GRIEF-STRICKEN COLONEL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1644, 30 November 1916, Page 4

GRIEF-STRICKEN COLONEL.

WISH 10D 1110 MAD BEEN KILLED

“A. very distinguished soldier, who thought less of Ins own wounds than he did of the loss of his men." This was the comment of the Westminster Coroner at the inquiry inlo the tragic death of Colonel lOdwin Thomas Fa Ik tier Sandys, who was found in bed at the Cavendish Hotel with a wound hi his head and a revolver in his hand.

Colonel Sandys, a single man, aged about -It), ltd his battalion into action in (he offensive on July Ist, and wtis wounded. He had been wounded five times, and had reeeived the D.S.O.

Captain Lloyd Jones, of the same regiment, said that on leaving hospital Colonel Sandys was greatly depressed heeause his battalion had suffered severely. He had never threatened suicide, hut had said he wished lie had been killed with his men.

Captain Lloyd Jones received a letter from Colonel Sandys on September (ilh, which said; “I have come to London to take my life. I have qever had a moment's peace since July Ist."

Gu the same day Colonel Sandys wrote to Captain R. J. Young, who was wifh him in (he attack on July Ist: “By the time yon receive this I shall he dead.” A-verdict o( suicide during temporary insanity was returned.