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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 03 Dec 1924
Page 4 Column 7
SAD SEQUEL TO COUNTY MATCH
BRIDGWATER EX-SOLDIER EXPIRES FROM EXCITEMENT.
BROTHER OF OLD TAUNTON FOOTBALLER.
On Tuesday afternoon, at the Court House, Northgate, Mr. Arthur KING (borough coroner) held an inquest on the body of Ernest James DUDDRIDGE, aged 34, an ex-soldier, of 21, West-street, who expired suddenly on reaching home from the County Rugby Football match between Somerset and Gloucestershire at Bridgwater. Deceased was a brother of Frank DUDDRIDGE, the old Bridgwater Albion and Taunton full back, and had been severely wounded in the war, being incapacitated from work in consequence.
Clara Jane DUDDRIDGE, widow, of 21, West-street, said deceased was her son and lived with her. He joined the Army during the war when working in Wales as a miner, but since his discharge he had not been able to do anything. He was badly wounded and was discharged from the Army on the 19th November, 1918, suffering from injuries to the left arm and hand. He was also wounded in the ankle and suffered very badly from malaria. He served in the 10th Devons and had a pension of £1 a week. On Saturday he appeared to be as usual, although recently he had suffered from a cold, and at dinner-time had a good meal. He went in the afternoon with his brother Clifford to see the county football match, and he came back alone about half-past four. On entering the house he complained of feeling unwell, and just managed to struggle to a chair, saying, “Oh, dear, I have something taken me in the chest.” She gave him a little brandy, and he vomited and said “That's a bit easier.” Her other son Clifford then came in, and they laid deceased on the couch. She gave him the rest of the brandy, but he collapsed on his hands and knees. Dr. THOMPSON was sent for and arrived within a few minutes, but could only tell them that deceased was dead.
Deceased's brother, Clifford, in answer to the Coroner, said at the match deceased did not complain of feeling ill and did not show any signs of excitement. He did not know that deceased had a weak heart.
Dr. Wilberforce THOMPSON said he was called about five o'clock on Saturday afternoon to the house and saw deceased, who had been dead a few minutes. Witness had not attended deceased previously, and could not certify the cause of death.
Mrs. DUDDRIDGE (re-called) said her son had not been attended by any other doctor, although he suffered a good deal from the wound in his arm and from the malaria.
Dr. THOMPSON (continuing) said he had made a post-mortem examination of the body that day. He found the heart generally a little flabby, with signs of recent inflammation of one of the valves. He found also an enlargement of the spleen, which was the result of the malaria, due to the effects of the war service. He was of opinion that the cause of death was heart failure, due to the recent inflammation of the valve, probably accelerated by the excitement of the football match and very likely deceased hurried home, and that brought on the vomiting.
The Coroner returned a verdict of “Death from natural causes,” in accordance with the medical evidence.
<NOTES: Ernest James DUDDRIDGE son of Walter DUDDRIDGE and Clara Jane SCOTT>