Dvr. James Patrick Walsh, 152nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery, Accidentally Killed 30th June 1915

Dvr. James Patrick Walsh, 152nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery, died in an accident in Nottingham on 30th June 1915 after the horse he was riding bolted after being scared by lightning.

“SOLDIER’S SHOCKING DEATH.

“BOLTING HORSE KILLS A NOTTINGHAM DRIVER.

“FRIGHTENED BY THUNDER.

“A shocking fatality, the first, we believe, that has occurred in connection with the work of military training in Nottingham, took place this morning [30th June 1915], when a driver of the local Royal Field Artillery, named James Patrick Walsh, 37, of 28, Etruscan-street, Hanley, was killed owing to the bolting of a horse which he was riding along Wollaton-road.

“The deceased was attached to sub-section C of the Ammunition Column and should have been leading his horse — an animal that had not been broken in. Contrary to orders, however, Walsh mounted and a clap of thunder frightened the animal which immediately got out of control and stampeded, unseating the unfortunate driver.

“Had he fallen clear he might have escaped with bruises or a broken limb, but unluckily his foot became entangled in the halter rope, and to the horror of the people who were spectators of the occurrence was seen to slip under the horse, his foot suspended by the halter.

“Bombardier Taylor, of the Ammunition Column, pluckily sprang to the rescue, but the frightened animal had covered a distance of 40 yards ere Taylor succeeded in pulling it up throwing his arms around its neck. He extricated Walsh who was obviously in a serious condition. His head must have been repeatedly kicked, and no time was lost in removing him to the General Hospital, where it was found that the most serious injuries were to his back. He was, however, conscious, and was heard to say. “I dying.” To his rescuer he remarked, “Give me your hand, Taylor.” After his arrival the hospital he sank rapidly, death supervening within half an hour.” [1]

Buried in Stoke-on-Trent (Hanley) Cemetery, he was the 38 year-old son of James and Catherine Walsh; husband of Maria Walsh, of 22 Bexley Street, Hanley. Born at Hanley.

[1] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 30th June 1915.