A MAJOR KILLED.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 November 1919, Page 4

A MAJOR KILLED.

SAD SHOOTING FATALITY, By Telegraph.—Pms Association. Cli ristchurch, Last Night. A sad fatality occurred at Cheviot today, resulting in the death of Major U„ lv. Mac Donald, late of the Royal Flying Corps, son of Mr. E. M. Mac Donald, Christchuroh, The deceased went out with ]m gun about 7 a.m. to shoot rabbits. A shot was heard Bhortly afterwards, and the deceased not returning for breakfast, a search was made, and ho was found dead lying beside a fence. Major MacDanold was 30 years of age. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchureh, and Pembroke College, Cambridge. He enlisted in December, 1914, in the Canterbury Mounted Bifles. When in Egypt he obtained a commission in the Sherwood Foresters, but was soon afterwards transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He was with the 54th Squads ion on the Western front, and in September, 1916, ho was dangerously wounded in an air fight. He was for several months incapacitated by wounds and shock, and on recovery he was appointed flying instructor and afterwards wing ex« aminer in a south-east district of England. Subsequently he was promoted to Major, and attached to headquarters, London. He was demobilised in April last, and returned to New _ ~ Later. Further particulars of Major MaoDoni aid's death show that his gun was on the other aide of the fence, exploded. Tho body had a gunshot wound in the right side, under the breast, *rom the wound and position of tho body, it is surmised that Major Macdonald placed the gua over the fence preparatory to getting over himself, and in doing so jolted ths gun, which went off and knocked him backwards.