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FATAL BAYONET PRACTICE
KNIGHTSBRIDGE BARRACKS SCENE
In the Westminster Coroner's Court yesterday, Mr. S. Ingleby
Oddie held an inquiry with reference to the death of Trooper
Frank Cooper Reynolds, 1st Life Guards, aged 22, who was
fatally wounded with a bayonet by Trooper Frederick Sanderson
at Knightsbridge Barracks.
Trooper Henry Malabar stated that at about 9.30 on Thursday
night he was in the barrack-room, sitting on a bed, watching
the deceased and Trooper Sanderson practising with bayonets.
Witness was certain there were scabbards on the bayonets.
They always used rifles when practising, and the object
of a bout was for a man to touch his opponent. He had known
a scabbard to come off during exercise. Reynolds and Sanderson
had had two bouts lasting about two minutes, each making
a point, which witness announced. Witness then started the
third bout by saying, "On guard!" He noticed that the scabbards
were in position while the men were standing at attention,
but when the bout had proceeded a little way he saw that
Sanderson's scabbard was off. Witness realised that Reynolds
had been injured by his calling out, and he was obliged
to look after Sanderson, who was overcome when he found
that he had injured his friend. Witness saw that Reynolds's
back was wounded, and he was sent to the hospital.
DEATH BY MISADVENTURE
Two troopers, one armed with a rifle and the other with
a walking-stick, took up a position in the centre of the
court, and gave a display of bayonet exercise. Dr. Trevor
said it was quite possible for both wounds to have been
inflicted about the same time by a doubling movement, and
quite accidentally.
Trooper Frederick Sanderson deposed that he and the deceased
both joined the Army about the same time, and were the very
best of friends. They had never quarrelled. This was the
first bayonet contest they had had together, and there
was no ill-feeling between them. Witness won the first bout,
and Reynolds the second. Witness was certain his scabbard
was in position when they stood at the "On guard!" Witness
had just scored a point when Reynolds exclaimed. "I'm hurt."
Witness did not know his scabbard had come off; it was a
very unusual thing to happen.
Captain the Duke of Abercorn said he was senior officer
in charge of the barracks, and at about ten o'clock he was
informed that a trooper had been seriously injured. Proceeding
to the barracks hospital, he saw the wounded man, but is
his breathing was laboured, and it was a very hot night,
he did not ask him any questions, thinking it might distress
him. Witness agreed to his being sent to St. George's Hospital,
and saw him placed in an ambulance and removed. At the hospital
every attention was given to him. Witness made inquiries
about Sanderson, who was in a hysterical condition, and
being convinced that it was a pure accident, he gave orders
that he was not to be placed under military arrest, but
confined to barracks for inquiry next day. A court of inquiry
had been held, but the result had not been promulgated.
His Grace added that he was sure the men were having a friendly
contest, as all the soldiers present told the same story.
The jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure, and
exonerated Trooper Sanderson from all blame.
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