon as the Matron had read the letter showing deceased had attempted suicide she ought to have at once informed Dr Lacey. He could not altogether exonerate her from blame in not taking the obvious precaution of informing Nurse Candy of the letter and the fact that her patient was not a normal case. It was her duty to give the nurse full information as regards that fact.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 November 1921
ST BUDEAUX - Stoke Youth's Suicide. Over-study Causes Tragedy AT Honicknowle. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM GEORGE RIPPIN, the 16-year-old Dockyard shipwright apprentice of 41 Haddington-road, Stoke, who was found with his throat cut in a copse near Honicknowle on Saturday. - Samuel Crimp, St Budeaux, naval pensioner, said on Saturday he was passing through Broomhall Copse shortly before four o'clock and noticed a bicycle covered with a mackintosh. Deceased was lying close by. On looking at him witness found his throat was cut and a razor was lying by his side covered with blood. The previous day he had passed by the spot and thinking it was someone asleep, went on and took no notice. The spot was out of the view of anyone on the main road. - Deceased's father, pensioner from the Navy, said his son left home at 1.15 p.m. on Friday for the Dockyard and never returned. - He had been somewhat strange since last Monday and had said to his sister, "I can hear those hammers in my head," referring to the big hammers in the Dockyard. He used to sometimes study until one o'clock in the morning, and said he must do it. - Witness attributed the act to over-study. - Dr T. Olver, Crownhill, said death was due to haemorrhage caused by a cut of about four inches, and death must have been practically instantaneous. Deceased had not taken any of the Condy's fluid, a bottle of which was found beside his body. - P.S. Cruze emphasised the need for a mortuary in the district and the Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, said he would reopen the matter with the clerk to the Council.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 November 1921
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM EDWARD BOTTRELL of 6 Salisbury-road, aged 73, a pensioner, L.S.W.R., clerk, who died on a seat in Beaumont Park, Plymouth, about midday last Saturday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 November 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Suicide. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, yesterday, at an Inquest on WILFRID SHIPCOTT, aged 40, of Gloucester-street, Devonport, who was found hanging in his stable at 1 Knowles-terrace, on Thursday morning. - MAUD SHIPCOTT, deceased's widow, said her husband, who carried on business in Alma-road, did not return on Wednesday night and on Thursday, in company with a friend, she went to the stable. They found deceased hanging from a lamp-stand. A doctor who was called pronounced life extinct.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 November 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from Syncope" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce at an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE HOWARD HESTER, aged 75, a Dockyard pensioner of 10 Fairfax-terrace, Devonport, who died suddenly in bed early on Sunday evening.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 December 1921
PLYMOUTH - Fall Of Timber. Fatal Sequel To Plymouth Accident. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of WALTER MAKIN, aged 57, a machinist, who died at the Hospital. - DOUGLAS WALTER MAKIN, clerk in the employ of the G.W.R., son, said deceased was in the employ of James Crockerell, a contractor, with whom he had worked for about 12 months. - Harry D. Knight, joiner, 10 Baring-street, Plymouth, said deceased had been working with him at Richmond Walk, Plymouth. On September 29 he was filling back with small pieces of wood. While engaged on this work a piece of timber, measuring about 5 feet by 4 ins. by 2 ins., which was leaning against the wall, fell upon him, striking him on the side of the head. - At the time of the occurrence deceased merely rubbed his head and remarked that it had "knocked him silly for the minute." He attended to his work until October 4. Witness thought that in lifting the small pieces of wood with a shovel deceased had also lifted the piece of timber which fell upon him. Some days after the accident he complained that he was not feeling well in the head. - Miss Katherine Jane Shaw, House Physician at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said she had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found that there was a long-standing disease of the ear, which was latent at the time of the accident, but which afterwards extended and caused death. Had it not been for the blow deceased might have lived for years. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr I. Foot appeared for the deceased's relatives and Mr Lawrence Spear for the employer.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 December 1921
PLYMOUTH - Death From Burns. Old Age Pensioner's Fate At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns at an Inquest yesterday on JAMES WIDGER, 89, old age pensioner, of 54 Regent-street, whose death resulted from shock, due to burns on the shoulder and forearm. It appeared that whilst seated at the fireside he had fallen from his chair, sustaining the injuries in question. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 December 1921
PLYMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was the verdict recorded in the case of EDITH MAY BURGESS, 36, widow, who died in the Infirmary shortly after admission on Monday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 December 1921
PLYMOUTH - MATILDA DENTON, aged 63, wife of a dock labourer, died suddenly at her home, 10 Bath-street, Plymouth, yesterday morning. Dr W. H. Waterfield informed the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest held in the afternoon, that death was due to syncope from a fatty heart. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 December 1921
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Pensioner's Death. - At the Inquest on JOSEPH GARLAND, 80, a naval pensioner of 21 East-street, Stonehouse, yesterday, a verdict of "Death from Acute Bronchitis, accelerated by shock, due to an Accidental Fall," was returned by the Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd. - Mrs M. James, who resides at the same address as deceased, said GARLAND fell down the stairs, which were rather ill-lighted. He had rather weak sight and she thought the fall was purely accidental.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 December 1921
PLYMOUTH - Operation Fatality. Plymouth Youth Dies Under Anaesthetic. - That deceased died "whilst under the effects of anaesthetic properly administered in accordance with the requirements," was the verdict returned by Mr R. B. Johns at an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on HORACE LAWRY WALLING WATTS, 18, motor engineer apprentice, of 7 Frankfort-street, Plymouth, who died whilst being operated on for appendicitis. - Dr P. B. Kittel said deceased died towards the end of the operation. A post-mortem revealed an enlarged heart of long standing, also an enlarged liver, whilst there was early septic pneumonia in the right lung owing to the gangrenous appendix.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 December 1921
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Shock due to Burns" was the verdict at an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on IVY VIOLET WILLIAMS, aged 4 months, whose clothes accidentally caught fire while she was alone in a room at Albany-street.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 December 1921
CHAGFORD - Chagford Woman's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held at Chagford on Tuesday by Mr Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of SARAH ANN HORNER, 77, who had for many years resided at Belmont House with her two sisters. - Evidence showed that deceased left her bedroom at 5 a.m. on Saturday and called to her sister, MRS POPE, who was sleeping on the third storey. Before MRS POPE could reach the second floor landing a noise indicated a fall, and deceased was found at the bottom of the stairs. Dr Hughes attended to her injuries and she died about four hours later without regaining consciousness. - A verdict was returned that deceased died from cerebral haemorrhage, caused by a fractured skull through falling down stairs.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 December 1921
PLYMOUTH - Cycling Fatality. Ugborough Man's Collision In Thunderstorm. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, who held an Inquiry yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital into the circumstances of the bicycle fatality on the road between Plympton and Lee Mill on the evening of the 22nd inst., of which WILLIAM BARON SERCOMBE, aged 53 years, married, a carpenter, residing at Ludview, Ugborough, and employed at Coxside, Plymouth, was the victim. - William Putt, farm labourer, Lee Mill, said when walking on the road near the Lyneham Inn he was struck in the back and for some minutes was rendered unconscious. On recovering he saw the deceased lying in the road under his bicycle and apparently badly injured. Witness secured assistance from the Inn, and deceased was conveyed by motor car to the Hospital. It was very rough weather at the time of the occurrence, with heavy rain and thunder and lightning. - Miss Shaw, House Physician, stated that deceased was suffering from severe injuries to his head and was unconscious when admitted from which condition he never recovered. He died early on Tuesday morning, the pressure on the brain from the collection of blood being sufficient to cause death.

Western Morning News, Saturday 31 December 1921
WESTMINSTER, LONDON - Motor Fatality. Inquest On Kingskerswell Man In London. - The Inquest at Westminster yesterday on WILLIAM GEORGE HALLETT, 24, Metropolitan Police Constable, a native of Kingskerswell, who was fatally injured by a motor car on Boxing-day, resulted in a verdict of "manslaughter" against an Italian chauffeur mechanic named Guiseppe Bala. - Bala, who was committed for trial on the Coroner's warrant, had previously been remanded on a charge of being drunk while in charge of a motor car and causing grievous bodily harm to HALLETT. - Bala contended that the cause of the occurrence was the skidding of the car.