An open verdict was entered on Monday afternoon at the inquest at Rushden on Gunner Bert Bazeley (35), a Royal Artilleryman of 3, Fletcher-road, Rushden, whose body was found in the River Nene near Ditchford on Saturday. The East Northants Coroner (Mr. J. Cairn’s Parker) stated that there was not sufficient evidence to show how deceased got into the river.

Joseph Lawrence Bazeley (44), shoehand, of 3, Fletcher-road, Rushden, a brother, said deceased had not been “the same man” since the death of his wife last year.

While on leave on December 30th, 1942, Gunner Bazeley was admitted to Park Hospital, Wellingborough, suffering from fibrositis of the lumbar region. Witness visited him on many occasions and noticed that at times he appeared depressed. He was discharged from hospital to rejoin his unit on January 13th, and witness had heard nothing until the body was recovered from the river.

Alfred Cecil Clarke (41), maintenance man, employed by the Nene Catchment Board, of Hardwater Mill, Great Doddington, said he visited the locks at Ditchford on Saturday and saw what appeared to be the body of a man in the water near the lockgate. He did not attempt to recover the object, but notified the police at Irchester.

Fragment of Message

War Reserve Norman, stationed at Irchester, stated that he went to the river in company with Inspector Valentine and recovered the body, which was fully dressed. A letter was found on the body bearing the name Bazeley and addressed to deceased’s brother. Portions of it were too wet to read, however.

The Coroner examined the letter and read: “…….hope Marion is all right now.” The Coroner commented that it did not seem as if Bazeley was going to commit suicide.

Answering the Coroner, W R. Norman said that the deceased’s attaché case, which was produced, was found on the Embankment, Wellingborough, on January 14th. This was about two miles from the lock.

Possible Fall

In giving his verdict, the Coroner said that deceased was drowned on January 13th in the River Nene. He was in difficulty as to how deceased got into the river. He may have been depressed while in hospital, but when he was discharged he was better and well enough to return to his unit, and would not be depressed to that extent.

Knowing the district, deceased would know the Embankment and go across the fields for a short cut, and could as easily fall in the river as commit suicide. He might have dropped or forgotten his case, which had been found on a seat near the railway bridge.