Husband of Violet Batey, of Broadgate Cottage, Sinderhope. Injured at Swinhope, Sparty Lea; died same day at Hexham Emergency Hospital.
The Newcastle Journal 08/11/1943 reports:-
Inquest on balloon victim adjourned
Only evidence of identification was taken by Mr. P. M. Dodds, Coroner for South Northumberland, at a Hexham Inquest on Saturday on Robert Batey, of Broadgate Cottage. Sinderhope, Allendale, a 43-year old county council road man, the victim of barrage balloon fatality the Allendale Fells on Thursday afternoon. Batey died in a Hexham hospital. Frederick Hutchinson, of Byrehope, Allenheads, brother-in-law, gave evidence of identification, and the Coroner adjourned the inquest to a date to be fixed.
Newcastle Evening Chronicle 05/11/1943 reports
Balloon accident injured
John Wright (79) and Joseph Noble (27), of Swlnhope Mill, Sparty Lea, removed to Newcastle Infirmary following yesterday's barrage balloon explosion on fells near Allendale were reported to-day be fairly comfortable. The condition of Mrs. Featherstone (28), injured at the same time, was described only fair.
Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 20/11/1943 reports
A CORONER’S WARNING
A warning to the public to keep away from the scene of accidents to Service equipment until the danger zone had been declared clear was given by Mr P. M. Dodds, coroner, at Hexham inquest yesterday. He recorded a verdict on road man’s death from shock and multiple injuries caused by the accidental explosion of barrage balloon and a lethal device attached to it.
