LOVE SICK SOLDIER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 129, 22 August 1927, Page 13

LOVE SICK SOLDIER

TAKES HIS LIFE DIES ON SENTRY-GO Rooking over the parapet on the roof of Windsor Castle, a workman saw a stalwart guardsman standing in front of his sentry-box near the King George IV. gateway, with the muzzle of his rifle held close to his head. A moment later the report of a rifle shot rang out, and the workman saw the soldier pitch forward and fall, an inert mass, to the ground. When aid was summoned, the victim of this startling tragedy, Guardsman Leon Cedric Skiller, 19, of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, a native of Leyton - stone, was removed to Windsor Hospital, but his injuries were so severe—the right side of his head was blown away—that he expired shortly after. A strange story came to light at the inquest. Skiller had returned to Windsor Castle a week ago after four days’ absence without lea\ r e, and was placed under close arrest. He then stated that he had walked from Cambridge, and appeared worn out.—Comrades related that Skiller had told them that he was in trouble about a girl at Stratford, near his home, but he denied he was responsible. According to Guardsman Walter John Moss, Skiller received loving letters from a girl with whom he was “keeping company.” but there was nothing in them about her being in trouble. Skiller had told Moss that he was “not right in the head,” and before going on guard on the morning of the tragedy he declared to Guardsman Reid that it would be for the last time, as he was going to “do himself in.” Reid, however, did not take him seriously. "When Skiller went on guard his rifle was unloaded, but he had rounds sewn up in a canvas bag. Afterwards the canvas bag was found burst open and one round was missing. A married sister of Skiller stated that the last time the young soldier was home on leave he was quite happy, and seemed proud of his regiment. A verdict of suicide while of unsound mind was returned. '