Folkestone Herald
31-5-1941
Local News
An 18 years’ old member
of the Home Guard was fatally wounded as the result of a street incident on
Friday night last week. The tragedy occurred in Pavilion Road shortly before 11 p.m. Archibald Frank Voller, manager
of his father’s newsagent’s shop in that road, had been in conversation with another man when he
collapsed from a bayonet wound.
Voller, who had been on Home
Guard duty and was in uniform, had just
before withdrawn his bayonet from its scabbard. He was removed to the Royal Victoria
Hospital, where he died shortly after
admission
Christopher George Watson, a 41
years' old unemployed cycle engineer, living next door to Voller, appeared
before the local Magistrates on Monday on a charge of manslaughter. He was
acquitted.
At the inquest on
Wednesday, a jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
Police Court Proceedings
A charge of manslaughter
in connection with Voller`s death was preferred against Christopher George
Watson, (41), of Pavilion Road, Folkestone, and he appeared before the
Folkestone Magistrates on Monday.
The Mayor presided, with Alderman R.G. Wood and
Mr. Percy Fuller.
Watson was charged that on May 23rd at
Folkestone he unlawfully stabbed Voller, through which injuries he died on May
24th, and it was alleged he thereby killed him.
To Watson the Magistrates` Clerk said “You are not
represented anybody?” to which defendant said that that was so but he might be
at a further hearing.
Det. Sergt. Bates said at 2 a.m. on Saturday, May
24th, he went to 56, Pavilion Road. He knocked at the door and it
was answered by Watson.
He told Watson that he was a police officer and
informed him that Archibald Frank Voller, who had been injured as the result of
a bayonet wound late the previous evening, had died. As a result he (Watson)
would be taken into custody. After being cautioned Watson replied “Oh, no, no, but I think it was his
own fault”. He brought defendant to the police station and
on arrival he said “We had a scuffle, he drew his bayonet at me and I went for
him and grabbed him by the wrist and took it away. He must have fallen on it”. Watson then pointed to his own jacket, which
was torn right side, and said "'This was done in the scuffle". Defendant’s breath smelt of port wine,
but he was not drunk. At 7 p.m. on Saturday he charged Watson with the offence.
He was again cautioned and he replied “Well, I say I never stabbed him; it was
done in a scuffle”. After bringing Watson to the police station witness went to accused's
house. Outside, on the pavement, and in the front porch of the house he saw a number of spots
of blood. In the back room, in the kitchen occupied by the defendant, he found
several pieces of cotton wool saturated with blood; also a bloodstained face
flannel which was on the table in the kitchen. In the bedroom, in the front of the house, on the
dressing table, he saw a number of bottles. There was a full pint bottle of Cockspur white wine and a pint bottle of
Mercury white wine half full: one quart and four pint bottles which had
contained wine were empty. Witness later went to the Royal Victoria Hospital and took possession
of deceased’s clothing, consisting of a battle dress jacket and trousers, two
woollen pullovers and a shirt. On examining them he found a tear in each
garment on the right side, above the waist line. He took possession of the rifle and bayonet
produced. Three inches above the point of the bayonet were bloodstains.
At this stage the hearing was adjourned until the
following day.
After hearing further evidence
on Tuesday, the Magistrates discharged Watson on a charge of manslaughter, it
being stated that the evidence of what happened during the scuffle was not
sufficient to justify defendant's committal for trial.
Ronald H. Fisher, of 67,
Guildhall Street, a milk roundsman and a member of the Home Guard, said he knew
Voller, also a member of the Home Guard, having been
friendly with him for about 11 months. He attended a parade with
him at 8 p.m. on Friday last. They paraded in uniform with rifle, bayonet and
ammunition. They came away from the parade at 9.30 p.m. and went to Red Cow
public house, Foord Road. They remained there
until 10.30. During that time Voller had two pints of ale
and beer mixed. On leaving Voller went in the direction of Black Bull Road and
witness went up Ship Street.
The Clerk: When Voller
went away and left you was he in ordinary condition?
Witness: Yes, perfect.
Perfectly sober? - Yes.
Defendant: When you came into the shop just before tea-time that evening there was a young
lady in the shop, wasn’t there?
Witness: Yes.
Answering further questions, witness said there appeared to be no sign of jealousy on the part of Voller while he
was in the shop. He (Fisher) agreed that he said he was in a hurry and
flourished his bayonet in the shop.
Dennis Harold Boss, 25, Pavilion Road, a baker's
assistant, said on Friday night about 10.40 he was going along Pavilion Road.
He knew Voller and saw him outside his house. He was dressed in Home Guard
uniform and he was talking to Watson. At the time witness was on the other side
and before he crossed the road Voller said “Halt, who goes there?” the
challenge being addressed to witness, who then crossed the road.
Voller had a rifle
slung över his right shoulder, and on his left hand side he was carrying a bayonet in a sheath. Deceased left Watson, and
witness and Voller walked about halfway to witness’s house. Voller then said
“Cheerio”, turned and went back. It was rather dark at the
time, but he could see across the road; not well enough, however, to recognise
a person on the other side.
Frederick Charles Curtis,
110. Foord Road, a builder s labourer, said on Friday night he went to
defendant’s home at 9 p.m. They talked about 20 minutes
and he then left the house to get
Watson a bottle of Cockspur wine. Witness returned to defendant's house about 10.20. After having a glass
of wine with Watson he left again. After leaving the house they stood outside talking on the pavement. As they were talking a
young man in uniform (Voller) came along. He stopped in front of defendant and
they were speaking a lot, but witness did not take any notice of what they
were saying. He did hear Watson say “Your papers have come”. He also
heard defendant say “I could hit you like this (making a sweep with his arm) and
knock you to Ashford’’, adding “Of course I am only talking silly”. Witness
took this for a joke. He thought by the way Voller spoke he had had a drink or two. Voller
came back after accompanying the previous witness (Boss) along the road some
distance. Watson said something about it being a nice rifle Voller had. There
was some talk about papers and Watson gave deceased money for papers. A little later Voller put one foot on
the pavement and drew his bayonet. Voller then tried to pierce Watson with the
bayonet several times, saying “This has a nice sharp point”, or something like
that. Voller appeared to be serious. Watson dodged back and said “You better
put that away, it`s very dangerous". There was a sort of scuffle, Watson
closing to take the bayonet away. He thought he did take it away. Witness was
about 6ft. away and he could not see him take it. Voller fell to the ground as
though wounded. Witness said to defendant “Surely you haven’t done anything to
him'’, and Watson said “Surely, no”. Watson beckoned to him to help. Defendant
undid Voller’s tunic and he saw Watson put the bayonet back into its sheath.
That was the first time he knew defendant had the bayonet. They took Voller in
defendant's house. Inside the house Watson got some wadding and placed it on
the wound. Defendant also told him to get a doctor or an ambulance. Witness
went to the A.R.P. depot outside the hospital, saw Mr. Nash there, and returned
with him to the house.
The Clerk: How did the scuffle begin?
Witness: Voller was challenging defendant with the bayonet. Watson
dodged out of the way.
Answering further questions, witness said defendant
was trying to take the bayonet away. Up to then he thought Voller was only playing about. Watson went to him to try to take the bayonet
away. Later he saw the bayonet lying on the pavement. There were two distinct scuffles.
The Mayor: What was your condition? You don't seem to have had a
very clear idea of what happened. What was the argument just before this
happened – the argument which caused this man to draw his bayonet?
Witness: I don`t know.
The Mayor: People don`t draw bayonets for nothing.
The Clerk (to Curtis): You don't give one the impression that you are trying to tell the Magistrates
all that happened. That is all they want to know. Where was the rifle after deceased had
fallen?
Curtis: I believe it dropped off his shoulder. I am not sure.
The Clerk (to Curtis): I have been bound to press you a little about this because it does not sound as though you are trying to help the Magistrates as to what happened.
The Magistrates retired at this point and on their
return the Clerk said this was the only evidence that could be given as to what
happened. That being so the Magistrates were not satisfied that they could
commit defendant for trial on the evidence. The defendant would therefore be discharged.
Inquest
The Folkestone Coroner (Mr. B.H. Bonniface) opened an
inquest on Voller at the Town Hall 6n Monday afternoon. Mr. Bonniface, who sat with a jury, said he
had been informed that a man had been charged with manslaughter. That being so it was only necessary
for them that day to hear evidence of identification and as to the cause of death. Then he proposed with
their approval to adjourn the
inquest until Wednesday by which
time he understood the Magistrates would have investigated the charge of manslaughter
and would have taken some course or another. It might be that when the
enquiry was resumed they would only be kept a few moments and after that they
might not be called again.
Mr. G. P. Medlicott watched the proceedings on
behalf of deceased's father, who was the first witness.
Frank William Voller, of Sea-light, Lydd-on-Sea,
a newsagent, father of the
deceased, gave evidence of identification. He added that his son managed his newsagents' business at 58, Pavilion Road, and was a member
of the Home Guard.
Mr. Raymond A. Hill, house surgeon at the Royal .Victoria Hospital, said Voller was brought to the hospital at 11.20 p.m. on Friday. At the time he was collapsed and semi-conscious. On
first examination deceased appeared to be moribund
from haemorrhage resulting from
a stabbed wound of the abdomen. He was placed
in an electrically healed bed
and a blood transfusion was given. He made no recovery and died at 12.30 a.m. on Saturday. The cause of death was haemorrhage due to
a perforating wound of the liver.
The Coroner: Had deceased-been attending the
hospital at all?
Witness: I had seen him on two occasions, on May 16th
and. May 23rd as an out patient. He had a strain of his right knee.
The Coroner: In any sort of struggle might that knee have affected
him?
Witness: I don't think so; he had practically recovered
from it.
The inquest was at this stage adjourned until Wednesday.
A verdict of accidental death was returned by the
jury at the adjourned inquest on Wednesday afternoon at the Town Hall.
New evidence, including a statement Watson had
made to a police officer, was given during the proceedings, at the beginning
of which the Coroner informed the Jury that a man (Watson), charged with the
manslaughter of Voller, had been discharged by the Magistrates. That being so, he added, he proposed to
continue the inquest and call
all the witnesses before them.
Dennis H. Boss, who gave evidence at the police
court, said he saw Watson and Voller talking together in a friendly way in
Pavilion Road about 10.40 on Friday night. Voller's breath smelt of alcohol but
he was sober.
Frederick Charles Curtis, the next witness,
described, as he had at the police court, what he saw. “After pulling out his
bayonet”, witness said, Voller said “There’s a nice point” and added “I will
put this through you”. He then made several lunges at Watson with the bayonet. Watson jumped
out of the way and said "Put that thing away, it’s a very dangerous thing
to have’’. Then there was a scuffle and he saw Voller fall.
The Coroner: Did you see the bayonet when deceased
fell? - No.
Witness said to Watson "Surely you haven’t done
anything to the chap” and Watson spoke to deceased but witness could not say
what he said. At no time did he see Watson with the bayonet in his hand.
After they had carried
the man into the house Voller said “Have I been pricked?” or something
like that. Deceased never accused Watson of stabbing him with the bayonet.
Watson sent witness for a doctor and ambulance. When he saw Voller draw the bayonet it appeared to
him that deceased was serious.
Albert Ernest Nash, 34, Bolton Road, Deputy
Commandant A.R.P. Mobile Unit adjoining the hospital, said Curtis came to them
about 11 p.m. and stated that a soldier had been stabbed in Pavilion Road.
Witness went to 56, Pavilion Road and saw deceased
lying on the floor of a room. He was conveyed to the hospital.
Inspector C. Haestie said he went to Watson's house
about 11.50 p.m. On seeing witness Watson said “I thought someone would be
along”. Witness said “Do you know anything of a man being stabbed near here
this evening?" Watson replied “Yes I will tell you what happened”.He
cautioned Watson, who then said that at
about 10.45 p.m. he was standing outside his house talking to Curtis. The statement went on: “I saw Archie Voller, who lives next
door at No. 58, coming along Pavilion Road from the direction of Black Bull
Road. He was dressed in Home Guard uniform and had a rifle slung over his
shoulder. As he came by us we entered into conversation. I noticed he had been
drinking; he was unsteady on his feet and was excited.
As we were talking a
youth went by who I believe is named Boss, who lives nearby. Voller went over
and spoke to him for a couple of minutes and then returned to us. When he came back he drew his bayonet
from the scabbard on his belt and said “See this. I’ll stick it through you”.
He then lunged at me with the bayonet and tore my jacket about one and a half
inches. I told him I would take it from him and closed with him and took the
bayonet from him. Before he lunged at me he said he had five rounds in his
rifle. As soon as I had taken the bayonet from him he fell towards me. I had the bayonet in my left hand which
was pulled back. The bayonet pierced him in the stomach and he collapsed. I
then realised he had fallen on the bayonet. He said “It`s my fault for sparring
about”. I sent Curtis to get assistance. At the time this occurred it was
getting dusk. There was no quarrel between Voller and me. It was an accident
and entirely his own fault”.
The Coroner: Was Watson perfectly sober?
Witness: Yes.
Did you see a rifle and bayonet there? – Yes, on
the floor in the room.
Witness said he examined the bayonet and about
three inches from the point he found traces of blood.
Miss Beatrice M. Adams, a nurse at the Royal
Victoria Hospital, said she was on duty when deceased was admitted at 11.20
p.m. While deceased was in the out-patients` department she asked him how it
happened. His condition was very, very poor, but he replied “We were playing
about”. Just before midnight a police officer visited him in the ward and asked
Voller if it was an accident and he replied “Yes, I think so”. The constable
then asked him who did it and he replied “Watson”.
The Coroner then called Watson, who reminded him of
the statement he had made to Inspector Haestie.
Watson was then sworn.
He stated he was a cycle engineer at present unemployed. There was nothing he wished to
add to the statement he made to Inspector Haestie.
“Would you like to tell me whether you had a quarrel that night?”,
said the Coroner.
“There was no quarrel. Mr. Voller was getting high pitched”, replied Watson.
"There were just a few words in regard to papers. I told him his papers
had come and he said “Never mind about them”.
The Coroner: You had no intent ion of hurting him
in any way? - No. sir.
The Coroner: Is it correct what has been said to
all intents and purposes that it was an entire accident?
Watson: Yes, a completé accident.
The Coroner, addressing the jury, said as he had told them Watson
appeared before the Magistrates and the charge of manslaughter was dismissed.
It was therefore not for them to consider the question of manslaughter any
further, the man having been acquitted.
Without retiring, the jury, after a brief deliberation, found that
deceased met his death accidentally.
Mr. Voller was born at Willesborough, near Ashford,
and was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Voller, of Lydd-on-Sea. Educated at Willesborough Schools he
was captain of the soccer side and afterwards played for Willesborough Old
Boys. He came to Folkestone about two years ago to manage his father’s
newsagent’s business. He joined the Home Guard when it was formed last year and had been a
most enthusiastic and keen member. A member of St. John’s Church, he was on the
committee of the tennis club associated with the Church.
Folkestone Herald
11-4-1942
Local News
Folkestone Magistrates on Tuesday granted a protection order
to Mr. John A. Miles, of Dover, who is taking over from Mr. Henry Cork the
licence of the Red Cow Inn. Mr. Miles, it was stated, had been for a number of
years the licensee of a house which was blitzed last autumn.
Alderman R.G. Wood presided
with Alderman J.W. Stainer.
Folkestone Herald
25-4-1942
Local News
At a Transfer Sessions, held at the Folkestone Police Court
on Wednesday, several licences were dealt with.
The licence of the Red Cow, Foord Road, was transferred from Mr. H.W. Cork to Mr. J.A. Miles, of Dover.
Folkestone Herald
21-11-1942
Local News
The funeral of Mr. J.A. Miles, of the Red Cow inn, Foord Road,
Folkestone, took place at Hawkinge on Tuesday. The Rev. A.L. Lawler, Priest-in-charge of St. Johns,
officiated at a service at St. John's church previous to the interment.
At a licensing transfer sessions at the Town
Hall, Folkestone, on Wednesday, the licence of the Red Cow, Foord Road, was
transferred from the late Mr. John Arthur Miles to his widow.
Folkestone Herald 9-1-1943
Local News
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