SOLDIER DROWNED AT PWLLHELI.
COLLEAGUE'S BRAVERY.
Last Friday morning Gunner James Williams, R.F.A., was bathing in the sea opposite the West End Esplanade, and after swimming out a distance of about 60 yards he appeared to be in difficulty.Gunner Albert Mason, R.F.A., who happened to be in the front room of his billet on the Parade, observed his comrade struggling in the water, rushed out, divested himself of some of his garments;, and swam towards Williams, but unfortunately the latter had disappeared when Mason arrived at the spot where he last saw him. Expecting to see Williams coming to the surface again Mason kept swimming about and making an occasional dive, but there were no sign of the soldier. Eventually Mason dived to the bed of the sea and succeeded in locating Williams, and after considerable difficulty and danger got him ashore.
Artificial respiration was employed for two hours, but without avail.
THE INQUEST.
Mr O. Robyns Owen the Coroner held an inquest last Friday evening, on the body of Gunner Williams. Gunner Claude Davies stated that he saw the deceased in difficulties in the water, and he was then about 60 yards from the shore, the water being very deep at the spot. Every effort was made to save the deceased by the men near him. Gunner Walter Smithson said that he swam out to Williams and tried to get a proper hold of him with the view of bringing him ashore, but the deceased clutched him by the right wrist and dragged him under the water. Witness had considerable difficulty in freeing himself from Williams' grip, and getting to the shore. Gunner Moson also deposed to diving after the deceased and bringing him ashore, when for over two hours efforts were made to restore animation, but without success.The Coroner and jury joined in expressing admiration of the brave attempts made by Gunner Mason to save Williams. A verdict of "Accidentally drowned" was returned.
THE FUNERAL.
IImpressive scenes were witnessed at Pwllheli on Monday on the occasion of the funeral of the deceased soldier. The officers and men of the battalion attended. The coffin was covered with wreaths from comrades and friends. Thc procession from West End Parade to the Cemetery was watched by many thousands of spectators, and the business places were closed while the funeral procession passed.The Rev. Puleston Jones, the Welsh biind pastor, officiated. Among the officers present were Captain Lewis and Lawrence and Lieutenants Bell and Griffiths.