Friday, 11 July 2014

Walter Clive Pateman. The Drake Tragedy.1922.

The Sydney Morning Herald NSW.
2 Feb 1922

FOUND SHOT.  
TENTERFIELD, Wednesday.

Walter Clive Pateman, of Drake, went shooting on Monday and did not return.

Police and civilians, after a long search, found his, body at the foot of some cliffs with the top of his head blown off.


The Richmond River Express and Casino Kyogle Advertiser NSW
8 Feb 1922

The Drake Tragedy.

Further particulars are to hand concerning the death of Walter Clive Pateman, a young man, 24 years of age, living with his sister at Drake, who was found at the foot of Gerard's Cliffs, near Drake, with the top of his head blown off. 

Deceased was a labourer, and left home on Monday last, for the purpose of going shooting. As he did not return his sister become anxious, and search parties were organised. 

After along search the body was found at the foot of the cliff, which are about 50 ft. in height.

At the top of the cliffs a rifle was found placed butt down amongst the rocks, with a string attached to the trigger.

It would appear that deceased had placed the gun in position and shot himself through tho center of the forehead, afterwards falling backwards straight down the cliffs on to the top of his head, which was terribly mutilated. 

Deceased was well known about Drake, of which place he was a native, no reason can be assigned for the tragic deed.

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