HERO OF DARTMOOR

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20953, 4 November 1939, Page 14 (Supplement)

HERO OF DARTMOOR

Free After Nearly 12 Years in Prison Sensation of Death Sentence Recalled

One of the happiest men in London is George Thomas Donovan, the Dartmoor mutiny hero, who is once more a free man after serving nearly 12 years in prison, says a London paper. He emerged to freedom through the gates of Maidstone Gaol. He went straight by car to Wimbledon, where his mother lives, and they figured in a touching reunion. “I am going to get mother away to the country,” were Donovan’s first words when interviewed. “After that I’ll set about doing something in this war, and shall try to rejoin my old unit, the East Surreys.” With two other men, Percival Leonard Taylor and James Weaver, who are still in prison, Donovan was convicted in 1928 of the murder of Mr Friend Ernest Smith, a retired Brighton wholesale druggist. The three were sentenced to death. Their appeals were dismissed, and reprieves refused. Then at the last minute the Home Secretary intervened and news that the death sentence had been commuted to one of penal servitude for life was conveyed to Donovan, Taylor, and Weaver after they had actually said their last farewells. Since the crime Donovan has steadfastly protested his innocence, and during the long period he was in prison Mr Harry Cowley, a Brighton chimney sweep, has been gathering evidence in the hope of one day being able to clear Donovan’s name. Donovan was informed three months ago to expect release at the end of September, but lfis discharge before that date came as a surprise. “Said My Good-Byes” Recalling his ordeal while under sentence of death, and its subsequent commutation, Donovan said: “I had said my good-byes, and having come to the conclusion that there was no hope of living beyond the next morning, I became reconciled to my fate. “It was a terrible thought that I was to die for another man’s crime,

but I realised that no one in the prison could help me any more. “Then came the news that I was not to be hanged. “At first I was glad. Then I thought of the weary years ahead, and wondered. “I went eventually to Dartmoor, and was there when the mutiny broke out. “I saw a crowd of convicts attack Colonel Turner, the commissioner, and saw one man throw a basin of porridge over him. “When a bunch went to attack the colonel, who had always seemed a sportsman, I went to the rescue. “Some of the men were armed with, iron bars, but by thrusting the colonel behind a door I was able to hold them off. “They say I saved the colonel’s life, but I don’t know so much about that.” For this brave action Donovan received remission of five years from his sentence. This explains why he has been released, and Taylor and Weaver remain in prison. Whilst at Dartmoor, and latterly at Maidstone, Donovan was very popu-. lar with convicts and officials alike, and earned the nickname of “The Philosopher.” “While X was in prison,” Donovan concluded, “I obeyed every order cheerfully. “I never made a nuisance of myself, and the result was that I was treated decently by everyone from the Governor down. “I have heard that I was supposed to have been threatened for the part I played in the mutiny. That is nonsense. “In fact, I have been on the best of terms with everyone all the time I have been in prison. “X have won prizes at prison sports. I have been in the cricket teams, and am quite proud of my bowling ability. “Now that I am free I will not forget the two men I have left behind. “I will agitate for their early re: lease at once.”