South Yorkshire Times, October 3rd, 1942
The Late Sgt. G. Draper
Here is a picture of Sgt. George Draper (23) only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Draper, of 59a White Lea Road.
Sgt. Draper, who had been married only three weeks, was killed in a mishap with an anti-tank gun, the use of which he was demonstrating.
A report of the inquest appeared in our last issue.
INQUEST ON SWINTON SOLDIER
Story of Tragic Accident An inquest was held at Newbury ,Berkshire), last Wednesday in connection with the death of Sergeant George Draper (23), of Swinton, who was fatally wounded on the previous Monday.
Evidence was given by Sgt. John Entwistle that on Monday morning he was on range practice with a stx-pounder anti-tank gun with a .22 rifle attachment. He loaded the rifle and attempted to fire it but could not do so. He the drew Sergeant Draper’s attention to it, he being the senior N.C.O. present.
Sergeant Draper went to the side of the gun and examined the rifle. He then went to the front of the gun and pulled the small spring on the rifle barrell. On letting it go the rifle fired and the bullet entered his stomach
Another witness, Gunner Richard Hook, said Sergeant Draper could have pulled the spring without going to the front of the gun. Dr. Carey Smith said that great efforts were made at Newbury & District Hospital to save the man’s life. Death, however. took place early on Wednesday morning.
The Coroner returned a verdict that he was accidentally killed by a bullet from a rifle fixed to the barrel of an anti-tank gun on range practice.