Edward and another 23H man, Meinhard Ronald Winster, were killed in a barn fire on the farm of C. Manders near Deurne. Approximately 30 soldiers were sleeping inside when the fire started at about 07:30, probably from a discarded cigarette. 13 firemen arrived at approximately 08:00, by which time the fire had spread to the adjoining farmhouse. The fire was extinguished at 13:00. Troopers Newton and Winster were the only casualties.