Private William graley was patrolling with another soldier along the railway line near the Swing Swang Lane Bridge Basingstoke, Hampshire when a sentry, Private FWC Wray of the same Regiment, hearing a noise loaded his rifle and approached the men, on hearing the two mean shout a greeting he lowered his rifle which unexpectedly went off hitting William in the front of the neck from a distance of less than 3 yards.

William had been in the Army for 3 months belonging to E Company and had arrived in Basingstoke that very day.

All the members of the partol gave eveidence as did two Officers of the Regiment. Private Frederick William Cockburn Wray gave evidence at the Coroners Cort under military escort.

The Jury were unanimous in returning a verdict that the deceased was killed by the accidental discharge of a rifle by Private Wray.

Hants & Berks Gazette Saturday 12 September 1914

David Stewart