Soldiers of the RegimentColour
Sergeant George Henry Brazier
Tragedy at the Barracks: Drink not War
An inquest was held at the Town Hall, by Mr Coroner Holden, on
Wednesday night, respecting the sad death of Colour Sergeant George
Henry Brazier (42) of the King’s Own Regiment which occurred the
previous morning under circumstances pointing to suicide. Deceased was
known to the men at White Cross Mill, where he was for sometime
employed. He was for a little while at Bay Horse as a coal agent’s
manager, but left to go to Chapel-en-le-Frith, where his widow resides.
The Coroner in opening the inquest explained that Brazier had cut his
throat with a penknife, and the following evidence was given:-
Company Sergeant Major William Smith, King’s Own Regiment, Bowerham
Barracks, Lancaster, identified the body as that of Colour Sergeant
George Henry Brazier, aged 42 years, whom he had known 15 years. He
served in the Regiment 21 years, and was pensioned in April 1911, but
rejoined Lord Kitchener’s army in September as an instructor. Nearly all
his service was abroad, India, China and Burmah. He went from the Depot
to Tidworth, and after a fortnight had elapsed returned from there owing
to being unable to march, about the middle of October. He was then
appointed to duty at the Depot, and posted to witness’s Company. He was
able to perform the necessary duty. Some years ago he had an accident to
his right arm, and wore a strap round the wrist, but otherwise was
capable of doing his duty. He seemed in fairly good health, and slept
with Sergeant Whybrow in the married quarters. Witness was wakened at
12.15 am by Sergeant Whybrow, who said that “The Colour Sergeant has cut
his throat”. Witness went at once, and seeing the man was beyond hope,
went to the officers’ mess and telephoned for a doctor from the
Infirmary to come immediately. He had Brazier removed before death
because there were other people in the room. Witness was present when he
died.
Sergeant Thomas Whybrow, on duty at the Depot, said he slept in the same
room as Brazier, whom he had known over 20 years. Witness rejoined the
regiment on Monday, December 7th, and knew that Brazier was not well. He
had been drinking hard, and was restless. Deceased was a big man, and
seemed strong when witness got hold of him. He had not heard him suggest
that he would do away with himself. Witness did not know he was getting
his discharge. Sergeants Shepherd and Hanson were in the room. Witness
was wakened by Brazier shouting out, and witness also shouted. Sergeant
Shepherd woke and said “Look, Tim; he has cut his throat”. He looked and
saw the throat cut. The knife (produced) was lying on the floor in the
blood. Deceased had had no drink from the previous Saturday, but did not
seem to be in his right mind, and shouted about a man at the window. He
went to bed at 8.40 pm on Monday.
Sergeant E Parker, Depot (a member of the Metropolitan Police), said he
was called to the deceased’s room and saw Brazier, whom he had known two
months. He was a steady, sober man as far as he knew. Witness had not
seen much of him, but had not seen him the worse for drink. At 12-5 on
Tuesday he heard a shout, and on going into deceased’s room saw he was
struggling. After witness had stopped the bleeding and bandaged the
wound, Brazier said “Why didn’t you let me cut my head off?” Witness
helped to take him to the hospital, and was present when he died, about
12-30 am. Witness could not tell why deceased should kill himself.
Surgeon Major Holmes RAMC, Bowerham Barracks, said that Brazier was sent
for examination two days before. He said he had been drinking pretty
hard, and although he admitted three or four pints a day, he must have
had more. He was suffering from excessive drinking. He would have been
discharged owing to his drinking habits.
The Coroner said there was not sufficient evidence to prove the man was
of unsound mind, and suggested they should return a verdict of “Killed
himself by cutting his throat” which they at once agreed to.
© Images are copyright, Trustees of the King's Own Royal Regiment Museum.
You must seek permission prior to
publication of any of our images.
Only a proportion of our collections
are on display at anyone time. Certain items are on loan for display
in other institutions. An appointment is required to consult any of
our collections which are held in store.
