3rd South African Infantry - Duncan McIntosh Joel - Private 8742

[K8T]

While researching this soldier records state that he 'died accidentally' on 10 January 1917.  He is buried in Faulbourg d'Amiens Cemetery, Arras.

Does anyone know if there are any South African service records which would give details of the accident? 
Many thanks
K8T

[MaxD]

War diary here for £3.50:

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14017426

It was likely to have been the accidental explosion of trench mortar shells on 9 January which killed 8 and wounded 5.

MaxD

[jim1]

It was likely to have been the accidental explosion of trench mortar shells on 9 January which killed 8 and wounded 5.

This sounds familiar. I recall a trench mortar crew lighting a fire next to the bomb store & going for a brew. The sandbags caught fire & the explosion buried a number of men, not all were recovered.
Is this the same incident?

[K8T]

Wow, thanks MaxD and jim1.  What an unfortunate accident, a simple task with such tragic consequences.
I'll have a look at the war diaries too, thanks MaxD

[MaxD]

Although the SA Brigade diary records the accident and the fact that a court of enquiry was held, there appears to be no record of the enquiry there or at division HQ or AQ.  The cemetery has a total of 5 SA infantrymen killed that day, two from 1 Regt and one each from 2,3 and 4 Regts.  The accident was to a truck load of TM bombs on a light railway,  the diary records that the men were "from the SA Brigade" which is supported by other diary entries which record the regiments in the brigade all providing men to working parties out of the line.

 MaxD

[K8T]

Thanks MaxD, I have taken a look at the diary entry and you're right, there is not a lot of detail relating to the accident but at least I know how he died now.