Raised in the Houses of Parliament 7th October 1941 Soldier's Death 8. Mr. Silverman Sharethis specific contribution asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances 3386493 Private J. Grogan met his death; whether he died while under detention by military police; whether his death was the result of violence committed upon him by the guards responsible for his safety; whether his relatives were represented, or had the opportunity to be represented, at the subsequent inquest; and whether he will now order a general inquiry into all the circumstances? Captain Margesson Sharethis specific contribution The finding of the coroner's court was that the soldier in question died by justifiable homicide as a result of injuries received from military policemen whilst attempting to escape from custody. So far as I am aware the relatives were not represented at the inquest, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that the arrangements for an inquest are not a matter for the military authorities. The most searching inquiries have been instituted by the military authorities and the civil police into the circumstances of this case, and, while I have the greatest sympathy with the soldier's relatives, there is no reason to suppose that further inquiries would bring any new facts to light. Mr. Silverman Sharethis specific contribution Is the right, hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that 11 soldiers stationed at this point wrote to the parents of the dead soldier, protesting, and can Toggle showing location ofColumn 817 he say whether at any of the investigations the evidence of these 11 soldiers was taken? Captain Margesson Sharethis specific contribution I understand that these II soldiers afterwards denied that they had understood what they had signed Mr. Silverman Sharethis specific contribution Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the inquest took place within less than 24 hours of the death, and that the parents could not possibly have had any opportunity of being represented at the inquiry? Captain Margesson Sharethis specific contribution As I said in my answer, I think my hon. Friend will appreciate that the arrangements for inquests are not a matter for the military authorities. Mr. Silverman Sharethis specific contribution Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman agree that in any case, where a person has died as the result of the action of his guardians, it is in the public interest, and as much in the interests of the Army as anyone else, that there should be the fullest and most public inquiry possible? Captain Margesson Sharethis specific contribution I agree, and I have every confidence also in the coroner. Mr. Silverman Sharethis specific contribution In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise the matter again. British Army - Tuesday 7 October 1941 - Hansard - UK Parliament PRIVATE JAMES GROGAN Service Number: 3386493 Regiment & Unit/Ship East Lancashire Regiment 2nd Bn. Date of Death Died 25 March 1941 Age 19 years old Buried or commemorated at HAYWARDS HEATH (WESTERN ROAD) CEMETERY Plot R.C.U. Grave 49. United Kingdom Country of ServiceUnited Kingdom Additional InfoSon of John and Mildred Grogan, of Huyton Quarry, Lancashire. Personal InscriptionDIED IN A SAD WAY BUT GOD WILL REPAY. REST IN PEACE James Grogan (Unknown-1941) - Find A Grave...
UK, Army Roll of Honour, 1939-1945 Name: James Grogan Given Initials: J Rank: Private Death Date: 25 Mar 1941 Number: 3386493 Birth Place: Liverpool Residence: Liverpool Regiment at Enlistment: East Lancashire Regiment Branch at Enlistment: Infantry Theatre of War: United Kingdom Regiment at Death: East Lancashire Regiment Branch at Death: Infantry Wonder if this is his death cert details England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1916-2007 Name: James Grogan Death Age: 21 Birth Date: abt 1920 Registration Date: Jan 1941 [Feb 1941] [Mar 1941] Registration Quarter: Jan-Feb-Mar Registration District: Cuckfield Inferred County: Sussex Volume: 2b Page: 449 Possibly as Haywards Heath (where he is buried) and Cuckfield (where his death is registered) are relatively close TD
You mean journalists sometimes get things wrong TD I would still be interested to read what the death cert says was the cause having read the above