WW2_Casualties

World War 11 Casualties

If you could spare a few dollars to help with the running costs of this website would be very much appreciated.
Thank you from Gravesites of Tasmania.

Williams Eric Wallace

Manslaughter Finding At Hobart Inquest

A FINDING that S-Sgt Eric Wallace Williams, who was found fatally injured at the corner of Barrick and Liverpool streets, on the night of September ll, was feloniously killed by Leslie Ernest Sheppard was recorded by the Coroner (Col Clark) at Hobart yesterday. Williams died on September 12.

Sheppard, a timber worker, of Huonville, had been charged, and released on bail. He was present at the inquest. He was committed for trial, and bail was renewed. He was represented by Mr F. J. Wilmshurst (Ogilvie. McKenna and Co.).

Spr Colin Trevor Wells said that he_saw Williams walk past three civilians. Someone said "Choco." Another remark was made in an ordinary tone of voice he could not hear Williams returned, and there was a sound either of a blow or of Williams' head hitting the ground. One of the civilians lifted Williams up. As his eyesight was bad, witness did not see Williams fall.

He said to the man he believed hit or pushed Williams. "You hit him a bit of a whack, didn't you? There was no answer.

When Williams returned, he saw Leslie Ernest Sheppard advance two paces towards him the witness added

Cpl Jack Geale, of the Provost Corps, said that when he arrived he saw three civilians and another soldier. The soldier and Sheppard were leaning over Williams.

Gordon Henry Marriner, munitions worker, said he saw Sheppard and his brother at the Man at the Wheel Hotel. They left, and walked up Liverpool St ahead of him. On arrival at Barrack St., he saw the two men again. Williams was lying in the gutter.

Sgt Colin Montrose Wiggins, of the Provost Corps, said that Keith Sheppard was holding up Williams. Wells said the man who had hit Williams had run away. Leslie Ernest Sheppard, was there. The civilians did not appear to be under the influence of liquor. ..He did not think there had been an argument, and they seemed to be doing their best for Williams.

Keith Noel Sheppard, merchant seaman, said there was an argument between his brother (Leslie Ernest Sheppard), and the soldier. He could not say what it was about. His brother pushed the soldier who fell. Witness went to the soldier's assistance.

Ll Colin Alexander Hughes said he and Williams left the Duke of Wellington Hotel about 10.55 pm. Williams parted from him to go down Barrack St. Williams appeared to have had a fair amount of drink, but had all his faculties about him.

Dr Campbell Duncan, who made a post-mortem examination, said that Williams' death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull, brain haemorrhage, and laceration.

Del Gillam said he interviewed Leslie Ernest Sheppard, who was asked to explain his movements on the night of -September ll. Sheppard made a statement.

In the alleged statement, which was read by the witness, Sheppard said he had been drinking during the day. He and his brother Keith, assisted Marriner from the Man at the Wheel Hotel up Liverpool St. to Barrack St. A soldier passed, and someone said: "Choco." The soldier, who appeared drunk, came back.

He was closest to the soldier who he thought was going to attack him. Still supporting Marriner, he put out his left hand, and pushed the soldier in the chest. The soldier staggered, and fell almost on the broad of his back, in the gutter. He did not let Marriner go, and his brother assisted the soldier until the arrival of a military van.

Afterwards he and his brother took Marriner, home, and returned to where they were staying, in Brisbane St. Sheppard's alleged statement said.

Sheppard was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, said Det Gillam.

In the witness box, Leslie Ernest Sheppard said he did not wish to answer questions at the present stage.

Col Clark said it was difficult to reach a conclusion. There was no doubt that to a soldier, "choco" meaning a chocolate soldier, was a most insulting term Williams, who served in the First World War naturally would lake offence. Williams turned, and was either struck or pushed Shepnard may have pushed Williams in self-defence.

The Mercury 24 Sep 1943

Please note that there might be information from other websites or brochures "reprinted" here- under the laws of "fair use". In every instance -we hope- we have provided a direct link to the owners web site. We do not claim rights or ownership to any of their information. We do thank them sincerely for their efforts. We have in every instance made a good faith effort to contact and request 'reprint' permission. Nonetheless, we do want to be certain that nothing gets lost due to web site disappearance and the like, so it appears duplicated here.

Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.