South Yorkshire Times, August 26th 1944
Despatch Rider’s Death
Inquest on Swinton Man
“There seems to be no explanation for this accident. It would appear that he had ridden straight along the crown of the road and on to the traffic island. Whether it was due to there being some slight mist in the vicinity it is not possible to say,” said the West Cheshire acting coroner (Mr. Francis), at the inquest at a Cheshire military camp on Monday on Edward Arthur Makin (35), despatch rider, serving in the R.C.O.S. and formerly a heavy lorry driver whose home address was stated to be in Wood Street, Swinton.
P.C. Hough said that at 2:40 am on August 7th he was on duty on the ring road at Hoole when he saw on the centre of the traffic island a motorcycle on its side. He went over and found that the machine was lying across Makin’s legs. He assisted Makin to his feet. The rider was semi-conscious and seemed to be suffering from loss of memory. He could not remember the accident. He did not appear to be injured, but dazed. The traffic lights on the island were lit and there was no evidence that any other vehicle had been involved in the accident. The weather was fine and visibility was good, but earlier on there had been a certain amount of drifting mist.
P.C. Cartlidge said he had examined the motorcycle and could not find any mechanical defect. Major Stevenson said that death was due to haemorrhage and toxaemia, following internal injuries. It was stated that Makin was on authorised duty at the time of the accident. Signalman Makin, who was married, and leaves two children, had been in the Forces for three years.
Before volunteering for service, he was employed by Messrs. Ward and Son, Swinton, of which his uncle, Mr. S. C. Ward is managing director.
From C.W.G.C.:
Signalman EDWARD ARTHUR MAKIN
Service Number: 2599987
Regiment & Unit/Ship Royal Corps of Signals
Date of Death Died 13 August 1944
Buried or commemorated at SWINTON (ST. MARGARET) CHURCHYARD Sec. E. Row P. Grave 46.
Additional Info
Son of Thomas and Gertrude Makin; husband of Nellie Makin, of Swinton, Mexborough.