Whitehall 1212 51-11-18 (01) The Blitz Murder Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Whitehall 1212 51-11-18 (01) The Blitz Murder Case"

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Introduction

"Whitehall 1212 51-11-18 (01) The Blitz Murder Case" is the inaugural episode of the "Whitehall" series on Harold's Old Time Radio. This episode delves into a gripping murder mystery set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II's Blitz. Drawing from the authentic and secretive files of Scotland Yard, the story unravels the complexities of a tragic crime that occurred in the midst of wartime chaos.

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Case Background

The episode introduces listeners to New Scotland Yard, the renowned headquarters of the Metropolitan Police in London, situated near significant landmarks like the Embankment, 10 Downing Street, and Big Ben. Chief Superintendent James Davidson oversees the infamous Black Museum, a repository of artifacts linked to Scotland Yard's most notable cases.

At [01:23], Chief Superintendent Carruth provides a vivid description of the museum:

Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth [01:23]: "Here we possess an imposing collection of lethal weapons... Together with a statement of particulars concerning its use."

One of the museum's exhibits includes fragments of tea caps, which served as crucial evidence in solving a heinous crime during the Blitz of July 1940.

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The Crime Scene

The narrative shifts to July 3rd, 1940, when Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth receives a distressing call from Chief Constable Thomas Bennett of Matfield, a village near Tunbridge. Three women—Miss Evans, Mrs. Ames, and her daughter Jessica—have been found shot to death in their home. Amidst the ongoing air raids and the relentless assault by the Luftwaffe, this murder stands out as a chilling anomaly.

Upon arrival at the crime scene, Chief Constable Bennett briefs Carruth and his team:

Chief Constable Thomas Bennett [05:14]: "Miss Evans, the servant, has always lived here. Mrs. Ames and her daughter moved here a year ago."

The house is described as thoroughly ransacked, with violent signs evident from the two holes in Miss Evans's head. The tranquility of wartime life is starkly contrasted by the brutality of the murders.

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Investigation Begins

Detective Sergeant Small takes charge of the investigation, focusing first on the house:

Detective Sergeant Small [05:55]: "See what you can find out, Bernard."

The initial examination reveals a household torn apart, with Miss Evans identified as the long-term servant and Mrs. Ames and her daughter as recent additions to the household. The estranged relationship between Mrs. Ames and her husband, John Ames, becomes a focal point early in the investigation.

Key evidence uncovered includes:

• Glove Found at the Scene:

  Detective Sergeant Small [08:13]: "Woman's glove. Size six, I'd say. Hogskin shops sell thousands a week."

• Shooter's Motive: The presence of four tea cups suggests familiarity with the victims:

  Detective Sergeant Small [10:32]: "One for the mother, one for the daughter, one for the maid... One for the murderer."

The meticulous nature of the investigation highlights Scotland Yard's expertise in piecing together seemingly insignificant clues.

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Interviews and Suspects

A pivotal interview takes place with Ms. Viola Masterson, the manager of the Ames farm and a key figure in the case. Her interaction with Detective Sergeant Small reveals underlying tensions and possible motives:

Ms. Viola Masterson [12:44]: "I'd have gone over to Natfield if I hadn't been so stupid as to fall off my bicycle and injure my arm."

Further scrutiny falls on John Ames, Mrs. Ames's estranged husband, whose alibi becomes questionable. The investigation uncovers that Ames was seen near the crime scene carrying a shotgun, contradicting his initial statements about his whereabouts.

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Critical Evidence Uncovered

The investigation intensifies with the discovery of more evidence:

• Shotgun and Ballistics:

  Constable [19:44]: "The women were killed with a shotgun. Probably a .410 shotgun."

• Fingerprint Analysis: Fingerprints on the bicycle handlebar and the discovery of a mysterious glove add layers to the case:

  Detective Sergeant Small [25:35]: "You have uncovered some other evidence, sir."

• Parcel Inspection: A strange parcel resembling the size of a gun is traced to a woman matching the description found near Piddington station.

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Conclusion and Resolution

The culmination of the investigation leads to the arrest of Ms. Viola Masterson. The evidence against her is overwhelming:

• Forensic Evidence: The shotgun pellets matched those fired by Ms. Masterson during a fatal rabbit shooting incident.

• Motive and Opportunity: Her desire to marry John Ames and eliminate witnesses provided a clear motive.

In the courtroom, the prosecution presents a compelling case:

Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth [26:02]: "The evidence... proved sufficient to convict Viola Masterson of the murders of Mrs. Ames and her daughter and of the servant, Margaret Evans."

Despite attempts to implicate John Ames as an accomplice, he is acquitted and later reported missing in action. Ms. Masterson is declared criminally insane and incarcerated at Broadmoor Asylum.

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Notable Quotes

• Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth [02:09]:

  "This Black Museum of ours is rather unique. Everything in it was at one time connected with the successful solution of a crime..."

• Detective Sergeant Small [10:25]:

  "One for the mother, one for the daughter, one for the maid... One for the murderer."

• Ms. Viola Masterson [22:55]:

  "I'm afraid perhaps he's not as ferocious as I am. But he shares my views all right."

• Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth [19:54]:

  "I think those little lead pellets are going to hang someone, Bernie."

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Epilogue

The episode concludes with a reflection on the resilience of Londoners during the Blitz and the unwavering commitment of Scotland Yard in upholding justice amidst chaos. "The Blitz Murder Case" sets a high standard for the "Whitehall" series, promising more enthralling tales from Scotland Yard's secretive archives.

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Closing Remarks

"Whitehall 1212 51-11-18 (01) The Blitz Murder Case" masterfully intertwines historical context with a compelling murder mystery, offering listeners an immersive experience into the detective prowess of Scotland Yard during one of Britain's most challenging times. With its rich narrative and attention to detail, the episode serves both as entertainment and a homage to the Golden Age of Radio storytelling.

Transcript

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[Constable]

Quickly.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

This is Scotland Yard.

[Narrator]

For the first time, Scotland Yard opens its secret files to bring you the authentic true stories of some of its most celebrated cases. These are accurate records drawn from these files by special permission of Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of Scotland Yard. They're true in every respect, except the names of the participants, which for obvious reasons have been changed. The research has been done by Mr. Percy Hoskins, Chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express. The stories for radio are written and directed by Willis Cooper.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

New Scotland Yard, the London headquarters of the Metropolitan Police is situate near the Embankment on Whitehall, hard by 10 Downing street and almost in the shadow of Big Ben. Here also is the headquarters of the cid, the Criminal Investigation Department. The body of men whose exploits for more than a hundred years have made the name Scotland Yard synonymous with the brilliant detection of crime and unrelenting pursuit of the criminal and the presentation of the painstakingly acquired evidence that assures his eventual punishment. On the lower ground floor of New Scotland Yard is the famous Black Museum, where whose present custodian is Chief Superintendent James Davidson, a Scotland Yard veteran. Behind this door.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Good afternoon. This Black Museum of ours is rather unique. Everything in it was at one time connected with the successful solution of a crime, or was closely involved in the crime itself. We possess an imposing collection of lethal weapons here, each carefully docketed to indicate its origin. Here are half empty bottles of almost every poison known to man. Together with a statement of particulars concerning its use. Here are the blood stained garments on which the solution of a crime of violence depended. Among the Black Museum's relics are disguises used by famous criminals, death masks of notorious men and women whose ends Scotland Yard encompassed, and a great many other more gruesome mementos of man's inhumanity to man. Among the exhibits are other seemingly incongruous objects that in their time served well in the undoing of desperate criminals. Such an exhibit is this one, the fragments of a set of tea caps. This collection of shards was the first step in the solution Of a frightful crime which occurred during the Blitz of July, 1940.

[Constable]

Yes, sir.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Will you please bring me file number 302, Mr. 651, Constable 302, Mr. 651, sir.

[Constable]

Yes, sir. One, sir.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

In July 1940, the Battle of Britain was at its height. The Luftwaffe hits us at all hours. And from advanced defense fields of the raf the weary Spitfires rose day and night to do battle. Thousands of British people died in Britain as a result of enemy action. But in the midst of the very present war, murder went on as usual. Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth received a telephone call at Scotland Yard on the morning of the 3rd of July, a Wednesday.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

File 302, Mr. 651, sir.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Thank you. The call was from chief Constable at Matfield at Kentage village near Tunbridge. The chief Constable reported the finding of the bodies of three women shot to death. And requested the assistance of the cid. The services of Scotland Yard are available to the provincial police at all times if requested. The Home Office assuming all expenses if the request is made within 24 hours of the discovery of the crime. At their own expense, if we're called in after that. Chief Superintendent Carruth was gratified that the request came at the very beginning of the case. And he drove to Matfield at once with a medical examiner from the Home Office. And Detective Sergeant Small, Also Scotland Yard. They were met at the scene of the crime by Mapfield Chief Constable Thomas Bennett.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

It's good of you to come so.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Quickly, all of you.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

It's all quite beyond his ears, sir, what with the Blitz and all.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I'm sure I had a bad time having it, sir.

[Constable]

Yes, I've no doubt. Those hours. Mr. Bennett. Spitfire.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Jerry must be up again. Well, here's what happened in the house. There's Miss Evans, the servant.

[Constable]

Is she dead?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Two holes in her head. Play place all ransacked, all tore up.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Where are the others?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Mrs. Ames and her daughter. Jessica's lying down there in the orchard. Also shot.

[Constable]

Yes, I see.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Where do you want to start, sir?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

A house, I think first.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Come in then, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Gentlemen, thank you very much. Thank you. They've lived here in Manfield a long time. Have they, Bennet?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Miss Evans, the servant, has always lived here. Mrs. Ames and her daughter moved here a year ago.

[Constable]

Mrs. Ames a widow?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

No. Estranged her husband, though they're quite friendly. He lives at Piddington.

[Constable]

Oh, yes, I know. I've been there.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Owns a farm.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Does he know about this?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

My station sergeant telephoned him this morning, sir. He was in London, but he'll be home this evening. Shall I go first, sir? She's lying right by the door, and you might trip over.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

By all means.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

These is the gentleman from Scotland Yard, Constable.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes, Sir.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

This is Ms. Margaret Evans, sir. Age 61. Servant living in Aw.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

See what you can find out, Bernard.

[Constable]

Right you are.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Small. Get started looking for fingerprints.

[Constable]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Place has really been ransacked, hasn't it?

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Mm.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

What's missing?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Haven't checked yet, sir. Haven't touched anything.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Good.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Well, not much chance of finding out if anything is gone, though. Everybody lived here is dead.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I'd like to see the others.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Right, sir. If you'll come with me.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, what's that over there? Tea things?

[Constable]

Yes, sir. Looks as if she dropped the tray when she saw the murderer.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Have a look at them. Too small.

[Constable]

All right, sir.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Down this part, sir. The orchard. That's where they are. Mrs. Ames and her daughter Jessica.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

They have many visitors?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Very few, sir. And the place is back from a road. Hidden a bit by the roses. Hard to tell. They do have. Here she is.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

This is the daughter, I suppose.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Right, sir. And mother's over there off the path.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Daughter was running away toward the house. Mother was facing the other way. Shot in the back too?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Aye.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Found anything here in the grass? Cartridge cases? Anything?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

No, sir. We did find this glove, though, sir. Sorry. I had it in my pocket. Almost forgot it.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Woman's glove. Size six, I'd say. Hogskin shops sell thousands a week. Left hand. Whose is it?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Isn't Mrs. Ames, sir. Too small or Miss Jessica's? Either too large, I'd say, wouldn't you?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yeah. Yes, I think so.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Maybe the murderer, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

We'll see. All you found so far, sir. Where was the glove?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Oh, over there, sir. I marked the spot. With those two sticks.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Alongside the mother's body?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Well, as soon as Bernard's examined the bodies. I think you'd better have all this grass scythed down. And see if you can find anything else. Cartridge case or anything.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Right, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Shall we walk back to the house?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Grunting lad.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Beg your pardon?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Talkin the fighter chap up there.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Hope he shoots some Jerry's bloody ears off.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

He probably will.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Got a son in the raft. Flight sergeant in the Coastal Command.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Good man.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

19 years old. When I was 19, I was a farm man for good old Uncle Tom Cobley. I wonder if they found anything yet in their set.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

We'll see. Ah, here's Bernard. Anything yet?

[Constable]

Well, I want to see the other bodies first. Discovered a little so far. Where are the.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Down the Path back there, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

We've touched nothing except this glove.

[Constable]

Is this one of theirs?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Wrong size.

[Constable]

All right. You can remove the bodies as soon as I finish, Chief Constable.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Yes, sir. I'll have the van here at once. Seat to it, please.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes, sir. What are you doing, Small?

[Constable]

I'm trying to fit these cups together, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Well, what about fingerprints? I wanted you.

[Constable]

I found a good many, sir. They all checked with hers.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

How did you know they were hers?

[Constable]

Oh, I took hers. I wish live peoples were as easy to take.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

No others?

[Constable]

Well, I'm not sure yet, sir. As soon as I get the others down there, I'll make a very thorough check. These cups and saucers, she dropped them.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

When she saw the murderer. Probably not quite.

[Constable]

But why should there be? Four cups, sir. Four.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

One for the mother, one for the daughter, one for the maid.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

For her servants.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Was more a companion than a servant, sir. Here in Matfield week?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Uh, yes. And one for the murderer.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Why then? Must have known the murderer.

[Constable]

People don't usually offer a cup of tea to a perfect stranger.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

You could make up a list of their friends, Chief Constable. And then.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Very few friends, sir. Kind of standoffish, like they was. And the parson, the grocer, postmistress. Martin. A real close friend, so to speak.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Make up a list and check where they all were yesterday.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

What about this estranged husband of Mrs. Ames? Would he have a motive?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Oh, I don't think so, sir. He used to come visit her, I know, but.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, he did, eh? And he's in London now, you said?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

I went down yesterday morning, they said, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Where does he live, d'you say?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Piddington, sir. Near Oxford.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

You take over, Sergeant Small. You and Mr. Bernard. I'll call you from Piddington.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Piddington, sir, do you think.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I think I'd like to know whether our friendly ex husband was really in London yesterday or elsewhere.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

At piddington that afternoon, 70 miles away from Matfield, Jem Davies, the man of all work, explained to Chief Superintendent Carrot that John Ames had not yet returned from London. Ms. Viola Masterson, the manager of the Ames farm, however, was at home recovering from an accident. Carol spoke to her in her sitting room. Her left arm was in bandages and she was obviously in slight pain. Carruth sympathized with her.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I'm so sorry to disturb you, Ms. Masterson.

[Announcer]

It's quite all right. I'll be up and about in a day or so. It pains a little, though.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Now, I suppose you've heard about the former Mrs. Ames and her daughter.

[Announcer]

I'm so dreadfully sorry. I knew them slightly, you know.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, did you?

[Announcer]

I'd have gone over to Natfield if I hadn't been so stupid as to fall off my bicycle and injure my arm. I'm afraid I'm not a very good cyclist.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh.

[Announcer]

Do you have any clues as to the the murderer?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Very few at the moment. Very few I'm afraid.

[Announcer]

Oh, What a pity.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Mr. Ames went to London yesterday.

[Announcer]

Yes, he was probably in London while his former wife and daughter were murdered. He often stops in to see them on his way. If he'd stopped there yesterday, he might have prevented it.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes, I suppose he can account for his movements yesterday.

[Announcer]

I'm quite sure he can, Superintendent. I expect him at any moment.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

You were here at the farm all day?

[Announcer]

I rode about the farm all day on my bicycle until I had the accident. I'm sure Jemmy Davis can confirm that. And the bicycle is still where I left it, where I fell off. Unless Jemmy's brought it back.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I see. By the way, have you ever seen this glove before?

[Announcer]

Let me see it. No, I'm afraid not. Did it belong to?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

We're not quite sure.

[Announcer]

Well, it's not mine. Much too big for me, I'm sure. Superintendent.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

You've never seen it before?

[Announcer]

Never.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Thank you, Ms. Masterson.

[Announcer]

Is that all you wanted? Aren't you going to wait for Mr. Ames?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, I don't like to disturb you, Ms. Masterson. I'll wait out there with Jemmy. It is Jemmy, isn't it?

[Announcer]

By all means, talk to Jemmy. I'm sure he'll confirm everything I've said.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Good day, Ms. Masterson.

[Announcer]

You know where to find Jimmy?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

He was sitting alongside the stable door cleaning a shotgun when I last saw him.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Jemmy Davis was a simple minded man. He didn't realize that he was talking much too freely to the friendly Scotland Yard man.

[Constable]

Well, it'd be a terrible thing I expect. But I don't shed no tears for em. I didn't like her, nor adore her neither.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Hated them.

[Constable]

It be none of my business, sir, but now Mr. Ames, he be a real fine man. And she. Well, she treated him awful bad.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

How?

[Constable]

Dog in the manger. Kicks him out, she does. And then when he finally meets a woman he loves and that woman loving him, she won't give him no divorce.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

You seem to know a lot about Mr. Ames affairs, Jimmy.

[Constable]

Him and me, we be just like that. Why do anything for that man? Er too for that matter.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Who?

[Constable]

Ms. Marcheson. There. Well, that's pretty clean, ain't it?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Let's see. Clean as I'd ever want a gun to be.

[Constable]

Had it for years. Old fashioned like me. But she be a good shotgun. He uses it all the time for rabbits. Mr. Wayne buys his own shells too. Ms. Masterson, she's scared of it. Tried to teach her how to shoot it, but she was scared. You couldn't kill a person with this here gun, I says to her. Not unless you got up real close. Funny thing though. She shot a rabbit with it yesterday. You know, it made her so sick at her stomach when she shot the poor little feller. Never again. She says to me.

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[Detective Sergeant Small]

Do you see the rabbit? Jemmy?

[Constable]

With what were left of it. She were too close. Not worth bringing back to cook. You know, I think that's why she fell off her bicycle. Thinking about it.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Where did she fall?

[Constable]

It was in the meadow yonder wheel slipped on the grass.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Jimmy, did you ever see this glove before?

[Constable]

Huh? No, sir. Well, can't see us how I have.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Sure.

[Constable]

No sir. Whose is it?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I found it. Well, finders keepers, that's what they say. So you don't think Mr. Ames and Ms. Masterson will be upset by Mrs. Ames death?

[Constable]

Lord bless you. No sir. Now they can get married. That dog in the manger. Wife of his. He must have been the last one to see her alive.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, how's that?

[Constable]

When he stopped to see her on the way to London yesterday. Why? I thought you was going to wait for him to come back, sir.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Chief Superintendent Carruth hurried to the local police station, where he put through a trump telephone call to Matfield. Detective Sergeant Small, the Scotland Yard man, answered the telephone at the murder house.

[Constable]

Small here, Small.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I want you to check at once on something.

[Constable]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I want you to make the most diligent inquiries. Get that chief constable there to inquire of every person in Matfield, if necessary, at once to discover if this man Ames was seen in Matfield yesterday. You got that?

[Constable]

He was seen, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

He was the postman, sir.

[Constable]

We've been making inquiries all over the village of Mrs. Ames known friends, and we've come across several curious things, sir. Well, the postman observed Mr. Ames walking toward this house yesterday afternoon. He's sure he positively identified him, sir. Known him for years. Spoke to him, called him by name, and Ames replied.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

What else?

[Constable]

He was carrying a shotgun, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, I discovered here that he intended to visit them. But the gun looks as if he's.

[Constable]

Our man, doesn't it?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

What else did you discover?

[Constable]

Well, there's a bicycle belonging to Mrs. Ames is missing. Oh, and the porter at the railway station reports a strange woman carrying a parcel arrived in town yesterday, but so far we have been unable to trace her. Now, the local police have picked up a deserter from an army camp near here. He's being questioned now. And a lorry driver for the gas company at Oxford reports picking up a woman on the highway near here yesterday afternoon. She was wearing one glove. Oh, he thinks her bare hand was scratched and bleeding. Yes, she explained she'd fallen off her bicycle and was trying to catch a train. He took her to the railway station and then.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

What did you say, sir? I didn't say anything.

[Constable]

Oh, I was speaking to Dr. Bernard, sir. I'll put him on. He wants to speak to you. Thank you. You there, Carruth?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes, Bernard.

[Constable]

I've discovered why you didn't find any spent cartridges, Superintendent. Yes, the women were killed with a shotgun. Probably a.410 shotgun.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes. Yes, I am.

[Constable]

Murderer had to pick the discharged shell out of the breach of the gun by hand.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes, but probably carried them away and.

[Constable]

Disposed of them elsewhere.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Did you recover any of the shot from the bodies?

[Constable]

Yes, quite small pellets. Bir chart.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Mark it in evidence and hold it for me. I think those little lead pellets are going to hang someone, Bernie.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

Back at the Piddington farm, Chief Inspector Carruth found that Ames had returned in his absence. Jamie, the garrulous man of all work, was just leaving. He was going to fetch Ms. Masterson's abandoned bicycle.

[Constable]

He said I'll be going out to fetch Ms. Masterson's bicycles.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Here, Jemmy, would you like a half a crown?

[Constable]

What for?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

That rabbit Ms. Masterson shot. Is it near where she left the bicycle?

[Constable]

Oh, furlong or two, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Fetch it back for me.

[Constable]

What for, sir? I bring fit to eat. She were too close.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, I have a fancy to see how that gun of yours works, Jim.

[Constable]

Oh, that old gun of mine? She be a very good gun, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Show me here. Well, good man. Now, is Mr. Ames in the house?

[Constable]

Ay, sir, no. I'll fetch the rabbit and show you. But the poor thing will be all full of birdshot, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

That'll be all right, Jemmy. I'm very interested in birdshot.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Yes?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I'm Chief Superintendent Carruth of Scotland Yard. You're John Ames?

[Constable]

Yes.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Now, you're the gentleman who was here this afternoon.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes. May I come in? Do.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

You have come about the murder of my wife and daughter?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

I'm sorry. Mr. Carruth, you said.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

I cannot pretend any great grief. Although I am shocked at the truth. Trick.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

May I sit down? I. I spoke to Ms. Masterson, your manager this afternoon.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

She said you were here.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Perhaps if Ms. Masterson strong enough.

[Announcer]

Here I am.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Oh, sit down, my dear. Please sit down.

[Announcer]

Don't hurt my hand, John. I'm all right.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Well, sir, am I correct in assuming that with the death of Mr. Ames estranged wife, you and he we can be married? Yes, Mr. Ames, that is true.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

My wife has consistently refused to give me a divorce. Although we were on fairly good terms.

[Announcer]

She and I weren't. I'm glad she's dead and that horrid daughter of hers too. Now we're rid of them once and for all.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Do you share Ms. Masterson's views, Mr. Ames?

[Announcer]

I'm afraid perhaps he's not as ferocious as I am. But he shares my views all right. Don't you, John?

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

I.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes. And what were you doing with a shotgun on the way to our home yesterday, Mr. Ames?

[Announcer]

John, you didn't.

[Constable]

You didn't.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Mr. Ames.

[Announcer]

You didn't tell me. Oh, John, John, now you spoiled everything.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Your wife and your daughter were murdered with a shotgun, Mr. Ames.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

I didn't.

[Constable]

He didn't. He didn't.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I say, what gauge is your shotgun?

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

This is absurd, mister.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Why do you. Why do you think it's absurd?

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

My dear sir, My gun, which incidentally is an American made Remington, over and under, 12 gauge, has been broken for four weeks, you see.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Broken?

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

The sear spring is broken. It's quite impossible to fire. The gun. You can examine the gun at your leisure at Henny McGovern's. The gunsmith's on High Horburn in London, where I took it yesterday.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

We'll check that. Why did you visit your wife yesterday carrying your broken gun?

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

I dropped off in Matfield on my way to London to have the gun repaired. I begged her again to give me a divorce.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

She refused.

[Announcer]

She refused again for the last time. And we're going to be married now, at last. Don't expect us to weep for her. Whoever killed her should be given a medal.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Violet.

[Announcer]

Oh, stop it. You're just as glad as I am, aren't you?

[Constable]

Excuse me.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

The telephone.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Yes. Yes, he's here. One moment. It's for you, Mr. Carruth.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Thank you. Chief Superintendent Carruth. Him small here, sir.

[Constable]

We found Mrs. Ames missing bicycle.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Constable]

Discovered in a ditch close to the place where the lorry driver picked up the woman with one glove.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, good.

[Constable]

There are numerous fingerprints on the handlebar, sir, but of the right hand only.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Most interesting.

[Constable]

And the strange woman whom the railway reporter observed was carrying a parcel. You remember?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes, yes, of course.

[Constable]

It was a long parcel. About the length of a gun, he says. Wrapped in brown paper.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I see. Have you taken the things you spoke about?

[Constable]

Things, sir?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes.

[Constable]

Oh, the fingerprints on the bicycle.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Yes, quite.

[Constable]

Yes, sir, I've taken them.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

How soon could I see them? And the people you spoke of up there, sir? Yes.

[Constable]

Well, there's enough train that we can have stop at Piddington. Leaving here in half an hour, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I think you better come then. If you can find the others you mentioned, I'll meet you at the Piddington station.

[Constable]

Right, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Goodbye. I'm very sorry.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Could I ask. You have uncovered some other evidence, sir.

[Announcer]

You're not going to arrest John, Then he won't be charged with murder?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I think I can almost assure you that you will not be charged with murder, Mr. Ames. I'm sorry. I must go meet my colleagues. This is quite important.

[Announcer]

Will you be coming back?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

I probably shall. I shall want to be able to assure Mr. Ames that he will not be helped.

[Announcer]

Oh, John.

[Constable]

Is the Scotland Yard man Still here, Mr. Ames?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Why, I'm here, Jemmy.

[Constable]

Well, I fetched you the dead rabbit, sir, with your half crown's worth of birdshot.

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

They met him at the railway station two hours later. Detective Sergeant Small. Chief Constable Bennett, the lorry driver who had picked up the woman with the bloody hand and the one glove. And the railway porter who had observed the woman carrying the brown paper parcel. The size of a gun. Leaving Chief Constable Bennett at the station to make a telephone call, the party proceeded to the Ames farm.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Oh, good evening, Mr. Carrus.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

May we come in, please?

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

This is quite a delegation.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

May we come in, please?

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

I suppose. Do come in.

[Constable]

Although.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Thank you. Where's Ms. Masterson? Viola.

[Announcer]

Yes, dear? Why, what?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Ms. Masterson, do you recognize any of these people?

[Announcer]

Why, why, no, of course not.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Patterson, do you recognize this woman?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Eh? She's the lady in blue slacks I picked at Mallory on the road in Matfield yesterday. The lady that said she fell off a bike. Her hand was all bloody and she had one glove eye.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Like this one?

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

Yes, sir, exactly like that.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Oh, car.

[Constable]

Now. Yes, sir.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Have you ever seen this lady before?

[Constable]

I seen her yesterday, sir, getting off the 1206 train that passes through Piddington.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Before it gets to Batfield. She was wearing blue slacks and carried a brown paper parcel about the size of a gun, sir.

[Chief Superintendent Carruth]

Now, look here. What's the meaning of all this?

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Come in. Well, Bennett, just like you thought, sir.

[Chief Constable Thomas Bennett]

I telephoned the doctor who treated Ms. Masterson, and he informs me that he treated her left hand for multiple lacerations, removing particles of road gravel and stains of tarvia from the palm. Ms. Masterson, there is no gravel or tavia at the Meadow.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Thank you, Mr. Ames. I'm extremely sorry for you, John.

[Announcer]

Now we won't get married.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

Viola Masterson, I arrest you on the charge of willful murder to get married.

[Announcer]

And she stood in office.

[Detective Sergeant Small]

And I must warn you that anything you say will be taken down and may be used in evidence against you.

[Announcer]

John, what have I done?

[Chief Superintendent Peter Carruth]

The evidence adduced by Chief Superintendent Carruth, the identifications by the lorry driver and the railway porter, the shotgun pellets which proved identical with those Ms. Masterson had fired into the unfortunate rabbit, the glove which was identified as hers by the store which had sold it to her, the gravel from the road in her wounded hand, and the motive, which was all too plain, proved sufficient evidence to convict Viola Masterson of the murders of Mrs. Ames and her daughter and of the servant, Margaret Evans, who provided the first cue, the fourth cup. Ms. Masterson had determined to murder the servant to eliminate the only witness to the murder of the others. In a trial marked with frequent air raid alarms caused by an enemy whose depredations could not prevent murder from going on as usual. She was found criminally insane and is now imprisoned in the asylum, Broadmoor. John Ames was tried as an accomplice, but acquitted. He joined the 1st Battalion of the Bats and was reported missing in action in the Italian campaign. Constable, you may Turn the file 302Mr. 651, the Blitz Murder case, to the records room. Good afternoon.

[Narrator]

You've just heard the first case in the series Whitehall 12 drawn from the official files of Scotland Yard by permission of Commissioner Sir Harold Scott. All names were changed in this story for obvious reasons, but every everything else is true. It occurred fight all 1212 is written and directed for radio by Willis Cooper. Next, listen for Tales of the Texas Rangers on NBC.

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[Detective Sergeant Small]

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