§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with the drowning of 1075W private J. Robinson, No. 3387444, D Company, Welsh Regiment, Private W. Duff, No. 13007610, and Private J. Men-kovitch, No. 3974362, A Company, Welsh Regiment, at Cardiff Bridge River on 24th March; how the soldiers got drowned; whether they had any protection when ordered to cross the river; whether there was an inquest; who gave evidence at the inquest; whether the evidence of platoon sergeant Ariel, who was in charge of these men, was produced; and who paid for removing the bodies from the mortuary to Accrington and Aberdeen?
§ Sir J. GriggThese soldiers were drowned crossing the River Taff during an exercise on 22nd March. The company commander had reconnoitred and chosen the shallowest place for crossing. He and his two leading platoons had crossed and none of the men had got. wet above the knees. The platoon in which the three deceased were serving then came to cross. Sergeant Ariel, who was commanding the platoon, reconnoitred the crossing and saw Corporal Williams cross without getting wet above the knees. The three deceased were next in line behind him. They were then seen to be in difficulties, having deviated five yards to the right and got into the mud. The section covering the crossing were ordered to remove equipment and go to their help, but were unable to save them. An inquest was held at Cardiff on 1st April, at which a verdict of death by misadventure was returned. I have asked my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary for information on the other points connected with the inquest which I will communicate to my hon. Friend in due course. The bodies were conveyed at public cost from Cardiff to Accrington and Aberdeen.