"PALMERStON NORTH April 19. A finding that Sapper Kennedy Collins Morgan was accidentally shot at a military camp by Lance-Corporal Desmond Matthews, on April 2, was returned by the Coroner (Mr J. S. Turzey) at an inquest held at Feilding today, into Morgan's death. Evidence was given that sentries were provided with five rounds of ammunition, which was to be carried in the magazine of the rifle, with the chamber empty, bolt forward, and safety catch applied. Bennett said that he relieved the sentry for about 10 minutes pending the arrival of a new sentry. On taking over the rifle he was not giving the matter of ammunition a thought, and he worked the bolt which threw a cartridge into the chamber and automatically cocked the firing mechanism. His attention at the same time was attracted to a car coming out of the camp which it was his duty to check. As the vehicle departed, Morgan approached to take over. With the distractions which occupied his mind he forgot that he had cocked  the rifle. He heard a shot, but did not feel any recoil. He saw Morgan fall, but even then he did not realise that it was his rifle which had gone off. He and Morgan were the best of friends."

PRESS, VOLUME LXXIX, ISSUE 23927, 20 APRIL 1943, PAGE 4