Suicide of an Officer

Horowhenua Chronicle, 9 November 1915, Page 3

Suicide of an Officer

# LETTER OF APOLOGY TO HOTEL MANAGER. A verdict of "suicide during temporary insanity" was returned at an inquest held on Friday at Westminster on the body of Randolph Rae Smith, 28, a second leiutenant in the 12th" (attached 1 to the 13th) Sherwood Foresters, stationed at Lichfield, who was found shot through the temple about half-past 8 on Monday night in a room he had taken at the Tavistock Hotel, Covent Garden, London, (says the Times). A service revolver was lying near the body, on which only 3fd u money was found. It was stated by a brother, who identified the body, that Mr Smith hadi ueen a manufacturing chemist and druggist in Montreal before he joined the Army on the outbreak of the war. So far as the witness knew he had no trouble. An officer in the same regiment said that he came to London witdi Mr Smith on the previous Thursday for the day and on the Sunday Mr Smith again visitedi London. He had told the witness he was in debt and had spoken to him of a girl. On a table in Mr Smith's room was found the following letter ,addressed to "The Hotel Management s ':— Th'is tihiugs whicn I have done is only a by-product of the war. it is neither hero nor there. My only regret is that I am unable to serve inly oountry in tihe field. For the carpet and chair I have spoiled, and the trouble to which you must inevitably be put, I am sorry. "JVhen the shot is heardl and the door broken in, you may communicate with Lieutenant-Colonel Thompson Treford Camp, Lichfield. I regret .1 have inconvenienced you by chctosing your hotel, but a man must have somewhere to die in. - H On a burnt fragment of paper was written:—' ' Although I am damned to the nethermost hell, dear one, your prayers are more than you can tell, Deal 1 one *;* * To ftll whom it may oonpern.