This appendix contains a copy of the report taken at the inquest into the death of George Dodsworth. The inquest report embodies the main report and witness statements. A transcription of the Inquest Report is also included.
Figure 33 : Inquest Report & Verdict
Transcription of Inquest Report
Lincolnshire, Lindsey, TO WIT.
An Inquisition, taken for our Sovereign Lord the King, at the house known by the sign of the Duke of Wellington in the Parish of Midville in the County of the Parts of Lindsey, on the 18 day of Oct A.D. 1917 [------------], before Francis John Walker, Esquire, Doctor of Medicine, one of the Coroners of our said Lord the King for the said County, upon the Oath of good and lawful Men of the said County, duly sworn to enquire for our said Lord the King, on view of the Body of George Dodsworth as to his Death and those of the said Jurors whose names are hereunto subscribed, upon their Oaths duly administered, do say
That the said George Dodsworth being at the time of his Death, a male person of the age of 37 and a private in 409 Agricultural Company his number being 239234 died at Midville on the 16th day of October 1917
That the cause of his Death was suffocation by drowning in Hob-hole drain on Oct.16.1917. and so the Jurors aforesaid, upon their Oaths do further say that the said George Dodsworth did commit suicide while suffering from temporary insanity
In Witness whereof as well as the said Coroner as the Jurors have hereunto subscribed their hands and Seals the Day and Year first above written.
Francis J. Walker Coroner Edwin Clapham
Thomas Grocock Thomas Metcalf
Benjamin Thorold George Henry Bonnett
Henry Butterworth
Fredrick Johnson
Figure 35 : Witness Statement Isabell Galway
Information of Witnesses severally taken and acknowledged on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King touching the death of George Dodsworth at the House known by the sign of the Duke of Wellington in the Parish of Midville the 18th day of Oct 1917, before Francis John Walker Esquire, one of His Majesty’s Coroners for the said Parts of Lindsey on view of the Body of the said person then and there lying dead
Isabel Galway said I am sister to the deceased & have just viewed the body which is that of my brother Geo Dodsworth. I saw him in July & have had letters from him the last being 3 weeks ago. He is married & has 3 children. from what I know he was contented until he joined the army. I have had his 3 children since Oct 16 1916 because his wife was leading an immoral life & he brought his children for me to look after. She had a baby about a 6 week after I took the children away.
Isabell Galway
Francis J. Walker
Figure
36 : Witness Statement G.W. Poole
Lincoln Lindsey to wit
Geo Wm Poole said I am P.C stationed at New Leake. From information received I came to the Wellington Inn Midville. I found men dragging Hobhole for a body. It was very black & we could find nothing. Next morning a body was recovered. I searched the body £2.1.10 & a quantity of family letters & a watch stopped at 8.30.
G. W. Poole
Francis J. Walker
Harry Baggley said I belong to No 409 Agricultural Company & have been working on Mr Slators Farm Priv Dodsworth was working with me and the body the jury have just viewed is that of Priv. Dodsworth. On Tuesday Oct 16 I had had a week end leave & I came to Midville Station about 8 & came straight on to the Duke of Wellington Inn & there I met Priv Dodsworth. We were here about one hour & had two pints of beer each. He seemed a bit down & I joked with him about a cracked glass he said there will be serious trouble & that before long When I left he seemed to hang back but I said come on George time is up. He followed me. I stood on the side of the road close to the grass I thought he was close to me but I heard a splash in the water. I saw he was in the water & I went into the water after him. I got hold of him & brought him near the edge. He got hold of my legs I tried to get away from him. I told him to take hold of the rushes & I would go for help. I saw he had hold of the rushes & appeared to be safe I came for help & went back & I then could not see him. We have been working together for 8 wks we slept together. He was always talking about his children as he was parted from his wife & his sister was taking care of them. After he had a letter he said he was about tired -- & it would make him do things he ought not do.
H Baggley
Francis J. Walker
Figure 39 : Witness Statement William Webb
William Webb said I live in Boston on Tuesday Oct 16 I was in the Wellington Inn. Dodsworth & Baggley were in the room with me. I was in when they left. They were quite sober. They went out together.
I heard Baggley in a minute or two call out for help. I went out & Baggley said Dodsworth was in the drain but I could see or hear nothing. I got into a boat but could find nothing. I stayed here all night. In the morning about 8.20 I got into a boat to try & find the body & found it in midstream nearly opposite the Inn. I got the body out.
William Webb
Francis J. Walker
