Hit by train - on soccer field 
2003 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance
1915 - and the war in Europe rages.
Arthur Gould (male, 48 according to his death certificate) feels left out. There isn't a lot of death and destruction in the everyday life of a corporation labourer; but this is about to change.
Unable to gain the honour and recognition of winning a Victoria Cross in battle, Arthur instead opts for the shame and humiliation of winning a Darwin Award in Osmaston Recreation Ground.
According to a newspaper report of the Coroner's Inquest a railway carriage had been donated for use as a changing room, and was being placed beside the soccer pitch. One end had been lowered into position whilst the other was temporarily supported by a pair of jacks.
The foreman noticed that the ground under the supported end was uneven and gave "general instructions for the removal of a quantity of turf".
Enter Arthur, who without hesitation (or much thought it seems) sprang into action by diving underneath the carriage to carry out this command. As he worked the ground shifted and the carriage fell off its jacks and onto the now deceased.
What should confirm this as a true Darwin is the foreman's comment that "There was no need for anyone to get under the carriage... but deceased did so" a fact confirmed by other witnesses.
Why did Arthur act this way? Unfortunately he wasn't around to ask, having expired shortly afterwards through "haemorrhage and shock following internal injuries"
Of course having a family already may disqualify Arthur from a full Darwin - but I won't complain since he was my Great-Great Grandfather. Family history can be a great thing when a direct relative can achieve fame for being flattened by a train miles from the nearest railway line. Submitted on 10/08/2003
Submitted by:
Mark Ireland
Reference:
Derby DailyTelegraph 22-2-1915
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