South Yorkshire Times, January 26th, 1934
Misadventure
Wombwell Man’s Fate
Found On Line
The discovery of the body of a man lying on the L.M.S. railway near a crossing between Wombwell and Broomhill, was investigated by the District Coroner, Mr. C. J. Haworth at Wombwell on Saturday. The man had been identified as Joseph Thomas Hellard, unemployed miner and army pensioner of Wath Road, Wombwell. Hellard left home earlier in the evening, apparently with the intention of going to Wombwell to fetch his pension. The son, Thomas Hellard, printer, said his father last worked four years ago. He went out walking, although troubled with arthritis. He left home on Wednesday evening, apparently with the intention of going to fetch his pension. The tragedy occurred about half a mile away from home. His father often went walking round Brampton, and would have to cross the railway, but would not have to do so to get to the post-office in Wombwell. He had never shown signs of depression, and left home on Wednesday in a cheerful frame of mind.
Skull Crushed
John Greensmith, locomotive fireman 6, Byron Road, Mexborough, said he was walking down the line towards Elsecar junction signal box about 8.40 p.m. when he saw Hellard’s body lying outside the down line, about 100 yards away from the level crossing at Broomhill. Witness called for assistance and later Hellard’s boot and scarf were found between the body and the crossing. P.c. Hartley said he saw the body lying near the rails later in the evening. It was 130 yards on the down side of the crossing. The right leg was severed below the knee, the right arm was broken at the elbow, the skull was crushed but had not been run over.
The Coroner: An engine might have gone over his leg and no other part of his body? – Yes.
Witness said it was possible that Hellard could have been carried from the level crossing after being struck. The head had the appearance of being bumped. His hat was found at the side of the level crossing. It was a brown trilby. There were no traces of blood near the crossing.
The Coroner: I suppose we can take it that trains would be passing to and fro? – Yes.
Hellard’s pension book was found about 40 yards on the down side of the crossing. Case For Common Sense
Thomas Hellard, recalled, said his father was a slow walker. He had rheumatism in all parts of his body, but in spite of this used to take his walks late in the day He would lie in bed until dinner time and it was not unusual for him to go out in the dark.
The Coroner said if Hellard had been struck by a train on the crossing, he might have been dragged. If a man was found on the railway line it was difficult to say whether he had committed suicide or not. “You will have to use your common sense” he said. Asking if it was customary for railway engines to give warnings when approaching a level crossing, the foreman (Mr. J. J. Neville) was informed that it was not usual. This was only a footpath crossing.
Detective-Inspector L. Wright, of the railway police said he believed a high wind was blowing at the time.
A verdict of “Death by Misadventure” was returned.
Hellard was formerly an official of the Wombwell branch of the British Legion. He joined the Army in the early days of the war and served in France as a sapper.