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Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier Saturday 02 Jul 1938
Page 9 Column 4
ILMINSTER
A
SOLDIER REBUKED
APPEARED IN COURT IN MUFTI.
HORTON GIRL'S
APPLICATION.
At the Petty Sessions on Thursday, an application for an order in respect of the maintenance of her child was made by Iris DURRANT, of Horton, Ilminster, against Edward ELFORD, a private in H.M. Army, Sobraon Barracks, Colchester, Essex.
Defendant, who admitted that he was the father of the child, appeared in Court in mufti, and the Chairman said it was the order that a soldier should appear in Court in uniform, even a witness. He wondered why his adjutant did not inform him of that.
Defendant : I am sorry, sir.
Applicant said she met ELFORD when she was living at Colchester. The child was born on March 21st last. They had arranged to get married.
The Chairman asked Miss DURRANT if she refused to marry ELFORD, or if ELFORD refused to marry her, and she replied, “No, he did not refuse.”
Defendant, in evidence, said he was detailed to go to Taunton for duty, and after six months he returned to Colchester. He wrote to Miss DURRANT suggesting that they should be married, and so did applicant's parents. He (ELFORD) had had no reply.
Another witness said that she saw ELFORD, who was agreeable to pay for the child. They had received no money from him, only promises, and so she wrote to ELFORD and his Commanding Officer.
The Bench made an order for payment of 5s a week until the child reaches the age of 16, and ordered ELFORD to pay £1 18s 11d Court costs and expenses.