DEATH OF SENTRY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 September 1943, Page 2

DEATH OF SENTRY

FATAL INJURIES BY EXPLOSION. COMMENT ON “OLD ARMY CUSTOM.” (By Telegraph—Press Association.) BLENHEIM, September 10. When an inquest was held into the death of Charles William McMillan, aged 59, a sentry at a local camp, evidence was given by several witnesses regarding an old Army custom of engineer units setting off an explosive as a farewell gesture when anyone was being transferred. Warning was given by the corporal of the guard in this instance, but owing to a last-minute substitution of sentries deceased was not warned. Sergeant George Wagstaff said that he placed a stick of gelignite inside the compound where he thought there could be no damage and no danger to anyone. He lit the fuse at the conclusion of the farewell function. The deceased apparently saw a spark and walked across to investigate. His left foot was blown off. The deceased died in hospital from lung injuries caused by blast. A verdict was returned that death was caused by lung injuries due to an explosion, the explosive being laid by Wagstaff. The coroner, Mr E. J. Hill, commented on the custom, which, he said, was apparently winked at by the authorities.