Photo: James Pasby
Newcastle Journal Wednesday 27th January 1915
18/975 Private
J.U. Reavley
Northumberland Fusiliers
25th January 1915 Age 40.
Thy will be done
John Usher Reavley was born in North Seaton Northumberland in 1875. He lived at 2, Fairfield Avenue, Forest Hall, Northumberland. His wife's name was Hannah.
The name should be spelled "Reaveley"
Alnwick Gazette Almanack for 1916 page 5 reports:
January 24 1915: Fatal accident to Pvte. John U. Reavley, 18th N.F. (Commercials) in Jubilee Hall, Rothbury”.
The Royal Victoria Infirmary Coroner's report No.55, 26/01/1915 reads:
"John Usher Reavley, 40 years, Private, 18th Service Battallion [sic] N.F. 4 Lichfield Street, Oswald Road, Forrest [sic] Hall. Died in 1st Northern General Hospital at 5.35 a.m. on 25th.
Deceased died from fracture of the spinal column set up by his apparently having accidentally fallen over his paliass [sic] on to his back in his Billet at the Lecture Hall, Rothbury on Sunday 24th January 1915.
The Newcastle Daily Journal Wednesday, 27/01/1915.
A Soldier's Death
Inquest concerning Rothbury Fatality
Mr Alfred Appleby, city coroner, held an inquest at Newcastle Infirmary, last night, on John Usher Reavley (40), of Litchfield Street, Oswald Road, Forest Hall, who died in the Armstrong College Hospital on Monday last.
> William Reavley, coal miner, gave evidence of identification, and added that in September or October last his brother joined the Commercial Battalion, and had been stationed at Rothbury.
Private Charles Wood of the 18th Service Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, stated that he and Reavley were in the 16th platoon, ['D' Company] who were at present occupying the Jubilee Hall, Rothbury. They slept on the stage, along with 28 other men, on shake-downs. At 7.30 on Sunday morning last witness was in the act of putting his stockings on when he observed Reavley turn a complete somersault and fall in the corner. Reavley shouted out "Pull my neck" and witness and others went to his assistance. He complained of a pain on the left side of his neck, which was rubbed by Private Wate. There was no larking at the time. Witness asked how it happened, and he replied that he did not know.
Private Thomas Henry Wate gave similar evidence, and added that he thought Reavley tripped over his blanket and fell forward.
Sergeant Nicholson also gave evidence. Reavley was conveyed to the Armstrong College Hospital on Sunday afternoon on the advice of the doctor at Rothbury.
Deceased man's Allegation
Colonel Clay, of the Armstrong College Hospital, stated that when he saw Reavley on Sunday night his arms and legs were paralysed, and Reavley stated that one of his comrades got hold of his legs, and he fell on the back of his neck. The spinal cord had been bruised, and that affected the organs of respiration from which he died.
By the Coroner : Reavley was perfectly clear in his mind when he made the statement about a comrade pulling his leg.
The Coroner said on view of the evidence of the doctor as to what Reavley had told him, he proposed to adjourn the inquiry for further evidence.
The inquest was therefore adjourned until Wednesday next.
Private Reaveley's name is not mentioned in the 18th Battalion War Diary. See NUT075.
John Usher Reavley is remembered at Longbenton on L25.02
