Clipstone Car Fatality Inquest, 3rd July 1915

On 3rd July 1915 a Coroner's inquest concluded that a Royal Fusilier had been killed whilst walking back to Clipstone Camp as the result of Mansfield man, Harry Scarlett's “furious and reckless driving.”

“CLIPSTONE CAMP FATALITY.

“MANSLAUGHTER VERDICT.

“The sad death of a Royal Fusilier, Corporal John Richardson, of C Company, in camp at Clipstone, formed the subject of a coroner’s inquiry at the Mansfield Town Hall [pictured] this afternoon [3rd July 1915]. Mr. D. Whittingham conducted the proceedings. He said deceased was knocked down on the highway on Thursday night [1st July 1915] and killed.

“Evidence of identification was given by the widow, Catherine E. Richardson, who said that prior joining the Royal Fusiliers her husband was an ambulance attendant at the Hammersmith Workhouse.

“Sergt.-Drummer Wm. Henry Coy, in the 22nd Battalion at Clipstone, stated that on Thursday night he came into Mansfield and met Richardson in the street at twenty minutes to nine. They were together up to the time of the accident, which occurred on the highway about eleven o'clock on the Clipstone road. They had one drink just before nine, and they, in company with Sergt. T. Miles, strolled about the town and then made their way to the camp. All three were quite sober. It was not a dark night, and they could see a considerable distance. When near to Sherwood Hall they were on the right hand side of the road approaching Forest Town. A female came along, and as the path was narrow Richardson stepped into the road to allow her to pass. She called out “Good night,’’ and Richardson replied in similar words. At that moment a car came from Forest Town way and knocked him down. The car went on, and witness followed, shouting and whistling, but the driver did not pull up. Another car came along, and witness went back to see to Richardson, whom e found bleeding on the road, with Sergeant Miles attending to him. He was then convoyed to the hospital. The car that struck him came round the bend and was on them very quickly. It came at a very rapid pace, gave no warning, and swerved to the side of the road when the accident happened, it was on its proper side, but nearly on the footpath.

“By the Coroner: The woman passed them on the grass or footpath. Al that witness said was that the car was travelling too fast. The man Scarlett, now present, was the driver of the car who came to their assistance and conveyed deceased to the hospital. At that time he did not know that Scarlett was in charge of the car that did the damage. Witness asked Scarlett if he had met a car going fast, and he said he had.

“The jury found that Scarlett caused the death of Corporal Richardson by furious and reckless driving.

“This, the Coroner said, amounted to a verdict of manslaughter, and Scarlett was committed for trial to the next Assizes, bail being allowed.” [1]

Cpl. John Henry Richardson, C Company 22nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers, was the husband of K. L. Richardson, of 150, Ducane Road, Acton, London. He is buried in Mansfield (Nottingham Road) Cemetery.

[1] 'Nottingham Evening Post', 3rd July 1915.