SCOTT-HOLMES Basil 2/Lt

The user is advised to read the FINDING AIDS document linked to this catalogue for an explanation of the method by which this record has been created and any terms used.

Surname: SCOTT-HOLMES;

Forename(s): Basil;

Initials: B;

Rank: 2/Lt;

MGC Branch: Infantry;

MGC Unit: Unknown;

How killed: Killed;

Where: UK;

When killed: 24-Oct-1916;

Other Data: born 22/2/1884, of Lacham, Claygate, Surrey. Next of kin: Mrs Barbara Jessie Holmes (widow). Estate £560.15.0d.
16 KRRC and MMGS. Served "E" Coy Heavy Section MGC(Tanks). Prev. Colonial Asst Resident, Northern Nigeria 1909/1910. Acting Dep Sheriff in charge of prison at Sokoto. Died in a motoring accident (?whilst on duty) during the move of the Tank Corps from Elvedon to Wool. Circumstances: (Official_ "Two Officers (Capt W Arnold and S-H) were given leave to proceed by road to spend the night at S-H's home nr Claygate. It was for their own enjoyment and convenience that they went by road and it seems obvious that had they proceeded by train, they would have arrived at their destination before the M/Cycle could have taken them their, allowing for spending time enroute. It is with very great reluctance I take this view, but I fear that any other view would open the door to many claims which I do not feel that the public should be called upon to meet."
Statement of Capt Arnold: "He was President of the Officer's Mess and was ordered toproceed in advance of the move of the TC from Thetford to Wool to have the Mess ready for Officers on their arrival. We went by road and as the distance was too great to accomplish in one day, we intended to stay th night at S-H's home. We left at 1.45pm and were en route to Claygate when the accident occurred. On Wandsworth Common at 9/15pm (S-H being in the sidecar) a pothole caused the lights to go out. We pulled in to the nearside and I was trying to re-light the acetylene lamps with my matches when I heard a vehicle coming. A motorbus came round the bend and crashed into the machine, carrying it and the sidecar with S-H across the pavement and into the cemetery wall. I pulled S-H out - he spoke only twice, saying on both occasions "all over". We stopped another bus travelling in the opposite direction and too S-H to Bolingbroke Hospital, Wandsworth, but he was dead upon arrival.;

Other Notes: SCOTT-HOLMES, Lieutenant, B, King's Royal Rifle Corps attd. Machine Gun Corps (Inf). 24th October 1916. Wells Cathedral Cemetery - Somerset, United Kingdom.;

Related National Archives files: WO339/15901;

END OF RECORD.

Users to read Finding Aids page. Further information may contain GDPR-protected information and not be released. Appointment required for access or paid research.