Lester William Crouch (1901-1944)

Death
PLANES, POLICE SEEK BODIES

Tragedy at Marley Beach

A daylong search by police and R.A.A.F. planes yesterday failed to locate the bodies of the two men who were drowned at Marley Beach, National Park, on Saturday.

The tragedy occurred when Lester William Crouch. 43, of Rickard Street, Auburn, who was fishing off rocks was washed into the sea by a huge wave and his brother, Reginald B. Crouch, 37, of Hargrave Road, Auburn, jumped in to try to save him.

Their wives and children saw them being dashed about by the waves, and were powerless to help them.

John Crouch. 16, son of Lester Crouch, smashed open a life-saving locker and threw a lifebuoy to them, but by this time both men were being swept out to sea.

Three soldiers tried to throw ropes to them, but they were 300 yards out from the rocks by this time, and had been buffeted so badly that they were either unconscious or dead.

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