Outback Graves Markers

Guglielmo BALDUZZI

Burial Location:Leonora  (details...)
Occupation: Machine Miner
Place of Death: Sons of Gwalia Mine
Date of Death: 08 September 1932
Date of Burial:09 September 1932
Age:23 years
Cause of Death:Shock caused by injuries received from a fall of earth
OGM Ref#: 2690
Headstone:OGM Aluminium
Monument Style: Three rectangular stones atop one another, with smallest at the top, supporting a tall, cross. These stones are placed on the head of the grave which is covered with white ceramic tiles, edged in a line of blue ceramic tiles.

Inscription

In (on top narrow, tall stone)
__________
Memory of
GUGLIELMO (all on second small rectangular stone)
__________
son of
ANDREA AND MARIA BALDUZZI
ACCIDENTALLY KILLED ON
SONS OF GWALIA MINE (all on third larger, rectangular stone)
__________
8th Sept, 1932
AGED 23 YEARS
Erected by his sorrowing sister, relatives and friends from Trent, Italy

This is a photograph of the Memorial to Guglielmo BALDUZZI at Leonora Cemetery

Memorial to Guglielmo BALDUZZI

This is a photograph of plaque number 2690 for GUGLIELMO BALDUZZI at LEONORA

REF 2690 GUGLIELMO BALDUZZI LEONORA

Biography

An inquest into the death of Guglielmo Balduzzi, who was killed by a fall of ground in an open cut on the Sons of Gwalia mine on September 8, was opened on the day following his death.  After evidence of identification had been given and the jury had viewed the scene, the inquiry was adjourned.

The adjourned inquest was held in the Leonora Courthouse on Thursday 22 September 1932. Mr. R. B. Millar, J.P., acted as Coroner, and was assisted by Constable Perks, of Gwalia. The jury comprised Messrs. McAppion, foreman, Travis, and M. Clarke. There were also present, Inspector Winzar, representing the Mines Department; Mr. H. V. Rowe (Sons of Gwalia, Ltd.) and Mr. J. E. Bishop (A.W.U.).

Constable Perks gave evidence of being called by telephone to the mine on September 8. He was informed that a man had been killed in the open cut and had been taken to the hospital. He proceeded to the morgue, where he saw a dead body which he was told was Guglielmo Balduzzi.
Dr. H. E. Clarke tendered evidence of being summoned to the mine on September 8. On arrival, he was shown a man on a stretcher opposite the open cut. He found him to be already dead and ordered his removal to the morgue. The doctor later performed a post-mortem examination and found the cause of death to be shock from abrasions to the chest and severe bruising of the body and injuries to the right leg and right forearm.

Evidence was submitted that Balduzzi was boring with a telescope machine, while Giovanni Guizzardi was shovelling some distance below in the open cut.  He heard Balduzzi call out "look out," and saw the ground falling. Some of the ground fell on Guizzardi and knocked him down the pass. He called to Balduzzi, and got no reply, nor could he see him. He then went and got assistance.

Balduzzi had apparently been working three years in the open cut, and had worked a machine for the last 18 months. It was a telescope machine.  
The inquest heard how Balduzzi had taken out a cut and was protected by the rock overhead. About three tons of rock fell northwards, 15 ft. or 20 ft. from the machine. Had Balduzzi remained where he was boring, he would have been safe.  He was about 20 ft. from the machine when he was found.
After further evidence, the court was adjourned for a quarter of an hour while the jury conferred and, on resuming, the Coroner announced the verdict as follows:  "We find that Guglielmo Balduzzi came to his death on September 8, on the Sons of Gwalia mine, through shock caused by injuries received from a fall of earth. We find that no blame is attachable to anyone."
Guglielmo Balduzzi had worked in the mine for some years, the last three of which were in the open cut.  He is buried in Plot number 211 of the Roman Catholic portion of the Leonora Cemetery.
Parents:Maria (nee SALVAGNI) and Andrea BALDUZZI (Farmer)
Spouse:Unmarried
Birth Details:Born circa 1909, Trent, Italy
Death Certificate:4300015/1932, Mount Margaret
State Records Office: Guglielmo Balduzzi AU WA S59 cons3458 1933/036 Item - Part of APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS OF LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION (ORIGINALS)