16 February 1924 – Capt. Peter Jeoffrey Cropper

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From the Gloucestershire Chronicle on Saturday the 16th of February 1924

An inquest was held by Mr. A. L. Forrester (Coroner for North Wilts), at Malmesbury on Monday, on the body of Capt. Peter Jeoffrey Cropper (31), of the 14th Hussars, who was stationed at Tidworth, and died following a fall while out with the Beauford Hounds.

Capt. Hargreaves Cropper, of Chapel St. Clare, Penzance, gave evidence that the deceased was his brother.

Captain Cropper was shot forward and fell on the ground with his face downwards. The horse followed and fell, kneeling on the small of Capt. Cropper’s back.

Capt. A. S. Cadogan Browne, of the 12th Royal Lancers, stationed at Tidworth, narrated that on the 2nd February, he was hunting with the Duke of Beaufort’s Hounds, the meet being at Easton Grey. About 12.30 hounds were running between Foxley Grove and Easton Grey. Captain Cropper put his horse at a gap in the fence where other people had previously jumped. There were a few stubs sticking up. The horse hit the fence very hard, and seemed to stand still for a moment, whilst Captain Cropper was shot forward and fell on the ground with his face downwards. The horse followed and fell, kneeling on the small of Capt. Cropper’s back. Witness went to Capt Cropper’s assistance, and asked him what was the matter. He was groaning a little and seemed to be in great pain, but made reply, “I am all right, I am only winded.” After about two minutes he vaulted onto his horse and rode off apparently all right.

Christopher Cassidy, a groom, stated that Captain Cropper returned to his stables at Easton Grey between 12 and 1 o’clock. He seemed to be quite cheery and smiling and told witness he had “another little accident for him” (his employer had had one or two trifling accidents). The horse was bleeding from a wound in the chest. Captain Cropper seemed all right, but said he had twisted his side a bit and would not go out again that day. Later, he seemed very weak, and asked to be put into his motor-car. Later he, in the harness room, was made comfortable, then became very ill, and medical aid was telephoned for.

Dr. J. L. Maitland-Govan, of Malmesbury, deposed to making a superficial examination of Captain Cropper in the harness room, and detecting no fracture of a rib, he strapped him up and took him to the Cottage Hospital at Malmesbury. Two days afterwards Captain Cropper seemed to be collapsing, and an operation was performed, as they feared internal haemorrhage. They discovered days afterwards Captain Cropper died on Saturday night from uncontrollable haemorrhage, due to rupture.

A black and white vintage postcard depicting the Market Cross in Malmesbury, with the Malmesbury Cottage Hospital visible in the background. The Market Cross is a medieval structure featuring a spire, arches, and intricate stonework. A few people are seated under the arches of the Market Cross, and early 20th-century automobiles are parked nearby. The surrounding buildings include a shop labeled "Gilbert's" on the left and "Abbey Stores" further down the street. The scene captures a glimpse of everyday life in Malmesbury during the early 1900s.
A postcard image showing a view of the Market Cross and Cottage Hospital in Malmesbury. With thanks to Trevor and Nesta Mason.

The Coroner: You have heard that he jumped onto his horse. Would that be possible?

Dr. J. L. Maitland-Govan: Yes. There was no reason why he should feel the effect of the injury at the moment.

The Coroner recorded a verdict that the cause of death was as stated by the doctor, due to an injury received in a hunting field accident.

The remains of Capt. Cropper were afterwards brought to Cheltenham for interment on Wednesday.

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