I beg to say that No. 3937 Rfn H.D. Christiansen who had the ¬misfortune to accidently wound himself last night, Statement of Court of Inquiry attached is a very good soldier, he behaved very well indeed in the action at GOMMECOURT on July lst and his Company Commander speaks very well of him as a stout and good, soldier who has no fear of shell or bullet.
I am satisfied that he is not a man who would ever intentionally wound himself, & further that in his case there was culpable negligence but pure bad luck & while he was in the execution ¬of his duty.
The trench was so knocked about that he had to get out of it in order to get along to report to his Officer & in getting in again it was really in the endeavour to avoid jumping onto a man whom he did not at first see in the dark that the accent happened.
I am satisfied he is in no way to blame.
No disciplinary action has been taken, as I do not consider it necessary. The accident was in the execution of his duty.
16/7/16.
(Sd) R. Shoolbred Lt Col
Commanding 1/Queens Westminster Rifles.
