Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An extremely unusual ‘Casualty’ pair awarded to Private C. E. Coombes, Royal Scots Fusiliers, who was accidentally killed on parade in France when a comrade in the rank behind him accidentally discharged a rifle round into his back from point-blank range

British War and Victory Medals (6232 Pte. C. E. Coombes. R. Scots.) nearly extremely fine (2) £80-£100

Charles Edward Coombes was born around 1888, the son of Samuel and Martha Coombes of 6 Church Street, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxford. Enlisting at Lutterworth in Leicestershire, he served on the Western Front from 7 September 1916 and was wounded in action on 23 April 1917, being evacuated home a week later. Returning to the fray on 10 September, his life was tragically cut short on 23 November 1917, just moments after retiring from the front line. Perhaps uniquely, the exact circumstances relating to his death are available in his Army Service Record.

Called to parade, 'C' Company of the 6/7th Royal Scots Fusiliers formed up, with Coombes taking his place in the front rank of his platoon. It was then that a live round was discharged by No. 25382 Pte. David Andrews, striking Coombes from behind on the left side of the spine. Crying out in pain, Coombes staggered a few feet before collapsing. Subsequent medical attention proved futile. Witness testimony from Lance Corporal Nunn, adds:

'Immediately afterwards a shot went off and Private Coombes, who was in front staggered to the rear and fell. Pte. Andrews dropped his rifle, ran forward a few steps and threw himself down in tears. He seemed very, very much upset.’

Tried by Field General Court Martial, the case against Andrews appeared clear cut, the man declaring 'it was me!' at the scene and offering a written statement - supported by a number of further witnesses who testified to a failure to deploy the safety catch and check whether there was a round in the chamber upon returning from sentry duty. Sentenced to one year's imprisonment with hard labour, the punishment was later suspended - possibly on account of the statement by Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon, in Command:
'...Pte. Andrews is stated by all who know him to be a very careful man, therefore I consider that this was a special case of negligence, contrary to this man's ordinary character.' 

Aged 29 years, Coombes now rests at Level Crossing Cemetery at Fampoux in the Pas de Calais, his headstone bearing the inscription 'R.I.P.'. Private Andrews appears to have survived the war after being transferred following this incident to the 1st and 12th Battalions of the Regiment.