South Yorkshire Times, September 26, 1942

Inquest on Swinton Soldier

Story of Tragic Accident

An inquest was held at Newbury, (Berkshire), last Wednesday In connection with the death of Sergeant George Draper (23), of Swinton, who was fatally wounded on the previous Monday.

Evidence was given by Sgt. John Entwistle that on Monday morning he was on range practice with a six pounder anti-tank gun with a .22 rifle attachment. He loaded the rifle and attempted to fire it but could not do so. He then drew Sergeant Draper’s attention to it, he being the senior N.C.O. present.

Sergeant Draper went to the ride of the gun and examined the rifle. He then went to the front of the gun and pulled the small spring on the rifle. On letting it go the rifle fired and the bullet entered his stomach.

Another witness, Gunner Richard Hook, said Sergeant Draper could have pulled the spring without going to the front of the gun.

Dr. Carey Smith said that great efforts were made at Newbury District Hospital to save the man’s life. Death, however, took place early on Wednesday morning.

The Coroner returned a verdict that he was accidentally killed by a bullet from a rifle fixed to the barrel of an anti-tank gun on range practice.